Shackleford’s Summary: Bi-Weekly Report for District 98
Sept.9-Sept.22
Welcome to Shackleford’s Summary, my bi-weekly newsletter, where I will provide legislative and community updates for you as your state representative for Eastern Indianapolis. Please reach out to my office at h98@iga.in.gov if you have any questions, concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.
Sept. 11 Memorial Speech
Last week, I gave a 9/11 memorial speech at American Legion Post 249. The commemoration recognized the tragedy’s heroes and victims. At the event, attendees shared their thoughts and read aloud some personal recollections. It was an honor to speak in memorial of Sept. 11, 2001.
In my speech, I discussed the courage of our first responders, caring for those in grief and America’s unification. The following statement captures the sentiment of my words in memory of Sept. 11:
“Yet we know that the worst images are those that were not seen by America. As we sit and cherish this moment, we think about the empty seats at the dinner tables, the children who have grown up without a mother, father or parents who will never get to know or feel the feeling of their child's embrace. 3,000 citizens of this country were taken from us on this day: leaving us with a yawning hole in our hearts.
On this day 22 years ago, we as citizens came together and welcomed the grieving with open arms. No matter what race or ethnicity you presented as, we came together and united as one family. After the attack, our world changed; we now have different departments and agencies to ensure our safety in America such as Homeland Security. We were eventually headed to war, and we had never seen patriotism like we saw on that day and the days beyond.”
It was uplifting to join fellow Hoosiers to commemorate the lives we lost over two decades ago. We will always remember the first responders, the citizens and the soldiers who perished because of this tragedy. We will never forget.
Interim Public Health Committee
Last weekend, the Interim Study Committee on Public Health, behavioral health and Human Services met for the second time. At the meeting, the committee discussed the Department of Veterans Affairs, mental health and the Indiana Sheriff’s Association. We listened to testimonies and presentations about the agencies operations and potential ways they can improve their services.
Concerning mental health, the committee took a deeper look into major depression disorder and alternative treatment options. Many first responders, veterans and other individuals who’ve experienced some form of trauma develop depression that is resistant to regular treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). During this meeting, the committee reviewed a promising alternative treatment—psilocybin. Found in certain types of mushrooms, small doses of psilocybin significantly reduce depressive symptoms. Hundreds of clinical studies have examined the use of psilocybin and confirmed its positive effects. The United States Food and Drug administration has given the treatment the status of “breakthrough therapy.” Multiple doctors provided insight into the treatment and supported its usage. The goal of this meeting was to create policies that could enable safe access to psilocybin. It’s important that we learn how to best help Hoosiers who need our support.
The Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services meets again on October 18. For the full meeting agenda, click here.
OPTIONS class help Indiana women, girls amplify their voices
Applications are now open for the OPTIONS Class 2023. Created by the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, the OPTIONS program is designed to help participants understand critical issues facing women and girls, and learn to use their talents to create a stronger, safer community for Hoosier women and girls.
This is a 10-month program featuring monthly two-hour sessions which include guest speakers, field trips and leadership development.
For more information, you can attend an in-person session on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, 615 N. Alabama Street, or a virtual session on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from noon to 1 p.m. For more information on the program and the sessions, click here.
Obesity— a silently growing epidemic
Below is an opinion editorial I submitted to The Legislator, the magazine for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. The topic covers the epidemic of obesity which disproportionately affects minority communities. During the 2024 session, I hope to expand Hoosiers support network for their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Obesity has become a major health concern across the United States-including Indiana- where around 70% of the population is medically classified as overweight or obese, according to Global Data’s 2023 report. However, the responsibility for this alarming statistic cannot be solely attributed to the people of Indiana. Many Hoosiers want to lead healthier lifestyles, but they have limited public and private support. Biased attitudes toward obesity have contributed to the state's inactivity in addressing the issue. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2009 highlighted the link between weight stigma and state legislative initiatives. Often, state legislation ignores the societal and environmental causes of obesity, treating it as an individual responsibility. This individualistic approach has prevented the expansion of public action, healthcare, and government initiatives.
Upon closer inspection of any national report, it becomes evident that the state of Indiana lacks robust health initiatives. According to the United Health Foundation’s Rankings Annual Report, Indiana ranks 45th overall in public health funding. On average, the state spends $76 per person on public health, while the leading state, New Hampshire, spends $119. Indiana also ranks poorly in terms of preventive clinical services and access to healthcare. The state has low rates of nutrition education, and K-12 students nationwide receive less than 8 hours of required nutrition education each year. Although there is no federal law mandating nutrition education, Indiana has not filled the gap with its laws. Even though the state has a comprehensive plan for nutrition and physical activity, it does not extend past 2020. Hoosiers are not being given the resources they need for a healthy lifestyle.
Compared to their white counterparts, minority communities, especially the Black community, have even fewer resources. In Indiana, the Richard Fairbanks Foundation found that Black adults have a 31% higher prevalence of obesity . Unfortunately, these communities usually have the worst access to healthcare, fresh produce, and fitness centers. The Indy food Policy Organization found in Marion County alone, Black residents are more likely than any other race to live in a food desert. A lack of access to healthy food has increased their risk of obesity, which is mainly caused by a poor diet. In healthcare, implicit weight bias is an ongoing problem that is compounded by racial prejudice. People of color face disparities in access to healthcare, quality of care, and health outcomes. Due to both race and weight being stigmatized, Black Hoosiers who struggle with their weight may receive inadequate care.
The obesity epidemic in America has resulted in numerous negative consequences, both figuratively and literally. Obesity-related chronic illnesses have had a significant impact on the economy and workforce. In 2022, Indiana alone suffered a loss of $9.3 billion due to reduced economic activity caused by obesity related issues. Obesity has also been linked to higher rates of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and other serious health complications. To make matters worse, weight stigma can increase the likelihood of unemployment. Studies have shown that men and women with obesity have a 7% and 20% less chance of employment, respectively. In Indiana, this translates to 58,000 people being excluded from the workforce. Until we effectively address this epidemic, the physical, mental, and economic well-being of citizens will continue to suffer.
Over the past decade, there have been several national solutions proposed to address the growing epidemic of obesity. However, statehouses across the country have been blocking progress. In 2023, I wrote House Bill 1097, which aimed to establish a healthy food incubator program to provide underserved communities with better access to healthy food options. Unfortunately, this bill was heard but not put to a vote in committee. Other proposed solutions include expanding nutrition education, increasing physical activity in schools, and encouraging business investments in employee well-being. As we are stewards of the future, we must take care of our residents' physical and mental health. Therefore, during the 2024 legislative session, I urge my colleagues to invest in the health of our constituents by implementing some of these solutions. It's high time for Indiana to catch up with the rest of the nation, and for other states to follow suit.
Neighborhood Grant Program applications available soon
On Oct. 9, applications for the fourth round of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Grant Program will become available. This round, the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center will be able to award more than one grant per neighborhood.
These grants focus on neighborhood spaces, public art, community events and beautification. The goal is to enhance engagement and development for neighborhoods and neighborhood-based organizations. The grants are made possible through funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The deadline for applications is Monday, November 13 at 5 p.m. For more information, click here.
Sincerely,
Robin Shackleford, State Representative of District 98