The Wellness Council of Indiana has officially redesignated Orange County as an Indiana Healthy Community for another two-year period. Indiana Healthy Communities (IHC) is the Wellness Council’s evidence-based collaboration process designed to help communities focus on implementing and sustaining a culture of well-being to spur economic vitality. This recognition highlights the county’s continued commitment to improving the health, well-being, and quality of life for its residents.

Orange County was recognized for this achievement at the Indiana Wellness Summit on September 11, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville. Shannon Cangey, Director of Grants & Special Projects for Southern Indiana Community Health Care, represented Orange County to accept the redesignation.

“This redesignation is a reflection of the hard work of many community partners and organizations that are dedicated to strengthening Orange County as a place where residents can thrive personally and professionally,” said Skylar Whiteman, Executive Director of the Orange County Economic Development Partnership. “From expanding access to childcare and transportation to encouraging businesses to become AchieveWELL certified, Orange County continues to take measurable steps toward building a stronger, healthier future.”

The redesignation follows the implementation of the Orange County Healthy Community Action Plan, which focuses on initiatives such as:

• Encouraging more businesses to participate in the AchieveWELL program, with a goal of tripling the number of certified workplaces in Orange County.

• Expanding access to public transportation by increasing community outreach and ridership on Orange County Transit and Safe Haven routes.

• Supporting families by working with the Orange County Early Learning Coalition to increase available childcare seats by 10% across the county.

These efforts are driven by a coalition of partners including the Orange County Economic Development Partnership, Orange County Community Foundation, Safe Haven Recovery Engagement Center, Southern Indiana Community Health Care, Lost River Co-op & Café, Springs Valley Bank & Trust, Orange County Purdue Extension, Thrive Orange County, and the Orange County Health Department.

The Wellness Council of Indiana’s Healthy Community Initiative recognizes communities that embrace a culture of health and well-being, providing residents with greater access to resources that promote a higher quality of life.

For more information about the Indiana Healthy Community designation or to learn how businesses and organizations can get involved, contact the Orange County Economic Development Partnership at 936-3388!

News Story Courtesy:

Orange County Economic Development Partnership