The Indiana Public Health Association (IPHA) has recognized Karen Hinshaw, associate director for Connections IN Health, as a Public Health Hero. She was nominated by Dennis Savaiano, PhD, who serves as the director for Connections IN Health.
“Karen has done a remarkable job building Connections IN Health over the past three years, more than quadrupling participation in the Indiana Department of Health-supported state health coalitions,” said Savaiano, who is the Virginia Claypool Meredith Professor of Nutrition Policy at Purdue University. “She has effectively integrated the functioning of these coalitions and moved their activities to support local health coalitions.”
Connections IN Health was developed by the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) in order to improve the health of Indiana residents. The program is led by the Indiana CTSI’s Community Health Partnership program through community-university collaborations and community-based health research. Connections IN Health includes four initiatives: the Indiana Joint Asthma Coalition; Cancer Control, Prevention and Equity; Hoosier Health and Wellness Alliance; and the Cardiovascular and Diabetes Coalition of Indiana.
“I am honored to have been selected as a public health hero, although the entire Connections IN Health team deserves the credit for all of the growth and success,” said Hinshaw. “It has been a pleasure to work beside team members, community members, and partners across the state to provide connections and resources to help people in Indiana to live happier, healthier lives.”
IPHA’s mission is to strengthen health equity and the well-being of all across the state of Indiana. They are accepting nominations each month to feature more of Indiana’s public health heroes. Use this form to nominate a peer or colleague!
