Louisiana Department of Health

Rosemary Westwood is examining public health in Louisiana for Verite News as part of The New York Times’ Local Investigations Fellowship. She seeks to understand how policy changes, including prohibiting state employees from promoting vaccines and embracing criticism of Covid measures, have impacted residents' everyday lives. Input is requested from families, healthcare providers, and anyone with experience helping shape policies for the Louisiana Department of Health.

Phenomune, a biotechnology company, and the Louisiana Department of Health announced a statewide initiative this summer. The program offers residents access to no-cost test kits that provide personalized immune insights. These resources are intended to support residents in making more informed health decisions.

Louisiana's Act 859 is increasing Medicaid payments for independent rural health clinics by $41.50 this fiscal year and next, assuming federal approval. While provider Herndon Jeansonne appreciated the increase, rural hospital owners argue that the pay bump gives independently owned clinics a competitive edge, putting rural hospitals at a financial disadvantage.

Louisiana's Act 859 increases Medicaid payments for independent rural health clinics by $41.50 this fiscal year and next, assuming federal government approval. Independent provider Herndon “Buzz” Jeansonne welcomed the rate increase, stating it would have prevented him from selling his businesses. However, some owners of rural hospitals argue that the raise gives independently owned clinics a financial edge over their own facilities.

Louisiana's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients dropped by 21% since June 2025, with 166,000 fewer people receiving benefits. The decline is attributed to procedural issues like incomplete documentation rather than work requirements or citizenship verification under recent welfare cuts. A single mother in Baton Rouge reported losing benefits due to a caseworker error, highlighting systemic challenges.

The Louisiana Department of Health reported 125 cases of cyclosporiasis statewide as of August 4, with six hospitalizations and no deaths recorded in the state.

The text discusses the approval of eight U.S. states for the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund (RTCF) program. These states are Alaska, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Connecticut. The program aims to support rural technological advancements and infrastructure development, with specific initiatives highlighted in Alaska and Louisiana. The Rural Health Transformation Fund (RHTF) is also mentioned as a related initiative. Key stakeholders include Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Innovate, and the Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability.

The town of Gramercy in Louisiana declared a boil water advisory after a broken water main caused unsafe pressure levels. The advisory remains in effect until water samples are confirmed safe by the Louisiana Department of Health, with residents urged to boil tap water before use.

The Louisiana Department of Health warns residents about a recall of 1,589,577 dozen shell eggs by Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. due to potential salmonella contamination. Affected eggs were sold at Kroger and Brookshire Grocery stores in Louisiana, with specific carton codes and dates listed.

Louisiana reported seven heat-related deaths through July 2026, with six occurring in June and one in July. The data was provided by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Homeless individuals in New Orleans face extreme heat with temperatures reaching a heat index of 115°F, exacerbating challenges for those without shelter. The area has 1,563 homeless people across Orleans and Jefferson parishes, and rising temperatures combined with humidity pose severe health risks, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities.

Louisiana WIC is transitioning to a new online system with EBT cards starting August 1, 2026, enabling remote benefit management and improving convenience for participants. The system allows WIC clinics to issue quarterly benefits remotely, and participants will receive new EBT cards starting in June 2026.

Homeless individuals in New Orleans face extreme heat with temperatures reaching 115°F, exacerbating health risks. Victor Tate, unsheltered for over a decade, describes limited relief under the Pontchartrain Expressway. Over 1,563 people experience homelessness in Orleans and Jefferson parishes, with rising heat-related health issues impacting vulnerable populations like seniors.

Louisiana residents receiving SNAP benefits can now purchase hot meals or prepared foods through Aug. 13 due to a temporary waiver following Tropical Storm Arthur. The waiver, approved by the USDA, applies statewide and does not provide additional funding, as the state prepares for a second approaching storm, Tropical Storm Bertha.

Louisiana's SNAP recipients can purchase hot or prepared foods through August 13, 2026, under a USDA-approved waiver following Tropical Storm Arthur. The waiver temporarily lifts the usual restriction prohibiting SNAP benefits from buying hot foods, though restaurant meals remain ineligible.

The Louisiana Department of Health reported a fourth heat-related death in Louisiana this year, with victims located in Northeast Louisiana, Northshore, and Acadiana regions.

Louisiana confirmed its first 2026 West Nile virus case in Ouachita Parish, with infected mosquitoes detected in 13 parishes. The U.S. is experiencing its worst early-season West Nile surge in two decades, with 48 national cases reported by June 30, including 38 severe cases.

Louisiana has reported 55 cyclosporiasis cases with 5 hospitalizations and no deaths. The CDC notes 1,645 confirmed domestic cases since May 1, 2026, with over 5,100 under investigation. The parasite spreads via contaminated food/water, especially fresh produce, and prevention includes thorough washing and hygiene practices.

Louisiana Department of Health inspections found critical violations at seven restaurants in East Baton Rouge Parish. The violations led to citations for the affected establishments.

Louisiana health officials report 23 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing explosive diarrhea, with one hospitalization and no deaths. The CDC tracks 145 domestic cases across 17 states, including a large outbreak in Michigan with over 700 cases, though no single source has been identified.

Louisiana reports 23 cases of Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic food poisoning illness linked to contaminated food, with one hospitalization and no deaths. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends washing produce to reduce risk, as symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and nausea.

Elected leaders in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, are responding to an 87-page report identifying 24 alleged violations at Northern Louisiana Medical Center (NLMC). The report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and CMS could lead to the hospital's Medicare provider agreement termination in 2026 if deficiencies are not corrected, with the operator, Allegiance Health Management, facing financial challenges.

Louisiana's summer temperatures have risen since 1970, with record heat-related deaths and emergency room visits in recent years. Climate Central reports average summer temperature increases of 4.1 degrees in New Orleans and 4.3 degrees in Shreveport. In 2023, 88 heat-related deaths and 6,187 ER visits were recorded.

A Louisiana audit found the state returned $111 million in unused federal WIC benefits from 2021-24, ranking 50th nationally for participation. The audit highlights barriers like limited clinic hours, insufficient outreach, and lack of mobile clinics, urging expansion to improve access for low-income mothers and babies.

A Louisiana audit found nearly half of federal WIC food assistance for low-income mothers and children went unredeemed, with over $111 million returned to the USDA. The report recommends expanding access through mobile clinics, off-site appointments, and additional WIC clinics in underserved parishes to address barriers like limited hours and outreach efforts.

Eleven people in Louisiana have fallen ill after consuming raw milk, with two hospitalized, prompting an investigation by the Louisiana Department of Health. The illnesses are linked to bacterial infections from three raw milk operations, though selling raw milk for human consumption is illegal in the state.

The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating 11 illnesses linked to raw milk consumption, with two hospitalizations reported. The cases involve campylobacteriosis and cryptosporidiosis and are associated with three milking operations in Louisiana.

A Louisiana bill awaiting Governor Jeff Landry’s signature would allow local communities to vote on removing fluoride from their drinking water systems. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Fesi, replaces a law requiring 15% of voters to petition to keep fluoride out, instead enabling elections for removal decisions. Opponents, including the Louisiana Dental Association, argue fluoride improves dental health, while Fesi claims it poses health risks.

Louisiana lawmakers deferred a resolution aimed at addressing the state's high maternal mortality rates, which are more than double the national average. The resolution, HCR 110, sought to review preventable deaths, racial disparities, and gaps in healthcare access, including rural hospital closures and Medicaid coverage issues.

Pennsylvania will implement Medicaid work requirements in 2027, requiring adults aged 19-64 without children under 14 to work, volunteer, or study 80 hours monthly to retain coverage. The state faces budget and staffing challenges, with 6,000 employees needing retraining and $50 million allocated for technology upgrades. Exceptions include individuals in foster care, those with substance use disorders, pregnant women, and veterans with 100% disability.