GOVERNOR’S PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION RELEASES RECOMMENDATIONS

The 15-member commission, established by Governor Eric J. Holcomb on Aug. 18, 2021, via executive order, was charged with examining the strengths and weaknesses of Indiana’s current public health system and making recommendations for improvements. The recommendations, contained in a 128-page report submitted to Governor Holcomb this week, are the culmination of a 10-month process that involved research, stakeholder meetings and public comment focused on six key workstreams: governance, services and infrastructure; workforce; funding; data and analytics; emergency preparedness; and childhood and adolescent health.

“When this commission was first formed, I charged it with performing an exhaustive study of our public health system and making recommendations to ensure that Hoosiers can access the services they need to achieve their best health, regardless of where they live,” Governor Holcomb said. “I am overly grateful to the commission for the countless hours it has invested in this process and to the hundreds of Hoosiers who have commented throughout the process. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations and taking the next steps toward building a stronger public health system.”

Key recommendations include:

• Providing additional state support to ensure every local health department can provide foundational public health services;
• Providing stable, recurring and accessible funding;
• Enhancing workforce recruitment, training and retention efforts;
• Enhancing data analytics resources for local health departments;
• Improving emergency preparedness and filling gaps in EMS workforce; and
• Increasing the number of school nurses to improve access to school-based health services.

The full report with a complete list of recommendations is posted at www.in.gov/gphc. The commission was co-chaired by former state Sen. Luke Kenley and Dr. Judy Monroe, a former state health commissioner who now serves as president and CEO of the CDC Foundation. Current State Health Commissioner Kris Box served as secretary, and former Congresswoman Susan Brooks served as citizen advisor. Other members included representatives from local health departments, local government and healthcare associations. A complete list of commission members is posted at www.in.gov/gphc.