Gov. Holcomb Establishes Commission to Address Public Health Challenges

Gov. Holcomb announces a new Public Health Commission during a press conference Wednesday.

Improving Indiana’s public health structure is the goal of a new commission announced by Governor Holcomb Wednesday. Over the next year, the 15-member commission will look at the strengths and weaknesses of the current health system, analyzing funding, staffing challenges, and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Indiana Providing another $1.3 Million to Expand Naloxone Distribution

Indiana is stepping up its naloxone distribution, amid a significant increase in overdose deaths. The Governor’s Office says Overdose Lifeline will distribute another 35,000 doses of the opioid overdose reversal medication and place another 215 “NaloxBox” units, thanks to another $1.3 million in state funding. A “NaloxBox” is a hard acrylic box containing six to eight doses of naloxone that organizations can mount outside of their buildings.

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Rusyniak to Replace Sullivan as Indiana FSSA Secretary

FSSA Sec. Dr. Jennifer Sullivan takes part in a COVID-19 press conference on Mar. 24.

Indiana’s top social services official is stepping down. Dr. Jennifer Sullivan is leaving her position as the secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. The Governor’s Office says she’s taken a job in North Carolina as the senior vice president of strategic operations at Atrium Health. Governor Holcomb has appointed FSSA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Rusyniak to take over as secretary on August 1.

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Governor Continues Easing Mask Mandate but They’re Still Required in Some Places

Gov. Holcomb speaks during his weekly COVID-19 press conference on Mar. 3.

Governor Holcomb is easing some of Indiana’s remaining mask requirements, but a few will remain in place. Starting Tuesday, masks will no longer be required in most state government buildings. But they will still be required at COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites, Indiana prisons, state hospitals, and other congregate facilities owned by the state.

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Governor, State Health Commissioner Reflect on COVID-19 Response

Gov. Holcomb and State Health Commissioner Dr. Box discuss the challenges of the past year and their hopes for the future during a press conference on Mar. 31.

Leading Indiana through one of the most challenging years in recent history has brought opportunities for inspiration for Governor Eric Holcomb. During last week’s COVID-19 press conference, Holcomb said he doesn’t let the challenge anchor him to a place of despair.

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COVID-19 Variants Picking Up Steam, According to State Health Commissioner

Indiana’s state health commissioner is warning Hoosiers not to behave as if the pandemic is over. “We have said before that we are in a race between the vaccine and the variants. Unfortunately, right now, the variants are picking up steam,” Dr. Kris Box said during Wednesday’s press conference. “Indiana has now reported 137 cases of the U.K. B.1.1.7 variant.”

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Hoosiers May Have to Wait Longer for Vaccine Appointments As Eligibility Expands

Indiana plans to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 and older next Wednesday, but it might take a while before they actually get the vaccine. The increase in eligible Hoosiers will likely exceed the increase in available doses next week, but State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says she expects the state to have enough vaccine for everyone who wants it by May.

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Gov. Holcomb to Deliver COVID-19 Address This Evening

Gov. Holcomb speaks during his weekly COVID-19 press conference on Mar. 3.

Governor Eric Holcomb plans to outline Indiana’s next steps in the COVID-19 response during a statewide address this evening. The address comes one year after Holcomb announced his initial stay-at-home order. It’s also a year since the first local case of COVID-19 was reported in Starke County.

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