Indiana has 95 local health departments across the state focused on improving Hoosier health and safety.
Here are a few ways public health is working to meet the needs of their communities:
Indiana North
Allen County
Baby Safety Bags
New parents have so much to think about. Their world is often a jumble of responsibilities, concerns and new information.
The Allen County Department of Health aims to help.
When new parents arrive at the department’s Vital Records office for a birth certificate, they are given a Baby Safety Bag containing helpful supplies and information about keeping their little one(s) safe and healthy.
Inside the bag is a sleep sack, a flu kit with items such as tissues and a one-time-use thermometer, a baby-size book about safe sleep, and a handout with information on a variety of topics including childhood lead testing, water safety, breastfeeding, car safety and more. Parents also receive information about immunizations and a color-changing rubber duck they can use to check whether their baby’s bath water is too hot.
All these items are packaged in an easy-to-carry, Allen County Department of Health–branded bag. Since distribution began in February 2026, about 90 parents have taken home a Baby Safety Bag.
Indiana Central
Putnam County
Lead Related Services
Putnam County Health Department (PCHD) partnered with Clay County Health Department to address lead exposures in the community. This partnership has included training, sharing of resources and equipment, and joint response to properties where elevated blood levels have been identified. The collaboration between the two local health departments enhances efficacy and quality of services while also reducing costs.
In September 2024, PCHD responded to an elevated blood lead level in a ten-month old child. The child’s blood lead level was measuring dangerously high at 22.7 µg/dL. A public health nurse engaged with the family to provide lead education and initiate a home visit and risk assessment. During the visit, lead risk assessors discovered a family member unknowingly brought lead dust home from the workplace, and this was identified as the exposure source. The public health nurse provided education on lead-safe practices, including proper work attire, home cleaning and dietary adjustments. Continued monitoring showed significant progress, and the child’s blood lead level dropped to 17.3 µg/dL within three months.
Indiana South
Dubois County
ATV Safety Training
Dubois County Health Department partnered with Indiana DNR to provide a free ATV safety training course on Feb. 1. The course included several key topics, including general safety information, vehicle operation and Indiana law. Dubois County youth ages 6-17 were eligible to receive a free ATV helmet upon completing the course. Overall, 27 children and 15 adults participated. Because of the successful Feb. training, another ATV safety training is scheduled for March 15. This partnership with DNR brings critical health education and trauma and injury prevention equipment to Dubois County adults and children.
