State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) said the Putnam County Health Department recently received a funding boost through a new state grant program aimed at tackling public health challenges.

Baird, who supported the law establishing the Health Issues and Challenges Grant, said Indiana recently released more than $35 million in grant funding to local and statewide service providers and health organizations. The program's goal is to help improve health outcomes related to tobacco use, food insecurity/obesity, lead exposure, hepatitis C, chronic disease, and disease prevention programs, including community paramedicine and community health workers.

The Putnam County Health Department received money to support a program for lead screenings in children, so they can be tested for potential lead exposure and be referred for treatment. Local residents can visit in.gov/localhealth/putnamcounty or call 765-301-7660 for more information about lead testing.

"Local providers know what health challenges need the most attention," Baird said. "This grant will ensure more children are tested for lead and be referred to any necessary follow-up care."

Statewide organizations that serve local communities also received grants, including the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana, the Indiana Rural Health Association, the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, Health By Design and the Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition.
 
According to the Indiana Department of Health, which oversees the program, grant funds must be spent by Dec. 31, 2026, and additional funding will be offered in a subsequent round.

To learn more, visit in.gov/health/grant-opportunities and click on "Health Issues and Challenges Grant."