The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) awarded more than $150,000 in community-based grants last year to support local organizations working to improve health outcomes across the county. The funding, made possible through Health First Indiana (HFI), focuses on prevention, early intervention, and expanding access to care through trusted community partners.
“These partnerships allow us to address health needs with a wider reach than we could accomplish alone,” says Melissa Hodson-Ostler, RN, BSN, Public Health Administrator for the Clinton County Health Department. “We are a bridge between HFI and our community health partners which allows us to amplify our mission to ‘Prevent, Promote and Protect Public Health.’”
The largest grant – $67,500 – was awarded to Healthy Communities of Clinton County to support programs focused on chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, trauma and injury prevention, and fatality review efforts. The grant also helps fund a prenatal coordinator position to support expecting mothers and improve birth outcomes.
Open Door Health Clinic received more than $50,000 to expand access to clinical care for Clinton County residents. The funding supports staffing and services that connect patients to necessary care, including referrals for testing, immunizations, and follow-up treatment.
Clinton County EMS was awarded $34,367 to support its Mobile Integrated Health program, including the purchase of specialized equipment such as a fetal monitor and point-of-care lab tools. The investment is aimed at improving early detection of complications and supporting safer transport for expectant mothers.
Purdue Extension received $4,620 to provide educational programming focused on chronic disease prevention and injury prevention. Classes such as Matter of Balance, Be Heart Smart, and Dining with Diabetes help residents take a more active role in managing their health.
Hodson-Ostler says while future funding levels remain uncertain, the impact of these investments is already being felt across the community. “We know prevention works,” she says. “Whether it’s helping someone manage a chronic condition, supporting a healthy pregnancy, or preventing injuries, these programs are making a difference for Clinton County residents every day.”