FROM INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING

A new report evaluating Indiana’s Health First initiative reveals that just three public health programs funded under the initiative have saved the state nearly $100 million.

The state allocated $225 million in the current budget for local public health needs, a significant increase from the previous $7 million counties received annually.

The Fairbanks School of Public Health analyzed the impact of prenatal care, blood pressure screenings, and fall prevention programs made possible by the new funding. The study found these efforts saved $95 million by reducing healthcare treatment costs and preventing premature deaths.

Indiana Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver emphasized the broader impact of these investments. “It’s an investment in our education — kids that are healthier perform better. In our businesses, right — we know that businesses, when they look to move to communities, they’re looking at the health of that community,” Weaver said.

Governor Eric Holcomb stressed the need for sustained funding to ensure the program’s long-term success.  “It’s real, it’s lasting, it’s permanent in each local community, each of the 92 counties … and the good news is, the local leaders throughout the state understand that this is the right path,” Holcomb said.

The program was funded at 75 percent of what the governor initially requested.