INDIANAPOLIS — IU Health and four community churches teamed up on Saturday for a community health resource fair at the Julia Carson Center.
"Sometimes the healthcare system can be overwhelming," said Broadway United Methodist Church senior pastor Aaron Hobbs. "People have not been given access fully to the resources that are available to them, and they might not know where to go. So health resource fairs like this are an attempt for us to put the people and the providers together in a way that can build relationship to improve everyone's health outcomes."
The fair is held on the precipice of a benefits cliff, when thousands of Hoosiers could lose Medicaid benefits gained during the pandemic. Relaxed requirements allowed half a million Hoosiers to sign up for Medicaid in 2020, but now they may need to provide additional documentation to keep those benefits.
"During the public health emergency, requirements like signing up every 6 months, demonstrating your income, a few of those kinds of requirements were suspended. When the public health crisis ends, those requirements will go back in place," Jay Foster, vice president of spiritual care at IU Health, said.
IU Health and Crossroads A.M.E., Broadway United Methodist, Allen Chapel A.M.E. and First-Baptist North Indy churches came together to make sure people have what they need - not just in the doctor's office, but in their communities, too.
"The power of connection is key. Churches connecting with each other. People connecting with each other. One of the biggest dangers of a pandemic like COVID is that people get isolated. When we become isolated, we become isolated from the people and the resources that are needed to maintain health over the long term," Jerry Davis, pastor at Crossroads A.M.E. Church, said.
The Indiana Family and Social Security Administration has compiled a webpage to walk you through checking on your benefits.
-
Indiana State Police investigating fatal crash on I-65 in White County
The initial investigation indicates that the driver of a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche was traveling southbound when they lost control, went off the road, struck the guardrail and overturned.
One dead, one injured in crash in Madison County
The Madison County Sheriff's Office is investigating a crash that left one man dead and another injured on Wednesday afternoon.
IndyGo fare increases set for 2026, first hike in 16 years
As with many costs in recent years, expenses for IndyGo have risen, and fares are about to follow. The transit agency will raise prices in the new year, marking its first fare increase in 16 years.
Indiana woman helps create America’s 250th birthday float for Rose Parade
Jill Fewell, Regent of the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Indianapolis' Patriot of the Year, has been invited to help build the America250 float.
