Our friends and partners at the Kendrick Foundation just celebrated their silver anniversary at this year's Legacy of Health Banquet. Since 2001, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in grants and supported nearly 700 students pursuing careers in health, all in service of Dr. William Kendrick's original vision for Morgan County. We're proud to work alongside an organization that invests in upstream solutions that make the healthy choice the easy choice. Congratulations to the 2026 Kendrick Scholars and all of this year's honorees! Learn more. 

Board nominations are open! If serving on the IPHA Board is something you've thought about, reach out to Robin Vida, IPHA Board President, at robin.vida@oaklawn.org to learn more.

Pete Fritz, Healthy Communities Planner at IDOH, retires in August after decades of partnership with Health By Design and IPHA. He leaves a statewide legacy—from creating IDOH’s active living workshop model to advancing Complete Streets and tactical urbanism—helping communities remove barriers to physical activity and build safer, more accessible environments. We celebrate Pete’s retirement with deep gratitude for his statewide contributions and unwavering commitment to active, healthy communities.

Bijal is a fourth-year PhD candidate in Epidemiology at the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, expecting to graduate in May 2027. She serves as a co instructor and research assistant, with interest in cancer, physical activity, and other chronic conditions such as diabetes and BMI. Her research focuses on the genetic and molecular aspects of cancer using genomic data analysis. She is the President of IPHA’s Student Advisory Group (SAG) and recently served on its strategic planning committee.

Why did you join IPHA, and how does it relate to your passion for public health?

“My passion for interdisciplinary collaboration drives me to create meaningful community impact through public health. I joined IPHA to connect and collaborate with professionals across diverse areas of public health, learning from their experiences and contributing to my perspective as a student leader.”

What’s the best advice you received as a public health professional/student?

“The best advice I’ve received is to stay involved. Engage with professional organizations, seek mentorship, and take opportunities to learn from others. Public health thrives on collaboration and being part of that network opens doors to growth and impact.”

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

“I love being outdoors, whether walking a quiet trail or tending to my garden. I also enjoy sketching and painting, reading, and trying new recipes. Spending time with friends and family, along with creative time and fresh air, helps me recharge and stay grounded.”

A recent press release from Governor Braun’s office shared that eight regions across Indiana applied for $120 million in Grow Rural Opportunities for Well-being (GROW) grant, part of the $207 million Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The proposals aim to expand access to care, strengthen maternal health, improve nutrition, build telehealth networks, and grow the rural workforce. Developed through months of collaboration among many community partners, awards will be announced by September 1 and advance the Governor’s push to transform rural healthcare statewide. Visit the RHTP website to learn more.

New findings from Regenstrief are in, and they make the case clear. Health First Indiana saved an estimated $742.6 million across the state in its first two years.

Those savings came from real investments in chronic disease prevention and management and in prenatal care. As a member of the Governor's Public Health Commission, IPHA has advocated for sustained Health First Indiana funding, and this report shows why that support matters.

Read the impact report.

Policy & Advocacy Committee (August 19, 2–4 PM ET) Stay on top of emerging policy and connect with public health leaders across the state

Virtual Lunch Meet-Up (August 18, 12–1 PM ET) Grab your lunch and join public health professionals, students and partners from across the state to chat about all things public health!

Health Equity Action Team (HEAT) (August 27, 1:30–3 PM ET) Collaborate with advocates and partners working to advance health equity statewide

Whether you’re here to learn, connect, or take action, there’s a seat at the table for you.

• Our next Policy Summit is set for Fall 2026. The program will connect you with speakers and experts in the field and send you home with policy recommendations you can act on ahead of the 2027 Indiana General Assembly. Full event details are coming soon.
• Thanks to Representative Maureen Bauer for speaking at our last Policy and Advocacy Committee meeting. Her takeaway for members was clear: the best time to meet with your legislators is now, before the hustle and bustle of session sets in.

As campuses welcome new students this fall, invite first year students to join IPHA for free. All other students can join for just $25. Membership helps students build professional identity, find internships and career opportunities, and grow skills and confidence. And remember, a personal invitation from a current member is a great introduction to IPHA.

Upcoming Events

• APHA Webinar Series: Data Centers and Health: Understanding the Impacts and Taking Action - Register here
• On August 27 from 12:30PM to 2PM, The Network for Public Health Law is hosting the Southern Poverty Law Center and Health & Democracy Partners for a timely discussion on voting rights, public health, and the implications of Louisiana v. Callais. Register here 

Resources and Opportunities

• To learn more about effective rural health improvement, check out these additional resources.  
• Practical Guide to Supporting Innovation in Rural Health, The Rural Health Information Hub, in partnership with the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis. 
• Community Power in Practice: Research Findings and Recommendations for Rural Health, de Beaumont Foundation.  
• Public Health Accreditation Board’s (PHAB) refreshed 2026 Standards & Measures offer clearer guidance, streamlined documentation, and updated expectations that reflect today’s public health priorities. The new standards are now available along with supporting policies and tools in the PHAB Resource Library.