Recently, I was asked, “What are the top 3 things you want to accomplish within the first 90-days on the job?” After pondering this question, I quickly realized no new CEO can narrow 90-days of learning into 3 accomplishments. You must observe, listen and learn before engaging. Doing so builds trust and ensures the right decisions are made at the right time. Combining this with learning who’s who, where to go and what to avoid, I decided to look at my 90-days as an adventure. What have I learned about Bloomington? How do these learned experiences translate into future plans for the Bloomington community?

Since 2018, Bloomington Health Foundation has committed $4 million in collaboration with local partners to improve the health of those living in our community and region. This year, Bloomington Health Foundation has committed $1.9 million to address some of our community’s most pressing health needs. Below are areas where we have focused our efforts in 2021.

 

Augmenting mental health access through the continued support of Catholic Charities to increase local mental health therapy appointments and an early childhood mental health therapist for pre-K children at Monroe County United Ministries - $84,955

Helping to ensure that no one faces cancer alone. BHF granted funds to establish Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana a satellite location of Cancer Support Indiana, to provide beyond clinical care services to patients and their families throughout the 11-county region - $1,467,770

With the Community Justice and Mediation Center (CJAM), ongoing national funding to support Community Voices for Health Monroe County which works to build stronger engagement infrastructure, especially for marginalized and underserved populations, so that their voices are heard in healthcare and policymaking decisions - $205,148

As a member of the Stride Coalition, BHF supports The Stride Center, a 24-hour crisis diversion center for those experiencing distress, and through an ongoing partnership with Curry Auto Group, to provide transportation for Centerstone clients to perform jobs - a critical part of a successful recovery process - for the City Parks Department - $103,198

Bloomington Health Foundation has committed up to $1.5M in grant funding for 2022. Grants will be awarded to community-based academic partnership teams impacting health in target focus areas. A town hall meeting to learn more about the foundation’s future plans and how to apply for grant support will be communicated via press release during the first quarter of the new year.

Bloomington Health Foundation would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. This year reminded us of how precious our health truly is. As we head into holiday celebrations and a new year, it's important to remember to continue to prioritize your health - both your mental and physical health. Doing this will allow you to begin 2022 with your best foot forward! Happy Holidays to you and yours!

TOGETHER for a healthier TOMORROW