All Indiana Counties Opt In For Second Year Of Public Health Program
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric J. Holcomb announced Wednesday, May 22, that all 92 Indiana counties have opted in to Health First Indiana funding for 2025. Health First Indiana was established by legislation passed in the 2023 legislative session that transforms public health, and Holcomb has made public health a priority of his administration.
In January 2025, $150 million in Health First Indiana funding will be distributed among the 92 counties. New counties opting in to the program for next year are Crawford, Fountain, Harrison, Johnson, Wells and Whitley. Historically, Indiana’s counties shared $6.9 million in public health funding annually from the state. In 2024, the first year of the new legislation, 86 counties opted in and received a total of $75 million.
“This historic investment promises to help improve the health of Hoosiers,” Holcomb said. “I’m beyond grateful for all the local officials, health departments and legislative leaders who are embracing HFI and implementing new health strategies that will now ultimately be available to every Hoosier. It took a combination of courage and collaboration to significantly increase our commitment to help those who seek the means to help themselves, and for that, I’ll forever feel indebted.”
Counties determine how the funding will help provide access to core public health services that address issues such as childhood lead poisoning, heart disease, tobacco cessation, obesity, and maternal and infant mortality to improve Indiana’s health outcomes.
“Local health departments across the state are working to create new partnerships and programs to enhance their public health services,” State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., said. “I continue to be impressed by the level of engagement from Hoosier communities, including businesses and hospitals that have pledged their support.”
Visit healthfirstindiana.in.gov to see information about Health First Indiana, including a description of core public health services, county-level health metrics and funding details.
