The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health Board recognized the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation and their sponsor, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, on Monday, October 22 for their ongoing record of support which began in 2000.    Health Department Administrator Mindy Waldron read a statement noting that at a time when the funding of public health departments is at an all-time low in the United States--and Indiana specifically is 50th in terms of federal dollars coming to the state for public health initiatives -- the Foundation's ongoing support of important public health projects  has been exceptionally generous.

The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation's support began in 2000 with a grant of $622 to assist the Health Department in holding a Legislative Breakfast to speak to local legislators about five major public health issues in need of attention.  Since then, the Foundation has awarded 25 more grants including but not limited to a Teens Against Tobacco Public Service Announcement campaign, Lead Poisoning Prevention Case Managers salary support, the establishment of the Department's electronic medical records and most recently, medical interpreters enabling the treatment of Burmese refugees.  These grants have totaled $986,280 over the past thirteen years.

Read the full speech recognizing SJCHF's Meg Distler and staff by clicking here.