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Dr. Lindsay Weaver Named New Commissioner Of Indiana Department of Health

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Commissioner Kristina Box to retire from Indiana Department of Health
Dr. Lindsay Weaver named the new commissioner

MAY 15. 2023

INDIANAPOLIS- Dr. Kristina Box has notified Governor Eric J. Holcomb that she will retire as state health commissioner of the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) effective May 31. Gov. Holcomb has appointed IDOH’s chief medical officer, Dr. Lindsay Weaver, as the state health commissioner.

“Dr. Box and I began discussing this inevitability nearly a year ago, and I’m so grateful she agreed to stay on to shepherd the state Department of Health’s most ambitious legislative agenda yet. I respect no one more and am so pleased she’ll get to enjoy her next chapter, which is focusing on her family.  I could not have had a better partner in this role, especially in this time. She genuinely cares about the health and well-being of every single Hoosier, and because of her dedication to the betterment of our overall public health system, the state is at the forefront of transformational change that will result in a healthier Indiana,” Gov. Holcomb said.

“I also appreciate how she’s been working on a succession plan with Dr. Weaver, another national all-star, to ensure the successful implementation of our new public health plan. Dr. Box’s dedication to seeing the public health commission plan from ideas to action is a remarkable feat in and of itself. Her competitive refusal to lose is a key reason why our state will win for years to come,” Gov. Holcomb said.

Dr. Box, M.D., FACOG, was appointed state health commissioner by Gov. Holcomb in October 2017. Under her leadership, IDOH has:

  • Launched the Governor’s Public Health Commission, charged with taking a critical look at Indiana’s public health system and making recommendations for improvements.
  • Advocated for a modernized public health system in Indiana through a sustainable funding mechanism that will have a generational impact on Hoosiers.
  • Implemented My Healthy Baby statewide to build a network of services and support to create healthier outcomes for mothers and babies.
  • Conducted the state’s initiative in preventing lead poisoning in children six years old and younger through accessible screenings.
  • Led the state’s response to the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the most significant public health event in a century, and through coordination efforts with local, state and federal agencies and health partners, countless lives were saved.

“It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve this administration, the Indiana Department of Health and Hoosiers across the state,” Dr. Box said. “The past five and a half years have been filled with challenges and opportunities unlike any that public health has ever encountered, and the public health workforce across the state has met those challenges with a heart and determination that have inspired me every day. I am incredibly proud of the work being done and will forever be grateful to those who continue to make improving the health and wellbeing of Hoosiers a priority.”

Dr. Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP, serves as the chief medical officer for IDOH and has led planning efforts to implement the legislation approved by the General Assembly.

Dr. Weaver spearheaded the development of the statewide lab testing network and the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and ensured that testing and vaccines were accessible to all Hoosiers.

“Having worked closely with Dr. Weaver over the years, I know she too is committed to continuing our important work of assuring Hoosiers have awareness and access to public health services,” Gov. Holcomb said. “As the chief medical officer, she has shown the prerequisite character, patience and leadership skills needed as she helped manage our state through the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, collaborate with local health partners, community leaders and legislators to begin the implementation phase of our massively upgraded public health plan. This transfer of authority will truly be a seamless transition.”

Dr. Weaver is an assistant professor of clinical emergency medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine, and she continues to practice medicine at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. She chairs the Indiana Commission for Women.

Dr. Weaver earned her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Kentucky and graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She received her residency training in emergency medicine and fellowship training in hospice and palliative medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine.

“Taking over the position of state health commissioner from Dr. Box is an enormous responsibility, and it is an honor to follow in her footsteps,” Dr. Weaver said. “Dr. Box has provided exceptional leadership during the past six years and her commitment to public health has been an inspiration to many. I look forward to building on her legacy, implementing the recommendations of the Governor’s Public Health Commission, and continuing to work toward a healthier Indiana.

 

BASEBALL ACES POWER PAST BRADLEY, 7-2 

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. –  University of Evansville pitchers Jarrett Blunt, Nate Hardman and Eric Roberts combined on a five-hitter on Sunday, and the Purple Aces got home runs from sophomore outfielder Ty Rumsey and fifth-year first baseman Chase Hug to power past the visiting Bradley Braves, 7-2, at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville.

“Today was a very special ‘Senior Day’ to win an all-important Valley series here at the Braun,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll.  “We got an outstanding effort today on the mound by all three pitchers – Jarrett Blunt, Nate Hardman and Eric Roberts.  Our offense was also able to deliver late to make sure we secured the win.

“I am so proud of all of our seniors and how they represent Aces’ Baseball.”

Blunt, making his third start of the year, set the tone for the day for UE by striking out a pair in a perfect first inning.  The Braves would get to Blunt for a two-out run in the second inning, but the lead would be short-lived, as UE would answer back in the bottom-half of the frame to grab a lead it would never lose.

Junior shortstop Simon Scherry led off the second inning with a single, and quickly stole second.  After a wild pitch advanced him to third base, fifth-year outfielder Danny Borgstrom drove Scherry home with a single to right field to tie the game at 1-1.  Rumsey would then untie the game with a two-run home run to right field – his eighth home run of the year – to give UE a 3-1 lead.

Blunt would strike out four men over the third, fourth and fifth innings, allowing just a single run in the fifth inning, as Bradley creeped back within a run at 3-2.  Junior Nate Hardman relieved Blunt (5-0) in the sixth inning and allowed just a lone walk in a scoreless frame to keep the score 3-2.  UE would then add an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning on an RBI triple by Roberts to push its lead to 4-2.

From there, Hardman retired the next six batters, finishing with five strikeouts in three no-hit innings on the mound to keep Bradley at bay.  Hug then made Bradley pay for intentionally walking Roberts in front of him with two outs in the eighth inning, as he crushed a towering three-run home run to right field to cap the scoring at 7-2.  Roberts then worked a scoreless ninth inning to seal the victory.

Blunt earned the victory on the mound in his final home appearance at UE, going a career-high 5.0 innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out six.  Roberts went 1-for-2 with a triple, a run scored, an RBI and a scoreless inning on the mound in his final home game at UE.  Borgstrom also went 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI in his final home appearance at UE.  Overall, Rumsey led Evansville’s offense by going 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and two RBI.

Evansville honored Blunt, Roberts, Borgstrom, catcher Max Malley, and pitchers John MacCauley, Michael Parks and Tyler Denu in pre-game festivities prior to Sunday’s game on “Senior Day.”

With the victory, Evansville improves to 31-20 overall and 13-11 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while Bradley falls to 15-30 and 6-18 in the MVC.  The Purple Aces remain in fourth place in the league standings, and will travel to Chicago, Illinois next weekend for a crucial Valley series with league-newcomer UIC, who is one game back of UE in the Valley standings.  But, prior to that, Evansville will travel to Bloomington, Indiana on Tuesday night to take on Indiana in a non-conference contest which can be seen live on the Big Ten Network.  Tuesday’s game will start at 5 p.m. central time and can be heard in the Tri-State area on 107.1 FM-WJPS and the Old National Bank/Purple Aces Sports Network from Learfield.

Fourth inning fouls Otters in loss to Wild Things

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Evansville, Ind. – A seven-run inning for the Washington Wild Things was too much for the Evansville Otters to overcome in a 7-1 defeat Sunday afternoon at Bosse Field, giving the Wild Things the opening series win.

The Wild Things scored seven runs in the fourth inning sending 12 batters to the plate. Andrew Czech’s three-run home run keyed the inning alongside three doubles.

The Otters bullpen held the Wild Things scoreless for the remaining five innings. James Krick, Eric Foggo and John Beymer combined to hold Washington scoreless.

The Otters scored their lone run in the first inning. Noah Myers and Jeffrey Baez led off the inning with singles. After a double steal, Omar Reyes brought the run home with a fielder’s choice RBI.

Myers and Baez both extended their hitting streaks to three games.

After a scheduled Monday off day, the Otters return to action on Tuesday night against the Ottawa Titans. First pitch is slated for 6:35 PM CT from Bosse Field. This is the Titans first ever trip to Evansville.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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FOOTNOTE:  EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL THE WONDERFUL MOTHER’S

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Vanderburgh County Crash Report

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Crash Report

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Attorney General Todd Rokita warns Hoosiers of  Indy 500 ticket scams 

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Attorney General Todd Rokita warns Hoosiers of  Indy 500 ticket scams 

Attorney General Todd Rokita warns Hoosiers of crafty scammers before heading to the greatest spectacle in racing – the Indy 500. Large sporting events often attract con artists who can trick even the most experienced fans.   

“As Indiana prepares for thousands of race fans, I encourage Hoosiers to exercise caution before purchasing their tickets, paying for parking, or making any online reservations,” Attorney General Rokita said. “If you believe you’ve been scammed, please contact my office to file a complaint.”   

Many counterfeit passes and tickets appear to be authentic, but track staffers can spot a fake right away. In the past, race fans have made it all the way to the gate and then turned away for fake parking passes or tickets. If the deals sound too good to be true, it usually is.  

Attorney General Rokita offers the following tips to avoid scams during this year’s race, including the Grand Prix this weekend:  

  • Purchase items directly from IMS whenever possible.  
  • Consider your source. Know the difference between a professional ticket broker (a legitimate and accredited reseller), a ticket scalper (an unregulated and unlicensed ticket seller), and a scammer selling scam tickets. 

 Know the refund policy. You should only purchase tickets from a ticket reseller that provides clear details about the terms of the transaction. 

  • Use payment methods that come with protection. Always use a credit card so you may have some recourse if the tickets are not as promised. 
  • Call the hotel directly before your trip to let them know you’re on the way.   
  • Check the reviews for the hotel or wherever you’re staying. 
  • Look for warning signs, like prices that seem a little too low or website addresses that seem odd.   
  • Get email confirmations for all reservations and tickets.   

Hoosiers are encouraged to contact the Office of the Indiana Attorney General regarding any suspected scams or scam attempts. You can file a complaint online by visiting indianaconsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516.  

Vincennes University Nursing Students, Alumni, And Faculty Traveled To The Dominican Republic

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VINCENNES, Ind., May 12, 2023 – A dedicated group of Vincennes University Nursing students, alumni, and faculty traveled to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip this spring to serve the local community and provide medical aid to those in need. Nurses on a Mission volunteered at an orphanage and distributed hundreds of care kits with hygiene items, donated medicine, and even paid for a doctor to treat patients.

The trip was eye-opening for the team of 20 individuals, including nurses, a pharmacist, and physical therapy assistants from the community.

VU students gave up their spring break to help better the daily lives of others.

One VU Nursing Major Kelsey Howard of Odon, Indiana, never realized how much of a difference she and others could make in the lives of people who have so little. It was humbling for her to help a community in need.

“From this experience, I gained more confidence in myself and some new acquaintances,” Howard said. “I feel good about myself being able to help those that were in desperate need of medical care.”

Nurses on a Mission was founded by five VU Nursing faculty in 2014 who felt a calling to do global cross-cultural nursing and provide services and medical care in severely impoverished countries. The volunteers have made eight trips to the Dominican Republic, partnering with the Foundation for Peace.

“We invite VU nursing students to join us, as volunteers, on the annual trip,” VU Nursing Professor Mistene Halter said. “Students are immersed in cross-cultural nursing and have the opportunity to enhance many of their nursing skills. They conduct physical assessments, provide health education, provide hygiene supplies, and provide medications for common ailments under the supervision of VU Nursing faculty and Dominican physicians. We have had several VU nursing graduates attend the trip for the first time as a student, and then they have returned with us on multiple trips over the years, serving as a registered nurse.”

During the recent trip, the group learned about the challenges faced by the local community. For example, a family only had one toothbrush for the entire household, now each has their own. That’s one of the reasons the hygiene kits provided by the group and other services are vital.

Nurses on a Mission stepped in to provide much-needed assistance and support to these families who lack access to basic medical care.

This service truly takes a village, and the support volunteers get from the community is overwhelming. Good Samaritan donated medical supplies and medications and the Knox County Health Department contributed hundreds of COVID test kits this year. In addition, an area pharmacy donated vitamins, multiple dentists gave toothbrushes, and numerous community members gifted monetary donations and luggage to transport supplies to the Caribbean nation.

VU Chemistry Professor Dr. Ivana Peralta was a translator for Nurses on a Mission during the trip. She was struck by the resilience and determination of the people they served.

“Despite the many challenges they face, they have a strong sense of community and a willingness to help each other,” she said.

VU College of Health Sciences and Human Performance Dean Michelle Cummins spoke about the importance of the trip.

“At Vincennes University, we believe in developing our students into responsible global citizens who are committed to making a positive impact in the world,” she said. “This trip was an opportunity for our students to live out that mission and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.  “This sentiment was echoed by Halter.

“VU students and faculty gave up their spring break to help others,” she. “They are rewarded with a global education and a better understanding of the world around us. This not only changed the lives of the families we served but also enhanced the lives of those who volunteered to serve.”

The trip to the Dominican Republic was a life-changing experience for the students and faculty who happily gave their time. It was a reminder of the importance of helping those in need and the impact that even small acts of kindness can have.

“Learn In Order To Serve” is VU’s mission statement. The volunteers embody this spirit.

“I like to help others in need,” Howard said. “I also saw this as an opportunity to improve my skills as a nurse.”

About Vincennes University – Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. VU offers online degrees and classes to students who need access to college courses and flexibility through its Distance Education.

A leader in dual credit and career and technical education statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, health care services administration, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 35 other states, and 21 other countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

 

Columbus North High School Student Named Poetry Out Loud National Champion

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Columbus North High School Student Named Poetry Out Loud National Champion

MAY 11, 2023

(INDIANAPOLIS) Sreepadaarchana Munjuluri, a junior at Columbus North High School, has been named the 2023 Poetry Out Loud National Champion. Munjuluri, the Indiana State Champion, represented the Hoosier State at the National Finals in Washington D.C. She competed in a field of 54 state and jurisdictional champions over two days on May 9 and May 10, reciting poems by Emily Jungmin Yoon, Emma Lazarus, and Garrett Hongo. 

This is Munjuluri’s second year participating in Poetry Out Loud. Munjuluri loves exploring literature, not just in English but also in her native language Telugu, and Sanskrit. In her free time, she plays the violin and practices the Bharatanatyam dance. In the future, she hopes to be a global health advocate and believes that communication through various mediums (such as poetry) is the key to solving the world’s problems and is the most beautiful aspect of the human experience.

The Indiana Arts Commission serves as the coordinator for Indiana’s Poetry Out Loud competition. The Indiana State Finals were held at the Indiana Government Center Auditorium on March 4, 2023, where Munjuluri was named State Champion amid a field of 14 State Finalists. Over 1,000 students participated across Indiana in 2023. 

Munjuluri participated in Poetry Out Loud as part of the Indiana Humanities statewide outreach program and was coached by Indiana poet Adam Henze, Ph.D.

“Indiana Humanities is delighted to congratulate Sreepadaarchana on her accomplishment. She was diligent in her work and selected poems that spoke to her. We’re grateful to Dr. Adam Henze for his guidance in preparing her for this competition,” said Megan Telligman, director of programs at Indiana Humanities.

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and the state and jurisdictional arts agencies. In 2023, more than 158,000 students participated nationwide.  

As the Poetry Out Loud National Champion, Munjuluri will receive $20,000 and Indiana Humanities will receive $500 for the purchase of poetry materials.

“The Indiana Arts Commission is immensely proud of Sreepadaarchana and the hard work and dedication that has led to this moment for her,” said Stephanie Haines, Poetry Out Loud coordinator with the Indiana Arts Commission. “Indiana has a rich history of poetry at all ages, and Sreepadaarchana’s success demonstrates the power of creativity in classrooms. Indiana could not ask for a better student to represent our state.” 

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