Indiana has 95 local health departments across the state focused on improving Hoosier health and safety.
Here are a few ways public health is working to meet the needs of their communities:
Indiana North
Lagrange County
Community Baby Shower
The Lagrange County Health Department (LCHD) partnered with Brightpoint to host on Aug. 15 the community’s first baby shower. The event drew 70 participants. LCHD and partners offered onsite breastfeeding education, safe sleep education, car seats, diapers, and home visiting and breastfeeding support referrals.
The community baby shower was possible through partnership with Anthem, Brightpoint, Covering Kids and Families, Caresource, Children’s First Center, Compassion Pregnancy Center, Crossroads United Way, Geminus Child Care, Healthier Moms and Babies, Impact Institute, Life and Family Services, MDWise, Michiana Lactation, Parkview Lagrange EMS, Lagrange Fire Department, SCAN, Thrive by Five and WIC. Neighboring local health department, Noble County Health Department, also attended to support and get ideas for its upcoming community baby shower!
The community baby shower provided a touchpoint for LCHD and partners to link mothers to care and community resources. Many participants expressed their gratitude for the event and expressed surprise the amount of community resources available!
Indiana Central
Morgan County
Mobile Integrated Health
Mobile integrated health (MIH) is a patient-centered model of care delivered in a patient’s home or a mobile environment. MIH providers visit patients in their homes or use telehealth platforms to assist with health screenings, treatments and follow-ups. Services can also include social work, substance use recovery, mental health treatment referrals and chronic disease management. MIH is an innovative approach that integrates the Emergency Medical Services system into the public health system, reducing emergency room visits and decreasing overall healthcare costs.
Morgan County stakeholders recognize the need to provide patient care beyond and prior to 911 calls. Because of Health First Indiana funding, Morgan County Health Department (MCHD) is partnering with Morgan County EMS (MCEMS) to provide MIH services to their community. Morgan County MIH will deliver comprehensive healthcare services to the community, including home visits, fall risk assessments, medication management, health education, non-emergency transportation, health system navigation, health screenings, chronic disease management, vaccinations and hospital discharge follow-ups.
Morgan County’s MIH program will coordinate resources among EMS, healthcare providers and in-home services to provide wraparound services and increase access to preventive health services.
Indiana South
Dearborn County
Walk with a Doc
Dearborn County Health Department (DCHD) offered a summer program featuring several health-related activities. Participants received blood pressure checks, glucose checks, diabetes prevention education, resource bags and referrals to services. In total, 296 people participated!
Community members who joined the Saturday morning “Walk with a Doc” event with Health Officer Stephen Eliason were gifted $5 in farmer’s market bucks. By the end of the program, $750.00 in farmer’s market bucks were distributed to participants, providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Participants also received a booklet to track water intake, blood pressure, glucose levels, steps and weight. Those who presented their booklets were eligible for fun incentives, including water bottles and cooking utensils.
This program was offered in partnership with Purdue Extension, Zen Zone Wellness Center, Lawrenceburg Farmer’s Market, Walk with a Doc and Library Get Walkin’ programs.
