Health

Improving the health of Hoosiers

From increasing health care access in rural communities to reducing the impact of stigma on substance use disorder treatment, we connect the innovative and data-informed resources of Indiana University with local health and social service organizations throughout rural Indiana.

You can collaborate with us to address:

Substance use disorder
Nutrition and physical activity
Maternal and infant health

Tobacco use
Mental health
Chronic disease

Key initiatives

Community health improvement planning

These plans consider all dimensions of health, bringing the local agencies to the table, and respond to key questions that inform next steps and opportunities.

I-HOPE

The I-HOPE initiative is facilitating community-level conversations, resulting in strategies to address the factors that prevent people from living their healthiest lives.

Project spotlights

Designed in partnership with the IU Center for Rural Engagement, IU School of Public Health-Bloomington, and the IU School of Social Work, trauma-informed care education and certification is available online free of charge and includes continuing education units (CEUs).

Get started on your certification

In collaboration with Thrive Orange County, IU Health, and the Lawrence County Teen Pregnancy Coalition, we worked with the IU School of Public Health to produce a video series designed to explore strategies that have been successful in preventing teen pregnancy and supporting pregnant and parenting teens.

Learn more

Through a partnership with IU School of Social Work, rural Indiana residents seeking free and confidential support while managing stress, depression, or anxiety, or resources for food, clothing, housing, and healthcare have access to telehealth well-being services in six rural Indiana counties.

Learn more

The Daviess Advances Recovery Access Consortium, supported by the Center for Rural Engagement and School of Public Health-Bloomington, represents a commitment to work collectively to expand and strengthen recovery efforts through short-term activities and long-term planning. DARAC's work is rooted in active ongoing input from community residents in response to immediate and emerging substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery needs.

Connect with DARAC

Project map

Explore more projects connecting health initiatives to rural Indiana communities

Ending Stigma: A Webinar

Featured resource

Learn how to decrease and end stigma by increasing your knowledge and understanding about mental illness, substance use disorders, and stigma.

Watch the webinar

Indiana Uplands Community Health Needs Priorities Report

Featured resource

What are the top health priorities for communities in the Indiana Uplands? A content analysis was conducted of the most recent community needs assessments across 11 counties in the Indiana Uplands region.

Read the report