House District 94 update for the week of Jan. 26
House Bill 1058, which I co-authored, passed out of the House unanimously this week and has been referred to the Senate for consideration. HB 1058 requires facilities to take breast tissue density into account when performing a mammography as dense tissue makes it difficult to spot signs of breast cancer in mammograms.
This bill will save lives. Period. Traditional mammography doesn’t always catch the cancer, particularly for women with a higher density breast tissue. This bill gives more women a better chance at early detection, which increases the survival rate by 93%. A mammogram alone may not be enough to catch cancer before it has a chance to develop into stage 3 or stage 4. We need to do everything we can to give Hoosier women the best chance of survival we can, and House Bill 1058 does just that.
Additionally, this bill expands the definition of breast reconstruction to include aesthetic flat closure and chest wall reconstruction. Survivors of breast cancer deserve the dignity of breast reconstruction after enduring painful treatment to win their battle against cancer. By adding chest wall reconstruction and aesthetic flat closure to the definition of breast reconstruction, most insurance agencies will cover the procedure. This will allow survivors to rebuild their lives after cancer with less discomfort.
2024 Meet the Artists - All-Star Experience Art Exhibition
The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee is hosing the 36th annual Meet the Artists event. The Art Exhibit will be displayed from Wednesday, Jan. 31 until Saturday, March 23. The opening gala reception will take place at Central Library (40 East St. Clair Street) on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 5:15 - 10 p.m., during the NBA All-Star weekend, which inspired the theme of this years exhibition.
I cannot wait to see the work of our talented local artists this year. All events are free and open to the public! Click the link here for more information.
DCS Black History Month Program and Celebration
The Department of Child Services' (DCS) is hosting a Black History Month event and celebration will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 am to 1 pm at Flanner House's Ujamaa Community Bookstore in Indianapolis, located at 2424 Martin Luther King Jr. St. Everyone in the community is invited to attend the event. This event is held to recognize and pay tribute to members of the Black community who have inspired others with their work. Maurice Broaddus, an Indianapolis native, Purdue graduate, will present and author of Unfadeable and The Usual Suspects. He will also hold a question-and-answer session and book-signing.
DCS Black History Month Essay Contests
DCS is also hosting an Essay Contest. The essay must be about the Black community’s paramount influence on visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, film, music and other forms of cultural expression. The essay should focus how Black artists preserved history and community memory as well as empowerment. There are three different categories for elementary, middle and high school students. Entries must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 2. Click here to access the application form. Email both the form and essay to grtchen.grier@dcs.in.gov. One winner will be chosen for each category and the winners will be announced at the DCS Black History Month event.
Warm Winter Gear Drive
Now through Feb. 9, Ascension Living St. Vincent PACE is collecting winter gear such as new or like-new hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters, socks and coats to help seniors who are unable to secure these necessities on their own. With the bitter cold we have seen so far this winter, our vulnerable populations such as seniors need winter gear to keep warm. Drop off is available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Ascension Living St. Vincent PACE located at 5435 W. Pike Plaza Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254.
Blood Cancer in the Black Community education dinner
Mark your calendars! On Thursday, February 22 the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be holding a free dinner to educate people in Indianapolis about blood cancer in the black community. The event will take place from 6 to 8 pm at Maggiano’s Little Italy located at 3550 E 86th St.
This program is intended to spread awareness about what types of blood cancers members of the black community are most likely to be diagnosed with and how to reduce risk factors. Additionally, the presenters will provide information what to do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with blood cancer, how to find quality care and methods to communicate effectively throughout the process.
Registration for this event will be opening soon. If you have questions or would like early access, please contact Lauren Fryzel at lauren.fryzel@lls.org or 248-581-3891. For more information about blood cancer now, you can visit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website at LLS.org.
Shalom Health Care Center
Shalom Health Care Center is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through the power of collaboration. Reaching individuals where they are is critical to connecting people to quality health care. Shalom is happy to offer presentations conducted by their experts at your agency or organization. Whether it's educating staff on preventive healthcare measures or providing valuable information directly to your clients, reach out to Shalom today to set up a time for them to reach your community. To easily connect with our health care services, I have included this referral form down below.
Drive & Dish
If you or someone you know is struggling with food insecurity, the Pacer’s Foundation and the Division of Community Nutrition and Food Policy supports a free program called Drive & Dish funded by Coach Rick Carlisle in pursuit of food equity. This program provides a family sized box with free groceries full of fresh fruits and vegetables to bring nourishing food to families in need. See the flyer below for more details about eligibility and pick up locations!
Energy Assistance Program
The winter can bring struggles to keep up with higher electricity bills to keep your house warm and the lights on longer. The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) offers the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for those struggling to afford high energy costs and can help if you are disconnected or about to be. The EAP is a one-time annual benefit paid directly to the utility vendor for applicants who meet a certain income requirements. For more details on the program, eligibility and application visit the IHCDA website today.
Resources Available at the Marion County Public Health Department
The Marion County Public Health Department is a health and hospital corporation that serves all residents and visitors of Marion County. MCPH offers a range of mental, emotional and physical health services.
Some of the services offered at each clinic include immunizations, TB testing, blood pressure screening, general health counseling or a referral for community services. The MCPHD also offers prenatal care coordination for women who are pregnant. Children who are under 18 must have a parent or guardian with them to receive services. You should also bring a copy of your shot record, a Medicaid or insurance card and your ID.
MCHPD has four clinic locations: the Northeast District clinic, the South District clinic, the Action Health Center and the Eagledale Plaza. All four clinics are open Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tues. and Thurs. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To find a certain clinic’s contact information, please visit
https://marionhealth.org/.