(Indianapolis, IN) – Gov. Eric Holcomb says 86 of Indiana’s 92 counties have opted in to receive historic funding to improve the health of Hoosiers through local partnerships between public health, healthcare, nonprofits, and other entities as a result of legislation passed in the 2023 legislative session.
The overwhelming participation in the initiative known as Health First Indiana, which was made possible by the passage of SEA 4 (2023) and HEA 1001 (2023), means that nearly 96 percent of Hoosiers will be guaranteed access to core public health services that will help address issues such as childhood lead poisoning, heart disease, tobacco cessation, obesity, and maternal and infant mortality, and take additional steps to improve Indiana’s health outcomes.
Locally, Ripley, Franklin, Decatur, and Dearborn counties opted in to the initiative. Funding amounts for each county are as follows:
Ripley County –
| 2024: | $327,312.21 | |
| County Match: | Average of county tax levy-related funds distributed to the LHD in the preceding three years (2021, 2022, 2023). | |
| 2025 (Opt In): | Minimum: $630,641.25 | Maximum: $840,855.00 |
| County Match: | Minimum: $141,350.63 | Maximum: $188,467.50 |
| 2025 (Opt Out): | $52,026.97 |
Franklin County –
| 2024: | $230,602.22 | |
| County Match: | Average of county tax levy-related funds distributed to the LHD in the preceding three years (2021, 2022, 2023). | |
| 2025 (Opt In): | Minimum: $444,307.50 | Maximum: $592,410.00 |
| County Match: | Minimum: $111,076.88 | Maximum: $148,102.50 |
| 2025 (Opt Out): | $50,123.39 |
Decatur County –
| 2024: | $267,917.57 | |
| County Match: | Average of county tax levy-related funds distributed to the LHD in the preceding three years (2021, 2022, 2023). | |
| 2025 (Opt In): | Minimum: $516,204.00 | Maximum: $688,272.00 |
| County Match: | Minimum: $129,051.00 | Maximum: $172,068.00 |
| 2025 (Opt Out): | $51,253.59 |
Dearborn County –
| 2024: | $512,911.55 | |
| County Match: | Average of county tax levy-related funds distributed to the LHD in the preceding three years (2021, 2022, 2023). | |
| 2025 (Opt In): | Minimum: $988,240.50 | Maximum: $1,317,654.00 |
| County Match: | Minimum: $247,060.13 | Maximum: $329,413.50 |
| 2025 (Opt Out): | $74,393.87 |
“From the beginning of the public health commission, we were committed not just to identifying problems, but to solving Indiana’s pressing health problems in a way that meets the unique needs of Hoosiers, regardless of where they live,” Gov. Holcomb said. ”Communities across the state are recognizing this 1500% increased state investment as a game-changer for Hoosiers not just today, but for generations to come.”
Historically, Indiana’s 92 counties shared a pot of $6.9 million in public health funding annually from the state; under the new legislation, $75 million will be distributed to counties that opted-in beginning January 1, 2024, and another $150 million will be allocated beginning in 2025.
Counties that did not opt in to the enhanced funding will have the opportunity to opt in for 2025.
Participating counties are working to finalize plans for the funding so they can formalize programming once the money is distributed.
State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP, is actively traveling the state to discuss the implementation of Health First Indiana and believes counties are embracing the opportunity to focus on preventing diseases and working with partners to improve the well-being of their communities.
“In every community I visit, I hear about exciting new partnerships and programs that are breaking down silos and bringing public health, nonprofits, community groups, and health care together to deliver local solutions to improve Hoosiers’ health,” Weaver said. “Good health is the foundation on which successful families, businesses, and communities are built. By providing the financial resources and renewing the focus on prevention, Indiana is in the best position it has ever been to create the safest, healthiest state possible.”
To see a map of participating counties, their funding amounts, a list of core public health services, and learn more about Health First Indiana, visit www.healthfirstindiana.com.
