WELL KNOWN BUSINESS LEADER STEVE HAMMER ANNOUNCES FOR COUNTY COMMISSION SEAT
A well known community leader and businessman Steven W. Hammer has decided to run for the Vanderburgh County District #2 County Commission seat. Mr. Hammer is a lifelong Vanderburgh County resident.
He is married to Ashley Hammer, a cardiology Nurse Practitioner at St. Vincent Hospital, for 10 years. They have two (2) children, William, 20 and Addison, 7 and a dog named Flynn.
Steve is a successful real estate investor and restaurateur. He is a Principal Partner at Ohio Valley Properties and Roca Bar-North.
He is a 1988 graduate of Evansville Central High School and a 1992 graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration.
Steve and his wife Ashley are very much involved in the activities at St. Benedict Cathedral School and St. Benedict Church.
Mr. Hammer is a Vanderburgh County Republican precinct committeeman. He is also a member of University of Kentucky Alumni Association and a Life Member, active member of the University of Evansville Purple Aces Presidents Club, supporter of the Ted and Clare Ziemer Society of St. Vincent, and is a member of the Metropolitan Evansville Chamber of Commerce.
When we asked  Mr. Hammer why is running for the District #2 Vanderburgh County Commission he told us that; “he want to make it easier to do business with county government.”  He promised that he “will vote for any measure that promotes affordable and reasonable economic growth.”  He also added; “as County Commissioner, he will be a financial watchdog that will ensures good public policy”.  He feels that “when we prosper as a community, we shall prosper individually.”
Mr. Hammer also feels that the “drug epidemic” has destroy the fabric of many families in our community and has placed a heavy burdens upon the courts and confinement facilities. if elected he will prioritize teen and young adult prevention programs, treatment programs for offenders and punishment by incarceration if necessary, in that order.
Finally he stated that he will focus on infrastructure improvements. Good quality roadway projects, attractive public and private signage ordinances and smooth traffic flow will increase our ability to encourage existing corporations to build new additions to their facilities but also will attract out of the area corporations to relocate in Vanderburgh County.
Evansville’s Healthy Communities Partnership Hosts Training at Dream Center
Channel 44 News: Evansville’s Healthy Communities Partnership Hosts Training at Dream Center
OCTOBER 24TH, 2017Â 
 MELANIE ZAYAS EVANSVILLE, INDIANA
Scholarships Available To Non-Traditional Female Students
 Applications for the 2018 POWER Scholarship will be accepted through Dec. 20, according to State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville).
POWER is the General Assembly’s caucus primarily for women legislators interested in improving the quality of life for Hoosier residents.
Sullivan said the scholarship is for non-traditional female students whose education was delayed or interrupted. The organization is also placing a high priority on women who give back to their communities and whose goals and desires for education align with their passions.
“POWER raises funds for these scholarships to help lessen the financial burden those who are returning to school or seeking advancement in their careers,†said Sullivan, who is serving as the president of POWER. “Stay-at-home moms entering the workplace could also benefit from this program. We hope to encourage more community-minded women to increase their level of education and possibly move into public service.â€
There will be $750 scholarships awarded to 18 women across the state, two women in each of Indiana’s nine congressional districts.
Visit the POWER website for edibility requirements, selection criteria and other critical information. Applications can be submitted online at www.inpowercaucus.org.
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Castle Knights Give Back Game Totals Over $24,000Â
On October 19th, a check totaling $21,000 from the Castle Knights Give Back Game was presented to the Tackling Suicide Awareness Fund and Youth First, Inc., by the Castle Parents Football Club.
An additional $3,124 was raised by Mater Dei High School and an Azzip Pizza Give Back Day for a grand total of $24,124.
The Castle Knights Give Back Game and a pre-game suicide awareness walk were held on September 22nd. Funds were raised from the sales of t-shirts, balloons, and other promotional items as well as fundraisers held by student groups.
Proceeds will be used for Youth First social work and prevention services at Castle and Mater Dei high schools.
Local Domestic Violence Shelter Receives $20,000 Grant During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, The Mary Kay FoundationSM is awarding $20,000 grants to 150 domestic violence shelters across the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam for a total of $3 million. Local shelter Albion Fellows Bacon Center was chosen to receive one of the annual grants to further the organization’s efforts to combat domestic violence and provide services throughout southern Indiana. This year’s highly sought-after grant slate brings the total investment in The Foundation’s annual shelter grant program to nearly $42 million.
Albion will use the grant funding to continue our mission and to support the essential services the organization provides. Much like other recipients that use the unrestricted funds for basic operating expenses, hiring much-needed personnel, completing repairs and renovations or adding programs and resources based on the unique needs of their shelter and the clients they serve.
“At Albion we are incredibly grateful for support from The Mary Kay FoundationSM and its continued commitment to break the cycle of domestic violence,†said Executive Director, Kristie Byrns. “Offering emergency housing for the clients we serve, that also means providing meals, laundry facilities, advocacy, and an untold number of other resources to help survivors get back on their feet after experiencing unspeakable abuse,†said Penny Grubb, Residential Program Director.
While serving as an emergency shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence, Albion also provides services to those impacted by these types of violence that do not need shelter in our nonresidential program. In addition, our organization provides prevention education and training to end the cycle of violence. All services are free and confidential and are provided 24 hours a day. During 2016, our Shelter Program provided 9,304 nights of safe shelter, our Nonresidential Program assisted 2,845 victims, and our Community and Prevention Education reached 12,107 adults and children.
“More than 700 domestic violence shelters nationwide applied for The Mary Kay FoundationSM shelter grants this year, which demonstrates the overwhelming need to maintain critical services and provide a safe haven for the survivors of an epidemic that impacts one in every four women,†said Anne Crews, board member of The Mary Kay FoundationSM and Vice President of Public Affairs for Mary Kay Inc. “Working to prevent and end domestic violence is a cornerstone of The Foundation, Mary Kay Inc. and for countless members of our independent sales force. Since 2000, The Foundation has invested tens of millions of dollars in our shelter grant program and without a doubt, we know these funds make a difference in homes and communities across the country.â€
About The Mary Kay FoundationSM
The Mary Kay FoundationSM was created in 1996, and its mission is two-fold: to fund research of cancers affecting women
and to help prevent domestic violence while raising awareness of the issue. The Mary Kay FoundationSM has awarded $70.7 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence prevention and cancer researchers and related causes throughout the United States. To learn more about The Mary Kay FoundationSM, please visit www.marykayfoundation.org or call 1-877-MKCARES (652-2737).
Adopt A Pet
Goose is a male Plott Hound mix. He’s  4 years old. He’s a big guy, weighing in at over 100 lbs.! Goose is very laid-back and loves everything. His adoption fee is $100. He will be neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations before going home. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 or vhslifesaver.org for details!
FIRST EVER SHOPKINS LIVE! THEATRICAL SHOW ANNOUNCED
Tour to Visit Over 75 U.S. Cities
At Old National Events Plaza January 12th
Tickets On-Sale Friday, October 27
 Koba Entertainment is pleased to announce Shopkins Live! (www.ShopkinsLive.com), the first live theatrical production based on Shopkins – the wildly successful brand launched in 2014. Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday, October 27, 2017. The national tour will stop in over 75 cities across the United States.
The Shoppies and Shopkins characters will take to the stage in Shopkins Live! featuring an all new storyline, original pop music and video highlights. The live show features Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint and friends as preparations get underway for Shopville’s annual “Funtastic Food and Fashion Fairâ€. The live interactive show is inspired by Shopkins and Shoppies, the international toy phenomenon created in Australia by Moose Toys.
Today, Shopkins is consistently the number one children’s toy sold in the United States and is a viral YouTube sensation worldwide. Shoppies dolls have also made their mark on the toy world, consistently hitting the number one spot. With Universal Pictures’ release of the first ever Shopkins movie on DVD, and a list of apps dedicated to expanding this ever-growing world, Shopkins continues to be a hot ticket item for children around the world.
“Shopkins is literally on every child’s wish list. Koba Entertainment’s partnership with an innovative and leading toy manufacturer like Moose Toys allows us to bring one of the most successful toy brands in history to life on stage,†says Gilles Paquin, CEO and President of Koba Entertainment, and Executive Producer of Shopkins Live!
Nicole Hardiman, Senior Licensing Manager at Moose Toys added, “We are thrilled to have Koba Entertainment presenting our first ever live theatrical show for Shopkins. This will be a fantastic event featuring the Shopkins and Shoppies in an amazing adventure that our North American fans can experience.â€
Shopkins Live! will run for approximately 90 minutes, with one 15 minute intermission. For more information on Shopkins Live! visit www.ShopkinsLive.com
The Shopkins Live! tour in the U.S. is represented by APA.
Shopkins Live! Tour Schedule
* – Two shows
DATEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â CITYÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â VENUE
Sept. 14Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Buffalo, NYÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â UB Center for the Arts
Sept. 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Syracuse, NYÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Landmark Theatre
*Sept. 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Morristown, NJÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Mayo Performing Arts Center
Sept. 19Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Albany, NYÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Palace Theatre
Sept. 20Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Rochester, NYÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The Dome Arena
Sept. 21Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Boston, MAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Orpheum Theatre
Sept. 22Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Wallingford, CTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre
Sept. 23Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Glenside, PAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Keswick Theatre
*Sept. 24Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Pittsburgh, PAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Byham Theater
*Sept. 26Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Tarrytown, NY Tarrytown Music Hall
Sept. 27Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Red Bank, NJÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Count Basie Theatre
Sept. 28Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Englewood, NJ Bergen Performing Arts Center
Sept. 29Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Wilkes–Barre, PAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Sept. 30Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Reading, PAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Santander Performing Arts Center
*Oct. 1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Westbury, NYÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â NYCB Theatre at Westbury
Oct. 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Washington, DCÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Warner Theatre
Oct. 4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Richmond, VAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Dominion Arts Center
Oct. 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Roanoke, VAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Berglund Center
Oct. 6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Charlotte, NCÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ovens Auditorium
Oct. 7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Atlanta, GAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Fox Theatre
Oct. 8Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Jacksonville, FLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Florida Theatre
Oct. 10Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Lakeland, FLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The Lakeland Center
Oct. 11Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Pembroke Pines, FLÂ Â Â Â Pembroke Pines City Center
Oct. 12Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â West Palm Beach, FLÂ Dreyfoos Hall @ Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Oct. 13Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Clearwater, FLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ruth Eckerd Hall
Oct. 14Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Mobile, ALÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Saenger Theatre
Oct. 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Birmingham, ALÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Alabama Theatre
Oct. 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Fayetteville, ARÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Walton Arts Center – Baum Walker Hall
Oct. 18Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Tulsa, OKÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Brady Theater
Oct. 19Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Irving, TXÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Pavilion @ The Music Factory
*Oct. 20Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Houston, TXÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Cullen Performance Hall
Oct. 21Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Austin, TXÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The Long Center For The Performing Arts
Oct. 22Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â San Antonio, TXÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Oct. 24Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Midland, TXÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
Oct. 25Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â El Paso, TXÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The Plaza Theatre
Oct. 27Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Tucson, AZÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Tucson Music Hall
*Oct. 28Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Mesa, AZÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ikeda Theatre @ Mesa Arts Center
Oct. 30Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Albuquerque, NMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Kiva Auditorium
Nov. 1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Salt Lake City, UTÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Kingsbury Hall
*Nov. 2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Boise, IDÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Egyptian Theatre
Nov. 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Spokane, WAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â INB Performing Arts Center
Nov. 4Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Portland, ORÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Keller Auditorium
Nov. 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Seattle, WAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â McCaw Hall
Nov. 6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Eugene, ORÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â McDonald Theatre
Nov. 9Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Santa Rosa, CAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Luther Burbank Centre for the Arts
Nov. 10Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Reno, NVÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Pioneer Center For the Performing Arts
*Nov. 11Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Sacramento, CAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Crest Theatre
Nov. 12Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Oakland, CAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Paramount Theatre
Nov. 14Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Fresno, CAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Warnors Center
Nov. 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Bakersfield, CAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Fox Theater
Nov. 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Thousand Oaks, CAÂ Â Â Â Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
Nov. 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â San Diego, CAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â San Diego Civic Theatre
Nov. 18Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Los Angeles, CAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Dolby Theatre
Nov. 19Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Anaheim, CAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â City National Grove of Anaheim
Nov. 22Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Denver, COÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Paramount Theatre
Nov. 24Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Witchita, KSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Orpheum Theatre
Nov. 25Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Kansas City, MOÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Arvest Bank Theater at the Midland
Nov. 26Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â St. Louis, MOÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Fabulous Fox Theater
Nov. 27Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Omaha, NEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Orpheum Theater at Omaha Performing Arts
Nov. 29Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Mason City, IA North Iowa Community Auditorium
Nov. 30Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Des Moines, IAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Des Moines Civic Center
Dec. 1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Minneapolis, MNÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Orpheum Theatre
Dec. 2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Sioux City, IAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Orpheum Theatre
*Dec. 3Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Fargo, NDÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Fargo Theatre
Dec. 5Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Louisville, KYÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Brown Theatre
Dec. 6Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Columbus, OHÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Palace Theatre
Dec. 7Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Champaign, ILÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Virginia Theatre
Dec. 8Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Milwaukee, WIÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Riverside Theater
Dec. 9Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Chicago, ILÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Rosemont Theatre
Dec. 10Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Merrillville, INÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Star Plaza Theatre
Dec. 11Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Grand Rapids, MIÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â DeVos Performance Hall
Dec. 13Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Dearborn, MIÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
Dec. 14Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Dearborn, MIÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
Dec. 15Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Cleveland, OHÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â State Theatre
Dec. 16Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Cincinnati, OHÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Aronoff Center For The Arts
Dec. 17Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Nashville, TNÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â War Memorial Auditorium
Jan. 12Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Evansville, INÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Old National Events Plaza
Jan. 20Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Orlando, FLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Feb. 18Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Madison, WIÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Capitol Theater @ Overture Center for the Arts
About Koba EntertainmentÂ
A prominent producer of original family musicals, Koba Entertainment has been captivating audiences around the world with celebrated characters from literature, television, and pop culture since 2004. Koba Entertainment productions have enchanted people of all ages in more than 165 North American cities, 12 countries and 4 continents. Production credits for young audiences include: Bubble Guppies Live! Ready to Rock, Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys, Toopy and Binoo: Fun and Games, The Backyardigans: Sea Deep in Adventure, and Max & Ruby in the Nutcracker Suite.
 About Moose Toys
Moose Toys is a global toy company with offices in the US, UK, Hong Kong, China. The head office is in Melbourne, Australia and from there the brand is distributed into over 90 countries. Moose is known for designing, developing and distributing toy and lifestyle products across the globe for children of all ages and the young at heart. The company is the proud recipient of numerous coveted toy awards, including the 2015 and 2016 Girls Toy of the Year for global phenomenon Shopkins. Most recently, Moose took home the Collectable Toy of the Year and Craft Toy of the Year at the 2017 Australian Toy Awards. A total of nearly 120 awards since 1993 solidifying Moose as a market leader, who is consistently placed within the top toy companies in the USA and Australia. Moose has products in all toy categories including collectibles, arts and crafts, activity toys, dolls, novelty items and has recently become a market leader in developing apps, content, and entertainment.
Indiana To Establish New Health Services Initiative For Enhanced Lead Testing And Abatement
Indiana To Establish New Health Services initiative For Enhanced Lead Testing And Abatement
INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration has received federal authorization to use up to $3 million annually over the next five years to establish a new health services initiative to provide lead testing, prevention and abatement services to low income Hoosiers.
The initiative will be funded through the CHIP program and provided by the Indiana State Department of Health’s (ISDH) Lead & Healthy Homes Division to primarily support lead testing and abatement efforts in East Chicago, South Bend and other areas throughout the state identified as having a higher risk for lead exposure among children.
“We are pleased that our federal partners have approved this creative way to repurpose CHIP administrative funds to address crucial children’s public health concerns,†said Jennifer Walthall M.D., M.P.H., secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. “Children need healthy communities and healthy homes to have the best chance at a successful future.â€
FSSA anticipates the funding will cover the cost of testing and abatement for hundreds of homes per year as well as educating families and equipping physicians with information about lead exposure. The funding will also cover retesting of the homes to ensure the effectiveness of the abatement work.
The new funding will supplement other federal, state and local efforts aimed at reducing the harmful effects of lead exposure on children. The initiative will serve families eligible to be covered by Medicaid or CHIP.
“Lead exposure can affect a child’s overall development,†said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D, FACOG. “We hope that through this funding we can significantly increase our testing and abatement activities and provide hundreds of additional children a better path toward normal development.â€
Drs. Walthall and Box added they hope the program, along with continued efforts to raise awareness and education among families and primary care providers, will help ensure appropriate lead screening among children who are at risk for lead exposure.