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Board approves $16,500 to sustain Step Up jail health-education program
Summary
Chronic disease staff told the board Step Up's Out Pep jail curriculum reached more than 120 people and improved pre/post test scores; the board approved $16,500 in Health First Indiana funds to continue the program for the year.
The Hancock County board approved $16,500 in Health First Indiana funds to sustain Step Up's Out Pep jail-based health education program for the coming year.
Kelsey, the county's chronic disease nurse, presented program results: Step Up has operated in the Hancock County Jail since November 2024 and delivered a 10-hour curriculum that reached more than 120 participants in 2025. "On average, participant scores increased from 79% on the pre-survey to 89% on the post-survey," Kelsey said, and she noted a cohort where scores rose from 60% to 91.1%.
Kelsey said Step Up currently covers program costs through its own resources and is based in Marion County; the $16,500 request would cover two staff facilitating monthly full-day sessions, including travel and preparation time. The board discussed the potential to expand the program if additional funding were available; Kelsey said an expansion figure of $60,500 was mentioned as a future possibility but that $16,500 would sustain current operations.
A motion to fully fund the $16,500 request from Health First Indiana funds was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Board members asked staff to confirm whether the funding would be renewed annually; Kelsey said funding could be approved year-to-year and reanalyzed at budget time.
The board requested follow-up reporting and offered to invite a Step Up representative to a future meeting for more detailed efficacy data.
