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Lake County health department outlines outreach, vaccinations and mobile clinic under Health First Indiana program
Summary
Lake County Health Department briefed the council on Health First Indiana-funded activities including a mobile health clinic, increased childhood vaccinations, lead screening, and community partnerships; council approved a $39,848.22 transfer to buy cold-chain equipment and supplies.
The Lake County Health Department told the County Council on April 14 that it has used Health First Indiana funding to expand mobile and outreach services, increase childhood vaccinations and lead screenings, and award more than $2.3 million in community partnership grants.
County health officials said the department inaugurated a mobile clinic in February and has partnered with St. John Fire Department on a Mobile Integrated Health program that, officials said, has reduced repeated 911 calls for at least one high‑need participant. Michelle, identified in the meeting as the HFI project manager, told the council the department has focused local key performance indicators on prenatal care, congenital syphilis, opioid‑overdose deaths and childhood vaccinations.
The presentation described several partnerships and new services the department has launched: distributed ‘‘Ben’s blue bags’’ (sensory/communication supports), Project Lifesaver rollout in Dyer, an overhead refrigerated locker system for food and supplies, vaccine outreach and school‑based health activities, and a public‑health AmeriCorps placement funded by the state. Michelle said the county has awarded community partnership grants to groups including Purdue Extension and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana; she described a forthcoming culturally tailored “food as medicine” program with community partners.
Council members asked how the programs are advertised and how the department measures grantee performance. Michelle and other staff said outreach uses the department website, social media and on‑the‑ground mobile events; grantees report quantitative and qualitative metrics monthly as contract conditions and the department reports program metrics to the Indiana Department of Health.
During the same agenda item, the council approved a transfer of $39,848.22 to purchase vaccine coolers, cold packs and related health‑care supplies for outreach clinics. The motion passed on roll call, 7‑0. Health staff told the council the county will seek state approval for cold‑chain equipment before accepting vaccine shipments.
The department said a countywide community needs assessment will follow this year; staff described a two‑part electronic survey for residents and community organizations that will be used to refine 2026–27 planning.
Council President Christine Seiden and other members thanked staff for the report and for the county’s emphasis on maternal–child health, food access and mobile services. The council did not direct additional formal follow‑up beyond approving the equipment transfer.
Looking ahead, the health department announced a Lake County Family Day on Aug. 2 at Hanover High School to deliver vaccines, screenings and school supplies and said it will present program results at statewide public‑health events.
