Healthy Jackson County Awarded $2.25 Million to Improve Health Outcomes
Healthy Jackson County has been awarded a $2.25 million grant from the Indiana Department of Health to help improve health outcomes in Jackson County. The grant is through the Health Issues and Challenges program, established by the Indiana General Assembly in 2021 with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Healthy Jackson County applied for the grant in collaboration with Schneck Medical Center, Anchor House, Arc of Jackson County, Blessings in a Backpack, Medora Community School Corporation, Medora Parks and Recreation, Purdue Extension, and Seymour Parks and Recreation.
"Improving the health of Hoosiers benefits individuals, communities and businesses, and we are incredibly grateful to our state lawmakers for making Hoosiers’ health a priority," said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. "Being able to fund programs that are addressing some of the most pressing health concerns facing our state will position us to build community-level solutions that build a brighter and healthier future for generations to come."
Grant funds will improve and expand public health initiatives and projects, including:
- Colorectal cancer testing
- Hypertension screening and monitoring
- Playgrounds and green spaces, including adding accessible playground equipment
- Nutrition education and access to food
“Healthy Jackson County is committed to improving health outcomes and removing barriers to healthy living at the community level,” said Bethany Daugherty, MS, RDN, LD, Healthy Jackson County coordinator. “We’re thankful for this generous grant and look forward to using the funds to impact health disparities in our community.”
“An involved relationship with one's community is essential to making progress in improving public health,” said Eric Fish, MD, MBA, FACOG, President and CEO of Schneck. “Schneck is honored to partner with Healthy Jackson County to drive positive change in the health of our communities.”
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About Healthy Jackson County
Healthy Jackson County is a health coalition whose mission is to create and promote a healthy environment to empower residents of Jackson County to achieve improved health outcomes. The organization carries out this mission by providing education and working on policy, system and environmental changes.