State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver Visits Decatur County Health Department to
Discuss Local Health Initiatives
Decatur County, IN — State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver visited the Decatur
County Health Department on Friday, November 8 th to engage with local health officials and
partners to discuss ongoing health initiatives aimed at improving community well-being. The
visit, part of Dr. Weaver’s statewide tour, was an opportunity to assess the challenges facing rural
health departments, promote public health programs, and strengthen the partnership between
local and state health agencies utilizing funds from the Health First Indiana initiative.
Health First Indiana (HFI) is an investment in prevention that will lead to healthier communities.
HFI initiatives cover several public health core service areas, such as maternal and child health,
trauma and injury and lead exposure. Local health departments share information every June and
December on several measures to show the momentum underway as HFI grows across the state.
These data provide vital information for local health departments to share ideas and establish
partnerships for enhanced core public health service delivery. In addition, every member of the
Indiana Hospital Association has taken a pledge to support HFI. Many Indiana businesses and
organizations are also taking the pledge.
View the site at https://www.in.gov/healthfirstindiana to see how Health First Indiana is
improving core public health service delivery across the state or take the pledge to help Indiana
communities thrive.
Dr. Weaver, who has served as Indiana’s State Health Commissioner since 2021, was greeted by
Decatur County Health Executive Director, Sean Durbin and other staff members. Together, they
discussed the health department’s current efforts to address pressing health issues such as chronic
disease management, mental health services, and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19
pandemic.
“Collaboration is Key”
In a brief address to health department staff, Dr. Weaver emphasized the importance of
collaboration between state and local health organizations to tackle health disparities and
improve outcomes for all Hoosiers. She commended the Decatur County Health Department for
its dedication to promoting health equity and for its innovative approach to addressing the unique
needs of the rural community.
Focus on Rural Health Challenges
Decatur County faces many of the same challenges that rural areas across the state
encounter—limited access to healthcare providers, economic barriers, and higher rates of chronic
illnesses. Citing the statistics found on the Health First Indiana website, Weaver addressed the
high rates of smoking during pregnancy and infant mortality in Decatur County. During her visit,
Dr. Weaver toured the health department’s facilities and met with staff members to learn about
their strategies for reaching underserved populations.
During the meet and greet, Decatur County Health Department community partners highlighted
some of the county’s efforts to combat these issues, including outreach programs to increase
vaccination rates, education programs, and nutrition and wellness initiatives aimed at improving
lifestyle choices. Also highlighted were the department’s collaboration with local schools, faith-
based organizations, and community leaders to expand the reach of health services.
Looking Ahead
As Dr. Weaver concluded her visit, she expressed optimism about the future of public health in
Decatur County and beyond. She reiterated the state’s commitment to addressing health
disparities, improving access to care, and supporting local health departments.
The visit served as a reminder of the essential work being done on the ground to support the
health and well-being of Indiana’s rural communities, while also reinforcing the importance of
continued investment in public health infrastructure and services.
