LTADD Provides Grant Administration for New Marion County Health Center

At LTADD, we are always excited to support projects that provide a direct, positive impact on the quality of life for our residents, and the new Marion County Health Center in Lebanon is no exception. We were proud to join our partners at the Lincoln Trail District Health Department (LTDHD) and Marion County Board of Health to celebrate a major milestone: the official groundbreaking for the center.

This project demonstrates the impact of local collaboration, strategic planning, and effective grant administration.

“Expanding access to public health services is vital for the growth and resilience of our community,” said Sara Jo Best, Public Health Director for the Lincoln Trail District Health Department. “This new facility will allow us to better serve the people of Marion County with the modern resources and care they deserve and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure and expanding access to essential services. We are grateful for the partnerships that have turned this vision into a reality.”

The path to this groundbreaking was paved through years of local collaboration, including efforts from LTADD member Marion County Fiscal Court, which successfully secured a competitive $750,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) on behalf of the Marion County Board of Health. These funds, provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are specifically designed to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and there is no environment more critical than a modern public health facility.

“This new health center is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for the future of our citizens,” Marion County Judge/Executive David Daugherty said. “By securing this funding and partnering with LTADD and the Health Department, we are ensuring that Marion County families have access to top-tier care in a modern facility they can be proud of. This is a great day for the health and longevity of our community.”

As the designated administrator for this grant, LTADD’s CRED Team is working closely with county leadership to ensure every dollar is utilized effectively to build a facility that will serve Marion County for generations. CRED Division Director Krista Levee and Jake Simmerer, City & County Services Director, were on site to share in the groundbreaking celebration. 

The groundbreaking ceremony was a true community event, bringing together:

• Local Leadership: Including Marion County Judge/Executive David Daugherty and Marion County Fiscal Court Magistrates and other officials.
• Health Experts: Current and former Board of Health members and dedicated LTDHD staff.
• Community Partners: Key stakeholders who recognize that a healthy workforce and healthy families are the backbone of a thriving county.

Through our CRED (Community & Regional Economic Development) Division, LTADD specializes in navigating the complex requirements of federal and state grants like the CDBG. By handling the administrative heavy lifting.

“This new facility represents an investment in the health and well-being of our community, now and for years to come,” the Health Department shared. LTADD shares that vision, and we look forward to seeing the doors open on this vital new space in Marion County.

Want to learn more about how LTADD helps secure and manage community grants? Check out our Local Government Support page to see other opportunities to improve communities in the Lincoln Trail Region.