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
Clinton County
Baby and Me Tobacco Free
Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) expanded maternal and child health services with their Baby and Me Tobacco Free program. In partnership with Healthy Communities Clinton County, CCHD offers the Baby and Me Tobacco Free program to offer education, support and incentives to help participants quit smoking and remain tobacco-free. Expecting mothers earn $25 gift cards for diapers and wipes up to six months postpartum by attending four prenatal sessions with a Baby and Me Tobacco Free facilitator and staying smoke-free through the birth of their baby.
CCHD served 22 clients in 2024 through the Baby and Me Tobacco Free program. One program participant notes that the program changed her life. She has been smoke-free for 18 months.
Indiana Central
Putnam County
Lead Related Services
Putnam County Health Department (PCHD) partnered with Clay County Health Department to address lead exposures in the community. This partnership has included training, sharing of resources and equipment, and joint response to properties where elevated blood levels have been identified. The collaboration between the two local health departments enhances efficacy and quality of services while also reducing costs.
In September 2024, PCHD responded to an elevated blood lead level in a ten-month old child. The child’s blood lead level was measuring dangerously high at 22.7 µg/dL. A public health nurse engaged with the family to provide lead education and initiate a home visit and risk assessment. During the visit, lead risk assessors discovered a family member unknowingly brought lead dust home from the workplace, and this was identified as the exposure source. The public health nurse provided education on lead-safe practices, including proper work attire, home cleaning and dietary adjustments. Continued monitoring showed significant progress, and the child’s blood lead level dropped to 17.3 µg/dL within three months.
Indiana South
Dubois County
ATV Safety Training
Dubois County Health Department partnered with Indiana DNR to provide a free ATV safety training course on Feb. 1. The course included several key topics, including general safety information, vehicle operation and Indiana law. Dubois County youth ages 6-17 were eligible to receive a free ATV helmet upon completing the course. Overall, 27 children and 15 adults participated. Because of the successful Feb. training, another ATV safety training is scheduled for March 15. This partnership with DNR brings critical health education and trauma and injury prevention equipment to Dubois County adults and children.
