Health First Hamilton County

Health First Hamilton County (HFHC)- Initiative

Resolution 06-26-23-1 adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Hamilton, Indiana recognizes the importance of public health to support a healthier community and create a better quality of life for its residents. The Board of Commissioners supports initiatives that sustain and maintain core public health services at the county level with local input and flexibility to meet the needs of the community. The Board of Commissioners commits to the County’s right to self-direct and acknowledges that by opting-in and annually accepting state allocated public health funds it retains authority and control of the county health department otherwise afforded to it under state law or code pursuant to Indiana Code 16-20-1-12(i).

A State Investment in Public Health

Good health is the foundation of our ability to thrive, from schools to the economy. Every Hoosier deserves access to foundational public health services, regardless of where they live, and these services are best delivered locally by those who know their communities best.

Health First Indiana is the state’s initiative created by Senate Enrolled Act 4, legislation passed by the 2023 Indiana General Assembly that transforms public health. The legislation provides funding so local communities can prioritize public health and safety. Health First Indiana focuses on providing core services, including lead screening, food protection, trauma and injury prevention and more.

The genesis of SEA 4 was in August 2021 when the Governor's Public Health Commission (GPHC) was established. The GPHC was charged with examining the strengths and weaknesses of Indiana's public health system and making recommendations for improvements.

The commission's report released in July 2022 focuses on six workstreams: governance; infrastructure and services; funding; workforce; data and information integration; emergency preparedness; and childhood and adolescent health.

The goal is to ensure that every Hoosier has access to the core public health services that allow them to achieve their optimal health and well-being

Local Public Health Fund - HFHC Grant Program

Hamilton County Board of Commissioner decision to receive the State of Indiana allocated Local Public Health Fund allows the Hamilton County Health Department to award contracts or establish a grant to an individual, employer, employer association, nonprofit organization, for-profit organization, institution of higher education, health insurance plan, health ministry, or any combination thereof for the purpose of providing core public health services to Hamilton County residents. Financial assistance is allocated to protect and promote the health of all people in communities within the jurisdiction of the Hamilton County Health Department to support identified gaps in core public health service delivery.

The Hamilton County Department conducted an internal Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis and IDOH data review to identify nine (9) prevention & education CPHS areas for which it will accept external grant applications. Eligible applicants can request funding to develop a CPHS gap related program/project/activity prioritized for Hamilton County.

Priority Core Public Health Service Areas for Hamilton County:

Maternal and Child Health
- Referral programs
- Improved Birth Outcome programs
Chronic Disease Prevention
Child & Adult Immunizations
Access to and Linkage to Clinical Care
School Health
Trauma and Injury Prevention
Fatality Prevention Initiatives
Tobacco Prevention and Cessation
Health-Related Areas during Emergencies/Disasters

To Apply for a HFHC Grant

To implement this new program by January 2024 program guidance documents have been created below. Interested applicants should review the program resources to prepare for submitting application information. The Grant application period deadline is September 30, 2023.

HFHC Program resources for applicants:
HFHC Sub-Granting Program Information Document (PDF) updated 9/6/23
HFHC grant program Key Performance Indicators and Metrics (PDF) updated 9/6/23

HFHC Fillable Itemized Budget (WORD) updated 9/27/23 required upload attachment for all grant applications.

Health First Hamilton County