State Rep. Brad Barrett was recently honored with a State Health Commissioner Award for his support of public health in Indiana.
Barrett (R-Richmond), who represents District 56, is the chair of the House Public Health Committee and sponsored Health First Indiana legislation passed during 2023 that made a historic investment in Indiana public health, according to a news release. State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver presented the award Feb. 22 during Public Health Day at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
“This historic legislation represents a watershed moment in Indiana’s public health history,” Weaver said in the release. “Representative Barrett’s leadership has fostered partnerships and collaborations that provide vital resources, enhanced access to core public health services, and empowering community-based solutions to support improved health outcomes for all Hoosiers.”
The goal of Health First Indiana is to ensure all Hoosiers have access to 16 core public health services. Wayne County received an additional $801,000 in public health funding this year and will receive double that next year.
A version of this article appeared in the March 6 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.