INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PARTNERS WITH PURDUE UNIVERSITY TO ENSURE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Health has partnered with Purdue University on a new initiative that aims to ensure Hoosiers have better access to the resources they need to improve their health.
The two-year Indiana Healthy Opportunities for People Everywhere (I-HOPE) initiative will deploy teams across the state to facilitate community-level conversations, resulting in strategies to address the factors that prevent people from living their healthiest lives. The work will examine longstanding risk factors, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hoosiers’ health. The effort is being funded by a $34.8 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Chronic disease, food insecurity, opioids, obesity and smoking were challenges for Indiana before the pandemic, and the last two years of isolation and treatment delays have only made them worse,†said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “As we amplify pandemic recovery efforts, it’s more important than ever to understand and respond to the factors that make it difficult for people to get healthy and stay healthy, such as limited access to healthcare, affordable housing, transportation, childcare, and safe and secure employment. I-HOPE will help us do that.â€
During the two-year project, the teams deployed by Purdue Healthcare Advisors at the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering will collaborate with I-HOPE partners working on projects statewide, as well as with 30 Indiana counties that have been most impacted by the pandemic. The initial focus areas will include Cass, Daviess, Elkhart, Lake, and Wayne counties, then will expand to Adams, Allen, Blackford, Clark, Clinton, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Jackson, Jay, Jefferson, Kosciusko, La Porte, Madison, Marshall, Noble, Orange, Ripley, Scott, St. Joseph, Sullivan, Switzerland, Tipton, Vanderburgh and Vigo counties.
The I-HOPE initiative is independent of, but will complement, the work of the Governor’s Public Health Commission, which was established in August to examine Indiana’s public health infrastructure. The 15-member commission is charged with analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of Indiana’s current public health system and identifying ways to improve funding and equitable delivery of public health services in the future, with a focus on legislation.
 Free Online Tutoring Available For Middle And High School Students
 Free Online Tutoring Available For middle And High School Students
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 22, 2021) – Students in grades 8-12 can now access free tutoring programs through a new state partnership withschoolhouse.world, according to Vanderburgh County lawmakers.
The online resource provides help with SAT preparation, math courses and Advanced Placement classes. According to State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville), schoolhouse.world was launched by the same person who founded Khan Academy, a non-profit organization working to provide free education opportunities around the world, in response to learning disruptions caused by COVID-19. Tutors are vetted, trained and monitored. McNamara said as students temporarily learned from home or had extended absences, they lost critical learning.
“Indiana’s education system faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic,” McNamara said. “Teachers, students and families all deserve recognition for pivoting and making adjustments to make sure learning continued. Free online tutoring can help those who suffered learning loss due to school closures, remote learning and other challenges.”
Students can connect with live, small-group tutoring through Zoom at no cost, with sessions focused on SAT reading, writing and math, including pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus and statistics.
“These trained tutors help prepare Hoosier students to tackle a variety of subjects,” said State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville). “Whether preparing for college entrance exams or trying to boost your grades, online tutoring can be an effective resource.”
State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) said support is also available for AP courses, including AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics and AP Computer Science. Visit schoolhouse.world to get help today.
“Sometimes students need extra help outside of the classroom but not everyone can afford to hire a tutor,” Hostettler said. “This free online service offers one-on-one help, regardless of one’s income.”
Hostettler said juniors and seniors can also access free SAT practice resources through Khan Academy and the College Board. These programs provide thousands of sample questions, instant feedback, video lessons and full-length practice tests. To get started, visit khanacademy.org or collegeboard.org.
FOOTNOTE: State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) represents House District 64, which includes Gibson County and portions of Knox, Pike, Vanderburgh and Posey counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) represents House District 76,
which includes portions of Posey and Vanderburgh counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) represents House District 78,
which includes portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
What Does Thanksgiving Mean To You?
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NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE FOR HOOSIERS WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID-19 TREATMENT
INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosiers seeking to learn about where to receive the monoclonal antibodies that have been used to prevent progression of COVID-19 disease can contact 211 for information.
Callers to 211 will be connected to Crush COVID, a support center managed by KPMG LLP that provides information about monoclonal antibody treatment on behalf of participating providers. The service will locate the nearest treatment site by ZIP code. Individuals can then contact the infusion center for more information about who can receive the treatment and how to schedule an appointment.
Nearly 100 sites across Indiana are serving as infusion centers.
Monoclonal antibody therapy is the first COVID-19 treatment granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for outpatient use. The therapy has been shown to help high-risk COVID-19 patients avoid hospitalization and recover at home. It is also authorized by the U.S. FDA to prevent COVID-19 following exposure to the virus in some cases.
Hoosiers who are interested in receiving the treatment can call 211 (866-211-9966) to learn more.
TSA officers visit Vincennes University to share career opportunities and demonstrate canine’s detection abilities
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PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION DISCUSSES PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING
 PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION DISCUSSES PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING
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SHOP, GIVE LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
SHOP, GIVE LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
by State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville)Â
TV commercials and email advertisements are reminding shoppers frequently about Black Friday deals. While it’s fun to search for discounts, two other days make a big difference in our communities, Small Business Saturday and Giving Tuesday.
Saturday, Nov. 27, is a great day to support our hardworking neighbors who run, manage and operate their own small businesses. Whether enjoying a meal out at a locally owned restaurant or purchasing homemade desserts for holiday get-togethers, we can all do our part to support small businesses this year and beyond. Downtown Evansville is hosting a Small Business Saturday event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including special free shopping bags, live music, pop-up vendors, free gift wrapping and numerous sales. In addition to downtown restaurants being open, local food trucks Bruce Li and QB’s BBQ will be available.
After the shopping weekend, Tuesday, Nov. 30, is an opportunity to support nonprofits that give so much to our community. Giving Tuesday, launched in 2012, is a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world,” according to its website. Visit greatnonprofits.org to search for charities to support. I recently visited YouthFirst, which helps to strengthen youth and families through programs to prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors and maximize student success. I learned about their Youth First Social Workers, which are specialized mentors available to assess and address student, family and school needs. YouthFirst is always in need of volunteers and donations. Visit youthfirstinc.org/supportto get involved.
Local businesses and nonprofits give so much to our community, and I encourage you to join me in supporting them this holiday season and all year long.
FOOTNOTE: State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) represents House District 78,
which includes portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
USI Women’s Hoops Host #8 Ashland Wednesday, Open GLVC Play Next Week
University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball hosts preseason No. 8-ranked Ashland University in a key Midwest Region contest Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Screaming Eagles Arena.
Following the Thanksgiving break, the Screaming Eagles host the University of Indianapolis Monday at 5:30 p.m. to begin their Great Lakes Valley Conference schedule.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for both games at GoUSIEagles.com, while both contests will be aired live on 95.7 The Spin as well as the GLVC Sports Network. Live Stats, audio and video links also can be accessed on GoUSIEagles.com.
USI Women’s Basketball Notes
• USI Women’s Basketball picks up two regional wins. The Screaming Eagles carded a pair of Midwest Region wins against GLIAC competition last week, including an 86-59 home-opening win over Davenport last Tuesday and a 65-64 road win over Saginaw Valley State.
• Last week’s leaders. Sophomore forward Meredith Raley averaged 17.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest, while fifth-year senior guard Ashley Hunter chipped in 16.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per appearance. Junior forward Hannah Haithcock averaged 13.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per outing, while junior guard Addy Blackwell added 5.5 points and 5.0 assists per contest. Fifth-year senior guard Emma DeHart contributed 3.0 steals per game, while senior forward Ashlynn Brown had 1.0 blocks per outing.
• Season Leaders. Haithcock averages 13.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game to lead the Eagles, while Hunter and Raley are averaging 12.5 and 11.0 points per game, respectively. Blackwell and DeHart respectively lead the Eagles with 3.0 assists and 2.3 steals per game, while Haithcock and Brown are each averaging 0.5 blocks per appearance.
• Blackwell, Raley notch career highs. Blackwell dished out a career-high seven assists in USI’s win over Saginaw Valley State, while Raley had a career-high 18 points in the victory.
• Haithcock enters Top 50 in scoring. Haithcock cracked USI Women’s Basketball’s Top 50 in the scoring column during USI’s win over Saginaw Valley State. She is currently tied for No. 49 with 531 career points.
• Milestones on the horizon. The Eagles are just two wins shy of their 700th win in program history, while USI Head Coach Rick Stein is just nine wins shy of his 400th win.
• Forcing the issue. USI is making opposing offenses a tad bit uncomfortable in the first four games as the Eagles are forcing their opposition into an average of 22.0 turnovers per contest.
• DeHart to play in 100th career game. DeHart played in her 100th career game for the Eagles in USI’s win over Davenport. She has started 74 of USI’s last 76 games.
• USI picked to win East Division again. The Eagles were picked to repeat as GLVC East Division champions in 2021-22. USI won the East Division title last season, marking the third consecutive season when the league has been split into divisions that the Eagles have captured the East Division title.
• Welcome back. The Eagles played in front of fans last weekend for the first time since March 5, 2020; and welcomed fans back into Screaming Eagles Arena for a women’s basketball game for the first time since February 29, 2020, when they hosted Davenport last week in their home-opener. USI played all of 2020-21 without the presence of fans.
• Roaring 20s. DeHart reached the 20-point plateau four times last year, while Haithcock and Hunter each had one 20-point effort under their belts.
• Double-figures. USI has already had six different players reach double-figures in the scoring column this year, including three players that have scored 10-or-more points in multiple games. The Eagles had nine different players reach double-figures in the scoring column last year, with eight players having had 10 or more points in multiple games.
• About Ashland. The Eagles are 3-0 following an 80-79 road win over Lewis this past Saturday. Junior forward Annie Roshak averages 24.3 points and 5.3 rebounds pe game to lead Ashland, which was the Midwest Region finalist a year ago. Ashland, a member of the GLVC from 1984-96, is in its first year as a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference after spending the previous 25 years playing in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
• Record book watch. The Eagles have one player making moves inside the USI Women’s Basketball Record Books:
–Emma DeHart ranks No. 7 on USI’s all-time list for three-point field goal attempts (355), No. 11 in made three-pointers (110) and No. 21 in points (932). DeHart is 13 points away from matching Penny Dietz for 20th and is vying to become the 19th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points.
–Hannah Haithcock is tied for No. 49 on USI’s all-time scoring list (531).
• Magic Mark: 75 points. The Eagles are 424-78 (.845) all-time when scoring at least 75 points. USI is 297-29 (.911) since 1996-97 when reaching the 75-point plateau.
UE Cecilia Thon Earns MVC Scholar-Athlete Recognition
UE Cecilia Thon Earns MVC Scholar-Athlete Recognition
SAINT LOUIS – University of Evansville senior Cecilia Thon was recognized with Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention recognition on Tuesday as part of a group of 22 student-athletes named to the 2021 Missouri Valley Conference volleyball scholar-athlete first team and honorable mention team, announced by the league office today.
Thon has excelled in her time at UE, accumulating a 3.96 GPA as an International Studies major. She has been named to the Dean’s List in every semester at the university.
On the court, she has enjoyed her top season with the Purple Aces. In September, she earned a spot on the Eagle Challenge All-Tournament Team at Morehead State where she finished with 8.70 assists, 2.70 digs and 0.80 blocks per set. That weekend saw her total a career-high 34 assists versus defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Morehead State. Thon wrapped up the season with a total of 23 service aces, an average of 0.24 per set, which ranked 21st in the VC.
The scholar-athlete team is selected by a vote of the league’s volleyball sports information directors, with approval from head coaches. Forty-three student-athletes were nominated for the MVC’s scholar-athlete team. The criterion for the honor parallels the CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) standards for Academic All-America voting. Nominees must be starters or important reserves with at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA (on a 4.00 scale). Also, students must have participated in at least 75-percent of the regular-season matches. Student-athletes must have reached sophomore status in both athletic and academic standing at their institution (true freshmen and redshirt freshmen were not eligible).
FOOTNOTE: For information on giving to UE Athletics or its individual athletics programs, visit http://gopurpleaces.com/give.  To purchase tickets for University of Evansville athletics events, log on to GoPurpleAces.comÂ