A new framework created by Indiana state health leaders and researchers at the Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health in Indianapolis could help other states improve their public health systems and increase funding.
From data to dollars: increasing public health funding in Indiana
A systematic review
In December 2020, researchers at the Fairbanks School examined the condition of Indiana’s public health system in the report, “Indiana Public Health System Review.”
This was the first systemwide report of its kind in Indiana, and it was designed to bolster the work of our dedicated local and state health workers. It also suggested best practices for state and local health departments and steps for implementation.
The report concluded with a recommendation for a statewide taskforce of a broad range of stakeholders to examine public health in Indiana.
Governor’s Public Health Commission
Established in August 2021, the Governor's Public Health Commission was tasked with evaluating Indiana's public health system to identify its strengths and weaknesses. The commission’s membership included locally elected officials and leaders from business, health and academia, including leaders from the Fairbanks School.
The commission released a comprehensive report outlining actionable recommendations across six critical areas of public health:
- Governance, infrastructure and services
- Funding
- Workforce
- Data and information integration
- Emergency preparedness
- Childhood and adolescent health
These recommendations aim to create a more resilient and effective public health system for Indiana.
Investing in health
In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly approved an unprecedented 1,500 percent increase in public health funding, approving $225 million over the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. With a four-to-one investment in public health interventions, the state will spend less on treating people who are sick and focus more on preventing illness.