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Marshall County health department to accept small immunization grant, approves IU internship affiliation and expanded prenatal program
Summary
The county health department asked commissioners to accept a possible $9,916.23 immunization grant, approved an unpaid internship affiliation with Indiana University South Bend, and approved an expanded prenatal education and yoga program with Ladybug Foundation as part of ongoing public‑health initiatives.
Sandy Dunphy, administrator for the Marshall County Health Department, told commissioners the department had been offered a potential $9,916.23 immunization grant from the state and asked for authorization to accept the funds if they were awarded.
Dunphy said the award appeared to be leftover immunization funding the state intended to reallocate; she noted uncertainty about whether the funds would arrive given recent changes to CDC funding streams. She told commissioners there would be no local match and that, if received, the department would use the funds for supplies and small equipment (for example, a centrifuge spinner for lab samples) rather than purchasing COVID vaccines.
Commissioners unanimously approved the department’s request to accept the grant if awarded.
Dunphy also presented an affiliation agreement with Indiana University South Bend to allow unpaid student internships in health promotion and education. She said IU would provide professional‑liability coverage for students in non‑clinical roles and that most student tasks would focus on community education, clinic support and outreach. The board approved the master affiliation agreement and authorized the board president to sign.
The commissioners approved a revised memorandum of understanding with the Ladybug Foundation to run a free prenatal program April–October, with weekly Friday sessions that combine prenatal yoga and education. Dunphy said the program will include a pediatrician and a nurse practitioner presenting topics such as safe‑sleep, exercise during pregnancy, healthy eating and car‑seat safety. She said the program expanded in length from the first quote and that the department budget would cover the modest increase (roughly $2,500–$3,000).
Dunphy thanked the board for approving a building purchase that will house the health department, said staff would begin moving gradually and that a ribbon‑cutting was anticipated before July 1. She also discussed community interest in funding promotion of addiction recovery services and suggested local resources such as Marshall County Hope, a locally based recovery organization forming a 501(c)(3) and operating peer‑recovery supports and a peer navigator. She said Health First funds could plausibly support outreach and prevention activities and agreed to explore that possibility.
The board approved the affiliation agreement, the Ladybug MOU, and the building‑purchase item at the meeting; commissioners also approved the immunization grant acceptance if awarded.
