HEALTH
Louisiana Health Department Alters Vaccine Promotion Strategy Amid Rising Concerns
State's shift in vaccine messaging comes as national political climate fuels vaccine skepticism
HEALTH
Louisiana Deserves Better from Our Leaders Than Anti-Vaccine Rhetoric
Louisiana has faced countless adversities—from hurricanes to health crises—but COVID-19 has presented an unprecedented test of resilience. In response, we should be learning from our mistakes and strengthening our public health systems.
LOCAL
East Baton Rouge Battles Opioid Crisis: Forum Urges Community Action
Hosted by Victoria’s Voice, the "Save Our Kids" forum featured personal stories of loss, expert insights, and strategies for tackling the opioid crisis at the grassroots level. One of the most poignant voices was that of Marilyn McCulley, whose daughter tragically died of an overdose in 2022.
LOCAL
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Unveils $2.5 Million Expansion in Gonzales to Meet Growing Cancer Care Needs
GONZALES, La. — The Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has announced a $2.5 million expansion at its Gonzales facility, aiming to significantly increase capacity and improve patient care for the Ascension Parish community. The expansion will add 6,000 square feet to the existing building on LA 30, including a
EDUCATION
Southern University School of Nursing Celebrates Historic Enrollment of Male Students
Baton Rouge, LA — The Southern University School of Nursing is making history with the enrollment of male students in its nursing program, marking a significant milestone for the institution. Under the leadership of Dean Sandra Brown, the program is not only expanding gender diversity but also transforming the lives of
HEALTH
Lawmakers Push for Expanded Sickle Cell Treatment Access in Rural Louisiana
BATON ROUGE, La. – Efforts to address the disparities in sickle cell disease treatment, particularly in rural Louisiana, gained momentum as a state task force highlights the urgent need for better healthcare access. With over 80 infants born annually with sickle cell disease in Louisiana—predominantly affecting the African-American community—patients
LOCAL
Forum Addresses Fentanyl Crisis and Its Widespread Impact
BATON ROUGE, La. – Fentanyl-related deaths in Baton Rouge have declined, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. However, the city continues to face a serious issue with counterfeit pills and fentanyl-laced drugs. Chief Deputy Chris McClure, who served in the narcotics division for 15 years, noted the evolving nature of
HEALTH
Louisiana Leads the Nation in Child Oral Health Issues, New Data Shows
SHREVEPORT, La. — Louisiana stands out nationwide for its high incidence of oral health problems among children, according to a recent analysis by orthodontists at Celebrate Dental & Braces. Drawing from the 2021 and 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health, the study focused on children aged 1 to 17 who
HEALTH
Louisiana Delta Community College Launches New Medical Program
Louisiana Delta Community College Launches New Medical Program MONROE, La. — Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) is set to launch a new Medical Lab Technician program this fall, aimed at providing students with immediate employment opportunities in the medical field upon completion. "Students will be able to secure jobs in
HEALTH
Woman’s Hospital Named a Best Place to Work by Modern Healthcare for 17th Year in a Row
Woman’s Hospital is excited to announce that it has once again been named one of the Best Places to Work by Modern Healthcare, making this the 17th consecutive year to receive this recognition. Woman’s is one of two hospitals in Louisiana to make the list and the only
HEALTH
An obscure drug discount program stifles use of federal lifeline by rural hospitals
BY: SARAH JANE TRIBBLE, KFF HEALTH NEWS Facing ongoing concerns about rural hospital closures, Capitol Hill lawmakers have introduced a spate of proposals to fix a federal program created to keep lifesaving services in small towns nationwide. In Anamosa, Iowa — a town of fewer than 6,000 residents located more