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State Announces More Than $76 Million In New Funding For Crisis Response And Substance Use Disorder Services

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Community Mental Health Centers, And Local Governments Among Those Receiving Funding

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction ­is providing new funding to help build and support projects across Indiana to improve mental health and recovery services for Hoosiers. This includes funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and the National Opioid Settlement, and totals more than $76 million.

DMHA is working with local units of government to promote innovative, community-driven responses to address substance use disorder issues, alongside grants to strengthen Indiana’s “no wrong door” approach to crisis care.

As part of the National Opioid Settlement, DMHA, in partnership with the Office of Governor Eric J. Holcomb, is awarding a total of $19 million in one-time funding to support evidence-based prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction services, expand the behavioral health workforce and implement other services and initiatives across the state, to 30 local units of government, service providers, and community organizations.

“While the state has a role to play in the fight against the drug epidemic, real change happens at the local level”, said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director for drug prevention, treatment and enforcement for the State of Indiana. “Any time we have an opportunity to infuse more dollars into a community for the benefit of Hoosiers, we take advantage of it. These funds will go a long way toward building out the care continuum and improving outcomes for Hoosiers with substance use disorders and mental health needs.”

The State of Indiana is receiving approximately $507 million over an 18-year period as part of the National Opioid Settlement with distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen and manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and its parent company Johnson & Johnson. DMHA has developed a framework for how the State plans to use its appropriation for abatement purposes. Plans for spending the remaining funds can be found here.

DMHA received 78 proposals requesting a total of $93 million in response to the grant. Local units of government were required to provide match funds in order to qualify for funding. The services funded by these grants will reach Hoosiers in at least 28 counties.

Grant recipients include:

  • The City of Shelbyville, to provide funding for uninsured mothers and first responders to access treatment for co-occurring substance use and mental health needs, and to support transition services for incarcerated individuals upon release from jail.
  • Warren County Circuit Court, to provide reliable transportation to places of employment, SUD and mental health treatment, court, and other services, and to provide substance use education to adolescents, prescribers, service providers, and stakeholders to promote prevention and harm reduction.

A full list of Opioid Settlement Match Grant recipients can be found here.

Additionally, 15 community mental health centers across the state are receiving $57 million in Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Services grants. These grants will support the advancement of an integrated crisis response system that provides Hoosiers experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis someone to contact, someone to respond, and a safe place for help. Crisis receiving and stabilization services function as part of the safe place for help pillar in Indiana’s Crisis Response Network and are an essential part in ensuring that all Hoosiers have a safe place to accept support and stabilize, regardless of clinical condition, in accordance with SAMHSA Best Practices.

“Crisis receiving and stabilization services are critical to providing crisis services,” said Jay Chaudhary, director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction. “Currently, too many Hoosiers experiencing a mental health crisis end up in emergency departments or county jails. These grants will help bridge gaps and offer a therapeutic and compassionate alternative pathway for individuals and communities in crisis.”

Grant recipients include:

  • Centerstone of Indiana, Inc., to establish a new sub-acute Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Services Program at the Bartholomew Stride Center in Columbus and expand an existing sub-acute Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Services Program at the Monroe Stride Center in Bloomington.
  • Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, to expand and enhance an existing sub-acute Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Services Program and pilot a person-centered, trauma-informed Violence Assessment Tool for potential use across the 988 system.

Details on all 15 projects funded by the Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Service grants can be found here.

Watch the news conference here.

Nelson announced as Deputy Director of State Department of Agriculture

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Katie Nelson Announced As Deputy Director

Of State Department Of Agriculture

INDIANAPOLIS (June 15, 2023) — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced today that Katie Nelson has been selected as Deputy Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

“We are so excited to promote a longstanding public servant, like Katie, to second in command for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I have worked alongside Katie for over six years now and she has been a strong advocate for farmers and agriculture in Indiana. I am sure that she will continue to push this industry forward in the coming years. Congratulations, Katie.”

As deputy director of the department, Nelson will support the director in achieving ISDA’s mission and strategies. Among many responsibilities, she will oversee the day-to-day operations of the department, represent ISDA at events, engage with producer organizations and identify opportunities to grow the state’s agriculture sector.

Nelson has served and will continue to serve as a liaison between agricultural businesses, state agencies and local units of government.

“We are excited to see Katie flourish in this role within our department,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “Katie has a passion for agriculture, public service and supporting staff. I am hopeful this role will continue to support her as a public servant and bring our staff and department great success.”

Nelson has been with the department since 2017. She was previously Director of Legislative Affairs within the department, a role she has held since 2020. Prior to that she was the program manager of policy and regulatory affairs at ISDA.

Nelson’s past work at ISDA has included evaluating the legislative and regulatory landscape at all levels of government while positioning the department to support Indiana’s agricultural industry. She also served as executive director of the Indiana Land Resources Council, which was created to assist state and local decision-makers with land use tools and policies.

“Working for ISDA over the last several years has provided me with numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, and allowed me to support my favorite industry, agriculture,” said Nelson. “I am looking forward to this new challenge of supporting our outstanding staff and continuing to pursue the ISDA mission of bettering Indiana agriculture within policy work, growing economically, and enhancing our stewardship of natural resources.”

Nelson graduated in December of 2016 from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in political science. In 2019, Nelson graduated from the Agribusiness Council of Indiana’s Emerging Professionals Leadership Program. Nelson also is a 2021 graduate of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series. In the summer of 2024, she will become a graduate of the Agri Institute’s Agriculture Leadership Program, Class 20.

Nelson resides in Franklin with her husband, two children, and beloved dog.

Gov. Holcomb joins local partners to celebrate first Next Level Conservation Trust project

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Darron Cummings/AP/Shutterstock (11717541e) Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb delivers his State of the State address virtually, in Indianapolis State of the State, Indianapolis, United States - 19 Jan 2021

INDIANAPOLIS-Governor Eric J. Holcomb joined the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Central Indiana Land Trust, and local partners today to announce the permanent protection of 570 acres of undisturbed forestland through the Next Level Conservation Trust (NLCT).

“When I think about this land, I couldn’t be more thrilled we’re preserving the natural wonders of Hoosier landscapes like these,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Through this first investment from the Next Level Conservation Trust, we are preserving land not just for today, but for generations of future Hoosiers to enjoy, protecting habitats and promoting quality of life.”

Fern Station Nature Preserve is the first NLCT property purchase to finalize. With $25 million in funding, the NLCT is the largest infusion of dollars in Indiana for conservation in the state’s history.

Fern Station Nature Preserve, located west of Greencastle in Putnam County, is a biodiverse forest that provides a safe harbor for species including cerulean warblers, eastern box turtles, a high-density population of Kentucky warblers, and many diverse species of ferns. The land, now owned by the Central Indiana Land Trust, was purchased through a 3:1 state partner match, with $3.1 funded by the NLCT and more than $1 million funded by donors to the Central Indiana Land Trust.

Partners that helped the Central Indiana Land Trust raise its required $1 million match included The Efroymson Family Fund, The Herbert Simon Family Foundation, The Silicon Valley Community Foundation, The Meyer Family Fund, The Sam Shine Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, The Putnam County Community Foundation, Indiana Native Plant Society, Amos Butler Audubon Society, and over 30 CILTI donors.

“This property has been on our wish list since first exploring it in 2008 because of its size, pristine condition and rich biodiversity,” said Cliff Chapman, Central Indiana Land Trust president and CEO. “Plus, it’s near another protected property – Fern Cliff Nature Preserve. Anytime you increase the critical mass of protected land, you provide a safer place for wildlife and plants to thrive.”

As required with NLCT funded projects, the Central Indiana Land Trust will work to create opportunities for outdoor recreation at Fern Station in the near future. The state now owns a conservation easement on the property, which means that its protection will continue forever.

The NLCT funding is sourced by the federal American Rescue Plan dollars appropriated by the General Assembly.

Vargas leads Otters over Grizzlies

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Evansville, Ind. – Jhon Vargas worked a perfect game into the fifth inning to lead the Evansville Otters past the first place Gateway Grizzlies 6-1 Friday night at Bosse Field.

Facing the top batting average and runs per game offense in the Frontier League, Vargas struck out 10 Grizzlies over seven innings allowing just two singles and one run.

The righty pitcher retired the first 14 batters of the game and worked a no-hitter into the sixth inning. His 10 strikeouts tied the most for any Otters’ pitcher this year and is Vargas’ professional career high.

A native of the Dominican Republic now residing in Southern California, Vargas earned his third win of the season and fourth quality start of the year.

Kevin Davis finished the job from the mound, working a perfect final two innings. Evansville held Gateway to just two hits, the team’s lowest total of the season.

Evansville’s offense was all about two out runs as all six Otters runs scored with two outs.

The Otters struck first in the fourth inning with consecutive two out knocks by Jomar Reyes and Ethan Skender before Bryan Rosario poked an RBI hit up the middle.

Dakota Phillips padded the lead with two outs in the fifth, launching a three run home run 393 feet over the right field patio.

The Otters added further insurance in the eighth courtesy of a Jeffrey Baez base hit, Phillips walk and a Reyes double to bring them both home. All three Otters reached with two outs.

Reyes extended his hit streak to nine games with two hits Friday night. Phillips finished the evening with two hits, two runs and three RBIs.

The Otters move to just a half game back of Gateway and Schaumburg for first place in the Frontier League West.

Game two of the series between Evansville and Gateway is Saturday night as part of Evansville African American Museum’s Salute to the Negro League Night with postgame fireworks. Action kicks off with a 6:35 PM CT first pitch from Bosse Field.

The Evansville Open XVI returns to, sponsored by, USI

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WHO: University of Southern Indiana and Ace Eagle Disc Golf Club, Inc.

WHAT: USI, with MVP Discs, is sponsoring the Busler’s Disc Golf Pro Shop 16th annual Evansville Open XVI. This Evansville disc golf tradition is a two-day, three-round Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) B-tier event, offering a true taste of Evansville disc golf at three prime locations. This year, USI is back as an open course site, having been one in early years of the event.

Those interested in registering can do so online until noon today, Friday, June 16. Registrants must be current PDGA members through 2023.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18

Participants will be at Eagle Valley at USI from 9:30 to noon and 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17. The full schedule of times/days and locations can be found online. 

WHERE: Eagle Valley at USI, Mesker Park and Woodmere

A map of the USI campus, including the Eagle Valley Disc Golf Course, can be found at USI.edu/map.

Supporting Indiana’s firefighter community

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This session, I supported new laws looking to smoke out cancer and spread awareness among Indiana’s firefighters.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, firefighters have a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 percent higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population.

Firefighter gear is made with PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are known for their heat- and moisture-resistant properties, but the chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, which could cause health issues like cancer. 

With a new law I supported, next summer Indiana fire departments will have to ensure any newly purchased gear is labeled as to whether it contains PFAS or not.

I also supported a new law to launch a biomonitoring pilot program to screen Hoosier firefighters for PFAS. Indiana will collect information from 1,000 past and present firefighters throughout the state to determine PFAS levels and detect corresponding health implications. Testing would be a non-invasive mouth swab or finger prick, and results and recommendations for decreasing PFAS levels and exposure would be reported back to legislators.

2023 SIAC ALL CONFERENCE BOYS GOLF TEAM

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2023 SIAC All Conference Boys Golf Team

FIRST TEAM

PLAYER GRADE SCHOOL
Caleb Schnarr 10 Jasper
Luke Shappard 11 Jasper
Luke Johnston 10 North
Thomas Broshears 12 Memorial
Brody Sorrell 10 North
Griffin Sohn 11 North
Josh Fenwick 11 Mater Dei
Brayden Lamborne 9 Castle

SECOND TEAM

PLAYER GRADE SCHOOL
Jim Doepker 11 Mater Dei
Carson Cook 10 Castle
Peyton Butler 11 North
Grayson Coughlin 9 Memorial
Daniel Moore 12 Jasper
Dusty Taylor 11 Vincennes Lincoln
Luke Lindsey 10 Vincennes Lincoln

Player of the Year
Luke Johnston, North
Coach of the Year
Gabe Rohleder, Mater Dei

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IDEM issues Air Quality Action Day for Saturday for four Indiana regions

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high ozone levels for Saturday, June 17, 2023, in the following regions:

  • Western Indiana, including the cities of: Covington, Delphi, Fowler, Greencastle, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Monticello, Newport, Spencer, Sullivan, and Terre Haute.
  • Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, and Richmond.
  • Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, and Versailles.
  • Southwest Indiana, including the cities of: Bedford, Bloomfield, Evansville, Huntingburg, Mount Vernon, Paoli, Princeton, Rockport, Tell City, and Vincennes.

A state map including regions and affected counties is available at SmogWatch.IN.gov. 

A dry and sunny weather pattern with light and variable winds in the forecast will allow ozone to build to the level Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG).

Note: IDEM’s AQAD forecast is based on data from ozone air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents of counties within or bordering the AQAD region(s) to heed the forecast.

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce ozone by making changes to daily habits. You can:

  • Drive less: carpool, use public transportation, walk, bike, or work from home when possible
  • Combine errands into one trip
  • Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
  • Keep your engine tuned, and don’t let your engine idle (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
  • Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the thermostat to 75 degrees or above
  • Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs.  For more information, see idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.

Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on the specified date. Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.

Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and gasoline vapors. Ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks ultraviolet radiation, but ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties for sensitive populations.

IDEM examines weather patterns and current ozone readings to make daily air quality forecasts. Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, hot and dry air, stagnant conditions, and lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground.

USI men’s XC/T&F signs five for 2023-24

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EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field announced that five incoming freshmen have signed national letters of intent to compete for the Screaming Eagles and Head Coach Mike Hillyard during the 2023-24 season. 

The list includes Muhiyadin Ali (Chicago, Illinois), Jackson Collman (Bethalto, Illinois), Joe Schwartz (Waterloo, Illinois), Layden Wagoner (Dixon, Kentucky) and Griffen Wheeler (Greenfield, Indiana).
 
“Coach (Austin) Nolan has done a great job in year one hitting the ground running on the recruiting front,” Hillyard said. “The end result is one of the strongest recruiting classes that we have ever assembled here at USI.
 
“Muhiyadin, Jackson and Joe join us from the state of Illinois, where all three earned multiple All-State honors,” Hillyard continued. “Layden is a late-bloomer who climbed through the Kentucky state ranks quite rapidly during his senior campaign and Griffen is a young man who could contribute in any even from the 800 meters and up. I like the toughness and grit that this group competes with. They will be very good in 2-3 years.”
 
Muhiyadin Ali
Ali is a graduate of Chicago Mather High School where he earned IHSA Class 2A All-State honors following an eighth-place finish at the 2022 IHSA 2A Championships. He finished 14th at the IHSA 2A Championships as a junior in 2021.
 
On the track, Ali qualified for the IHSA 3A Championships in the 800 meters, where he finished 22nd.
 
Jackson Collman
Collman comes to USI from Bethalto Civic Memorial High School where he was a multiple-time All-State honoree in both cross country and track & field. A three-time team MVP, Collman helped lead CMHS to three Madison County cross country titles and a pair of Madison Country track & field championships.
 
A second-team All-Metro honoree, Collman helped lead CMHS to the Mississippi Valley Conference title as a senior in 2022.
 
Joe Schwartz
Schwartz comes to USI from Waterloo High School where he was a two-time state qualifier on the grass and an All-State performer. Schwartz, who has a sub-15 minute three-mile effort under his belt (14:56), finished 16th at the IHSA Class 2A Cross Country Championships as a junior in 2021 before posting a 49th-place finish as a senior last fall.
 
Layden Wagoner
A graduate of Webster County High School, Wagoner is a four-time state qualifier on the grass and a two-time state qualifier on the track. Wagoner earned All-State honors as a junior and senior after posting respective finishes of ninth and fifth in 2021 and 2022.
 
On the track, Wagoner competed in three events at the 2023 KHSAA Championships after helping WCHS to a seventh-place showing in the 4×800-meter relay at the state meet during his junior year in 2022.
 
Griffen Wheeler
Wheeler is a graduate of Greenfield Central High School where he was a three-time state qualifier on the track in addition to a state-qualifier on the cross country course. He was 44th at the 2022 IHSAA Cross Country Championships and posted respective finishes of 11th, 19th and 11th in the 800 meters at the IHSAA Track & Field Championships from 2021-23.
 
The Eagles are scheduled to open the 2023 cross country campaign September 1 when they host the Stegemoller Classic at Angel Mounds.

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