Indiana MPH invites statewide data community to Data Day 2023 The Indiana Management Performance Hub and Indiana Chief Data Officer Josh Martin invite the statewide data community to the sixth annual Data Day. Data Day 2023 is set for April 26 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at the Conference Center & Auditorium at the Indiana Government Center. Sessions will include presentations about innovative solutions using state data on topics such as education, workforce, equity, public health, drug epidemics and more. Additionally, we’ll host presenters covering a wide range of topics like data management, machine learning, data visualization and data science. We hope these sessions will help attendees stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in data. Data Day celebrates MPH’s collaborative and innovative approach to fostering a culture of collaboration and data-driven decision making between state agencies and key trusted partners. Join the celebration and learn more about how data continues to play an increasingly important role in state government.

On My Way Pre-K applications for 2023-2024 are now available

Applications are now available for the 2023-2024 school year for On My Way Pre-K, which is Indiana’s only state-sponsored prekindergarten program. The program provides a free, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-old children from lower-income families anywhere in the State of Indiana. If you know someone whose child might be eligible, or if your family may meet these requirements, we encourage you to apply today at OnMyWayPreK.org. For the 2023-2024 school year, a child is eligible for On My Way Pre-K if they: will be 4 years old by Aug. 1, 2023 plan to start kindergarten in the 2024-2025 school year live in a household with an income below 127% of the federal poverty level have parents or guardians who are working, attending job training or an educational program, looking for employment, or meet other requirements specified on this page. Families who need help working through the enrollment process or finding an approved pre-K program can go to navigate.onmywayprek.org to connect with a manager in their county.

Indiana Voices at the Indiana State Library seeking volunteers

Indiana Voices, a program of the Indiana State Library’s Talking Book and Braille Library, is currently seeking volunteers to narrate Indiana-related audiobooks.

Together with Indiana State Library staff, volunteers bring Hoosier words and voices to persons who cannot use standard printed materials due to a visual, physical or reading disability and live in the state of Indiana or across the country. Narrators will begin work on their titles outside of the studio. Once prepared, volunteers will arrive at the Indiana State Library in downtown Indianapolis and begin recording their narrations. 

Indiana is made up of many individual voices, representing different Hoosier communities, identities and experiences, all of which contribute to authentic interpretations of Indiana books. Volunteers from all the different communities and cultures in the state of Indiana are invited to apply. Volunteers are expected to work at least one hour every other week.

Click here to read a more in-depth description of the volunteering and recording processes, including a list of the most popular books so far this year that were recorded in the Indiana Voices studio. 

Those interested in learning more about volunteering with Indiana Voices as a narrator or as a monitor should visit the Indiana Voices website or contact Hannah Arnold, Indiana Voices director, via email.

WANTED: Wellness Champions

Are you passionate about personal health and wellness? Motivated to help others? Consider becoming a wellness champion at your agency!

Wellness Champions are motivated individuals who work to raise awareness of wellness resources, plan fun wellness events, and help promote a culture of wellness at their work location. As a Wellness Champion, you’ll join a network of likeminded state employees who share ideas and build momentum toward healthy habits in their agency.

Curious to know more?

Learn more about the responsibilities of a Wellness Champion, visit the Wellness Champions webpage, or contact Ashley Martin, asmartin@spd.in.gov with questions or to apply.

Wellness Rewards Program Webinars

Maximize Your Program presentation

Want to learn more about the 2023 Wellness Rewards Program? The Maximize Your Program presentation is the best place to learn more about the new rewards program and get your questions answered. Plus, employees and spouses eligible for wellness rewards can each earn $15 for attending.

Upcoming Webinars (all times are listed in Eastern Time)

• Thursday, March 23 - 2:30 p.m.
• Monday, March 27 - 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 28 - 2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 29  - 8 p.m.
• Thursday, March 30 - 10:30 a.m.

To register for a webinar, log into the ActiveHealth portal and navigate to the Rewards Center. Scroll down to the “Maximize Your Program Webinar” tile and follow the link to register.

Note: You must include your date of birth (MM-DD-YYYY) when registering to receive credit for attending the Maximize Your Program webinar. This information is required to match you in ActiveHealth's system.

Six more days of the March Team Challenge! Will your team make it to the top? You have until Monday, March 27, to keep logging those steps and exercise minutes, so keep up your team’s momentum. Remember—your goal is 15 exercise minutes and 10,000 steps each day, but you can help boost your team’s rank by doing even more! Go beyond your activity goal by logging up to 30 minutes of activity, and walk an extra 2,500 steps to push your team into the No. 1 spot. Need a little motivation? Schedule a team walk over lunches this week to get your group active together. Try parking further from the office. Use a restroom further away from your workspace. Take the stairs instead of elevators or escalators. Check your team’s progress. Visit the Team Challenge page in the ActiveHealth portal to view your team’s progress and see how you compare to other teams.

Performance & Goals upcoming trainings

All trainings will take place virtually via Microsoft Teams. Register for the trainings via SuccessFactors Learning.

April 6

• Creating SMART Performance Goals & Action Plans | 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Effective Evaluation at the Interim Review | 2 to 3:30 p.m.

April 13

• Effectively Managing the Working Test Period | 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Improving Poor Performance with Intervention | 2 to 3:30 p.m.

April 27

• Creating SMART Performance Goals & Action Plans | 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Effective Evaluation at the Interim Review | 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Subscribe to Hoosier History Highlights newsletter Hoosier History Highlights is a weekly publication, sent from the Indiana Statehouse Tour Office, that explores what happened on this day in Hoosier history.

2023 Farmworker Awareness Event March 28, 2023 11 a.m. Indiana Statehouse Celebrate the successes of Indiana Migrant Farmworkers in the people's house. There will be community vendors sharing information as well as a long sleeve shirt collection to give back to the Migrant Farmworkers to protect them from pesticides and the sun. Join us to celebrate with food and a special musical surprise!

Calling all slow-pitch softball players, coaches and fans

The Spring 2023 callout meeting for the state’s Co-Ed Recreational Softball League will be Thursday, March 30 at noon in Cardinal Hall conference room 12. Don’t have a team? Want to start a team for your agency? Want to get more information on how to enjoy a fun night of Softball? Come on out and join in the conversation! We will be maxing out the league at 15 teams, so don’t delay if you’re interested!

We play Wednesday nights at Chuck Klein Park, located at 4702 Rockville Road, Indianapolis, IN. There are double headers for five weeks, followed by a tournament week during each of our Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions. A traveling trophy is awarded to the winner of the tournament for each session, so build up your team and take a chance at being able to showcase the trophy in your office for a year!

For more than 30 years, the State Recreational Softball League has boasted a fun, competitive environment for state employees and their families to enjoy some exercise and comradery with individuals from over 15 state agencies. Whether you’re interested in playing, have a family member that wants to play, or you’re interested in watching and having a fun night, come on out to Chuck Klein — All are welcome!

If you have any questions about the league, or if you are interested in more information but cannot make the meeting, you can contact Sam Nance, co-commissioner at snance@sboa.in.gov or through text at 317-296-4387.

Save BIG on the Indy Mini! 

Save big for a limited time, $13.10 off Mini-Marathon & Mega Mini Challenge registrations.

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to save BIG when you register now through March 17! Use code SAVE1310 to take $13.10 OFF your 2023 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon or Mega Mini Challenge registration.

Are you ready to join us at one of America's Most Iconic Half Marathons? Experience an epic race in downtown Indianapolis, journey through the legendary 13.1-mile course, take a 2.5-mile lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and celebrate your victory with friends and family at the Post Race Party!

Now is the time to register. Indy Mini prices are increasing in April!

Registration now open for Camp Indiana Indiana believe it or not! Come join us for a week of summer fun! June 12-16 June 19-23 July 10-14 July 17-21 Campers must be between entering 2nd grade and entering 8th grade (ages 7-11). Spots available for 15 campers per session. $75 tuition fee. For questions and information on how to register, contact Bailey Hinton-Matthews at BHinton1@idoa.IN.gov.

Health Resources

Nutrition Tools

ActiveHealth | ActiveHealth has a team of health coaches, including registered dieticians, who can help you with nutrition changes. www.myactivehealth.com/stateofindiana. The ActiveHealth program is available to State of Indiana health plan members.

Indiana Farmers Markets | Indiana has almost 200 farmers markets throughout the state with nearly one in every county. Use this site to find a market near you! www.indianagrown.org/farmers-market

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Nutrition.gov is a USDA-sponsored website that offers credible information to help you make healthful eating choices. Resources you will find here include articles, recipes and more!

MyPlate Kitchen – Healthy Recipes | USDA’s MyPlate Kitchen offers a library of recipes, videos and articles to help you maintain a healthy diet. Search recipes by ingredients, course, food group, cooking equipment and more! www.myplate.gov/myplate-kitchen

State Employee Discounts

State employees receive discounts to a variety of businesses around Indiana. Check out a few of these discounts below. Make sure to visit the State Employee Discount page on our website to view all discounts!

Indiana Pacers State of Indiana employees can purchase discounted tickets to the Indiana Pacers game at the rates listed below. Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m. | Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Balcony Level: Starting at $15.40 Krieg Devault Corners: Starting at $56.10 Krieg Devault Centers: Starting at $71.50 Promo code: ISE2022

Price includes 10% Marion County Tax. Tickets are limited and subject to availability. All seat locations and purchases are processed instantly. Access your tickets from the Pacers App or on your mobile device at pacers.com/myaccount.

Questions? Contact Christian Evans at (317) 917-2766 or email cevans@pacers.com.

Indiana Beach State of Indiana employees can enjoy discounted tickets to Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park Resort! Head to IndianaBeach.com and use the discount code, 2023INDIANASE to save money on tickets all season long.