GOVERNOR’S PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION DISCUSSES CHILDHOOD, ADOLESCENT SERVICES

INDIANAPOLIS — The Governor’s Public Health Commission met today at the Indiana State Library to discuss the integration of childhood and adolescent health services as part of its work to examine the state’s public health system and make recommendations that can improve the delivery of public health services across the state.

Maria Finnell, M.D., M.S., chief medical officer for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, described the role of the school nurse and how other entities can support public health services to children and adolescents and address issues such as obesity, substance use and injury prevention.

Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation and co-chair of the commission, noted that the health of young people is an indicator of the health of a community.

“A lifetime of good health starts at an early age, and that is why we need to maximize every health touchpoint with children and adolescents,” she said. “A healthy child is able to learn better and go on to lead a more successful life. Today’s conversation is important as we look at the impact of adverse childhood events, missed opportunities, and ways to provide more support to some of our most vulnerable.”

Video of today’s meeting will be posted at www.in.gov/gphc. 

A comment form is posted online for the public to provide feedback on any of the commission’s topics of discussion. The commission will also conduct in January statewide listening tours in to hear directly from communities.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb established the 15-member commission in August. In addition to childhood and adolescent health services, the commission’s work is focusing on areas that include funding, structure and governance, emergency preparedness, data and information, and workforce.

The commission will discuss emergency preparedness at its next meeting on March 17 in the History Reference Room at the Indiana State Library, Indianapolis.

More information about the commission, including agendas, presenter slides, resources and other materials, can be found at www.in.gov/gphc. Executive Order 21-21, which established commission, can be found here.