New Fund Supports Programs That Focus On Social Determinants Of Health

A new fund will direct money to Indiana programs that address social issues related to health. Indiana University Health is providing $100 million to create the Community Impact Investment Fund.

The fund will award yearly grants to programs and projects that target chronic health issues facing Hoosiers. 

IU Health President and CEO Dennis Murphy says an estimated 70 percent of health is determined by environment and behavior, not medical care.

"So we really believe strongly if we’re trying to improve the health of all Hoosiers, you have to address that 70 percent," says Murphy. 

The fund plans to spend between $4 million and $5 million every year to support community programs addressing social determinants of health.  

Murphy says that's where the greatest understanding of complex health issues is often found. 

"We don’t claim to have all the answers but we want to work with people in communities that have creative ideas on how to address these issues," says Murphy. 

The first awards will go to projects to reduce infant mortality in Marion County, an opioid crisis diversion center in Bloomington and neighborhood revitalization in Muncie.

If a program is successful it could expand statewide.

Contact Jill at jsheridan@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @JillASheridan.