#USA #Indianapolis #Community Health #IPHCA #Mike Braun

Governor Mike Braun Honored with the Community Health Champion Award

On October 21, 2026, the leaders of the Indiana Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) presented Governor Mike Braun with the inaugural Community Health Champion Award at a ceremony in the Governor's Office. This award recognizes Braun's incredible commitment and long-standing support for the Indiana Community Health Centers, which serve nearly 900,000 residents across the state.

The Community Health Champion Award, named after Braun himself, is dedicated to acknowledging extraordinary efforts in supporting or serving these vital health centers. It reflects the collaborative work he has done during his time in the United States Senate and as Governor, reinforcing the importance of affordable healthcare access, especially for rural and underserved communities.

Ben Harvey, the executive director of IPHCA, articulated the significance of Braun's support. “The Governor’s dedication to Community Health Centers has transcended from Washington D.C. to the state government,” he stated. “He understands that strong local primary care is essential for a healthier Indiana.” This award symbolizes their commitment to listening to health center leaders and advocating for the patients and communities they serve.

In receiving the award, Governor Braun remarked, “I am honored to accept this award and grateful for the vital work that Community Health Centers provide in delivering affordable, quality care to Hoosiers. I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting healthcare access and supporting rural communities as we work together to create a healthier, more affordable Indiana.”

This year, Braun's commitment became particularly crucial as his administration exempted Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) from proposed changes to the Medicaid 340B program. This exemption safeguarded the resources that health centers reinvest in essential services such as affordable medications, mental health care, care coordination, clinical equipment, and many other services for Medicaid patients and uninsured Indiana residents.

“With the concerns raised by health centers regarding potential impacts on patients, Governor Braun listened and acted responsibly,” Harvey noted. “His leadership has safeguarded medical care for communities throughout Indiana, demonstrating the value of collaboration to arrive at practical solutions.”

Community health centers play a vital role in delivering comprehensive care without regard for a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. Their model merges primary and preventive care, offering additional services to help patients manage chronic diseases, access medications, and navigate barriers to treatment. With dependable funding and a sustainable Medicaid reimbursement system, these centers can maintain essential local access to healthcare and address health needs before they escalate into more severe and costly issues.

“Investing in health centers is synonymous with investing in access to healthcare while managing resources responsibly,” Harvey emphasized. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Governor Braun and his administration to uphold the healthcare system on which Hoosiers depend and to amplify the value provided by health centers.”

About IPHCA

The Indiana Primary Health Care Association represents Indiana's Community Health Centers, supporting them through advocacy, education, and operational assistance. These centers focus on delivering primary and preventive care alongside related services within urban and rural communities, regardless of insurance coverage or ability to pay. For further information, visit www.indianapca.org.