Southern Indiana Health Foundation
FLOYD MEMORIAL FOUNDATION BECOMES
SOUTHERN INDIANA HEALTH FOUNDATION
After nearly five decades of service, the nonprofit formerly known as Floyd Memorial Foundation ushers in a new era of impact by making prevention its defining focus.
New Albany, IN (September 17, 2025)--After nearly five decades of serving Southern Indiana, the Floyd Memorial Foundation is stepping into a new era with a new name and focus. Now known as the Southern Indiana Health Foundation (SIHF), the nonprofit will lead a regional effort to improve health outcomes by centering its work on prevention—with mental health as its top priority.
Founded in 1978 to raise funds for Floyd Memorial Hospital (now Baptist Health Floyd), the nonprofit has evolved into a prevention-focused foundation, investing in community-based programs that strengthen children, families, and communities in SIHF service area before crisis occurs.
“While we will continue to support important healthcare outcomes at Baptist Health Floyd, our board has taken a bold step to focus on investing in programs that address the root causes of health problems before they escalate,” said Jessica Staten, Executive Director of SIHF. “Prevention saves lives, improves quality of life, and reduces the heavy costs of crisis care. It means fewer hospital visits, lower suicide risk, stronger families, and safer communities.”
Leveraging data from community needs assessments by Baptist Health Floyd and the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, SIHF identified mental health as the most urgent area where prevention can make the greatest difference. Surveys, demographic data, and conversations with local leaders consistently point to substance use, anxiety and depression, suicide, trauma, and lack of family support services as areas of deep concern.
“During my 24 years on the bench, I saw firsthand the toll untreated mental illness takes on families and children,” said J. Terrence Cody, retired Floyd County, Indiana Circuit Court Judge and Board Chair of SIHF. “Our board intentionally chose this new direction because this is where SIHF can make the greatest difference in our service area.”
This month, SIHF launched a new grant program focused on supporting initiatives in youth mental health, trauma recovery, substance abuse prevention and treatment, suicide prevention, and family services. Eligible nonprofits must serve Floyd, Clark, Washington, Crawford, Scott, or Harrison counties. Details and applications are available at soinhealthfoundation.org through September 30.
In 2024, SIHF awarded nearly $500,000 to 25 local organizations — including Brandon’s House Counseling Center, which expanded free counseling for teens and families, and 22Challenge.org, which provides free mental health support for veterans and first responders. These partnerships reflect SIHF’s prevention-first approach: empowering organizations that reach people early, reduce risks, and strengthen long-term well-being.
“We invite our neighbors, businesses, and partners to join us,” added Staten. “By working together, we can break cycles of crisis, strengthen families, and transform Southern Indiana into a model of resilience for generations to come.”
ABOUT SOUTHERN INDIANA HEALTH FOUNDATION
Founded as Floyd Memorial Foundation in 1978 with the mission of providing philanthropic support for Floyd Memorial Hospital, now Baptist Health Floyd. Southern Indiana Health Foundation has evolved and expanded its reach to encompass healthcare initiatives throughout the region. Today, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit has honed its focus to address the mental health needs of children and families in areas including substance abuse, trauma recovery, suicide prevention, family services, and more through education, prevention, and strategic partnerships. Learn more at www.soinhealthfoundation.org.
