INDIANAPOLIS — When it comes to public health spending, Indiana ranks 45th in the nation.

Indiana is 43rd in access to mental health care and 41st in obesity.

Those deplorable healthcare standings may fall further next year.

Faced with a $2 billion budget deficit, the General Assembly mandated cutting public health spending in the state by more than 70% from $150 million this year to $40 million in 2026.

That’s money local public health departments depend on to reach out to the most vulnerable and underserved residents in their communities.

”We got $22.4 million this year,” said Marion County Public Health Director. Dr. Virginia Caine. “We will only be receiving $6 million from a drop of 22.4. That’s a huge drop.”

Monies from former Governor Eric Holcomb’s Health First Indiana initia

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