CICOA Receives Grant from Marion County Public Health Department

CICOA has been awarded $475,440 from the Marion County Public Health Department Health First Indiana initiative.

Health First Indiana (HFI) is a state investment in local public health focused on prevention initiatives that lead to healthier communities. HFI addresses core public health services, and CICOA is positioned to help MCPHD address two of these core services efficiently:

• Chronic disease prevention: Promote healthier communities through evidence-based programs and preventive services for chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
• Access to and linkage to clinical care: Address gaps and barriers to health services and connect the population to needed health and social services that support the whole person, including preventive and mental health services.

At CICOA, this grant funding will support a team of Community Health Workers (CHWs) to support those receiving long-term care services or at high risk of eventually receiving services. By improving access to clinical care and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), we can address chronic disease prevention and delay or prevent individuals from needing costly long-term supports. As part of this work, we plan to partner with faith communities and local organizations to get CHWs into the community and match them with individuals to serve.