Porter's Publication: Monthly News for May
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Observed since 1949, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Each year Mental Health America releases a toolkit and selects a theme. The theme for 2024 is “Where to Start” which helps those who are “struggling with the pressure of today’s world, feeling alone, or wondering if they can feel better this is Where to Start.” A link to the toolkit is available here.
Mental Health Awareness Month is crucial since it educates people about available services, advocates for those who are struggling and reduces the stigma surrounding mental illness. A simple conversation can inspire someone to look for treatment options or mental health care. It’s important that we normalize the discussion as much as possible since nearly one in five U.S. adults have a mental health condition.
In Indianapolis, there are resources available for those who are struggling. Locations you can visit or call if you need assistance in Marion County include the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center, Indy Behavioral Health, Mental Health America of Indiana, IU Behavioral Health Care, Community Health Network and Telehealth. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can dial 9-88 to connect with a trained responder. As always please contact my office at (317)232-9875 or h96@iga.in.gov.
Community Action Relief Effort Mobile Food Pantry
During the summer, Gleaner’s operates the Community Action Relief Effort (CARE) Mobile Food Pantry. Gleaner’s is the largest hunger relief organization in Indiana, and they are one of the 200-member food banks in the Feeding America Network. It’s important that we do everything we can to fight hunger in Indiana as one in eight Hoosiers are facing hunger.
CARE Mobile runs from June 1 to August 31. They’re open to the public and drive-thru food distributions are available. The mobile food pantries are open at the following three locations across Indianapolis: John Marshall (10101 East 38th Street), 75th and Shadeland hosted by (7427 North Shadeland Avenue) and Avondale Meadows YMCA (3908 Meadows Drive). Dates and times vary according to location but can found on the attached flyer.
Individuals interested in volunteering with Gleaner’s can visit gleaners.org/volunteer/. As always, please contact my office with any additional questions at (317)232-9875 or h96@iga.in.gov.
Topics Chosen for Interim Study Committees
Each year during the break between legislative sessions, study committees take a deeper look into issues around the Hoosier state. Topics are recommended by members of the Indiana General Assembly and voted on by the four caucus leaders. The goal of studying these specific topics is to create a report summarizing our findings or draft potential legislation for the next session.
This summer we will be looking at a broad range of topics including artificial intelligence, road funding, student absenteeism, school discipline, child safety within the Department of Child Services (DCS) and more. The Medicaid Oversight Committee will also meet this interim following the $1 billion Medicaid shortfall. A full list of topics is available at www.iga.in.gov.
I’m excited to review the topics selected and learn more about the best way to serve and provide for our area. If you have any questions or concerns regarding interim topics, contact my office at (317)232-9875 or h96@iga.in.gov.
Thank you for coming to my tree giveaway!
Thank you to everyone who came to the Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market for my tree sapling giveaway. I enjoyed the laughter, conversation and time with members of our community. We gave away over 300 saplings of multiple varieties including Paw paw, Persimmon, Norway Spruce, Oak and Black Chestnut. I hope to see you at my sapling giveaway next spring!
Relevant Articles
Lawmakers to study absenteeism, artificial intelligence; cannabis not on the agenda
Medicaid rolls higher than pre-pandemic enrollment as unwinding concludes
Hoosiers Are Paying More Than People In Other States For Hospital Care
https://wibc.com/341883/hoosiers-are-paying-more-than-people-in-other-states-for-hospital-care/
Voter turnout in Central Indiana continues to trend low for primary elections
https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/voter-turnout-in-central-indiana-continues-to-trend-low
In service,
State Rep. Gregory W. Porter