Department of Health | State of Louisiana

Emergency Preparedness

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Social Distancing

Fight the Bite

Medicaid Information

Emergency Preparedness

Helping you plan, prepare and get up-to-date information, including guidance and mental health resources for storm readiness during COVID-19.

Also visit Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The CDC, as well as the Office of Public Health, have been proactively preparing for the introduction of this virus since it was first identified in China earlier this year.

For COVID-19 Alerts Text LACOVID to 67283

If you have questions about coronavirus, please contact the Louisiana 211 Network by dialing dial 211. Or, text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211 for the most current information about the outbreak as it becomes available.

Social Distancing

Maintain a Social Distance of 6ft. Social distancing means keeping 6ft. of physical space between yourself and others. This helps to prevent the spread of illness.

Fight the Bite

Protect yourself and your loved ones this season from mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus by taking steps to prevent mosquito breeding and protecting yourself from bites. Click to learn how.

Medicaid Information

Are you eligible for Medicaid? Learn how to apply and choose a health plan or doctor.

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Quick Links

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Recent News

LDH Blog: Recovery Month 2020: No longer 'loitering with the intent to recover'

September 28, 2020

"I slowly drank and drugged my way out of one high school and into another. I partied my way out of LSU as a freshman and continued to watch opportunities evaporate before my eyes," Daniel Freedman writes of his experiences with addiction.

LSU, LDH community primary care clinic bridges the gap after Hurricane Laura

September 28, 2020

With many primary care offices in southwestern Louisiana still closed due to damage from Hurricane Laura, the Louisiana Department of Health is partnering with the LSU Family Medicine Residency Program of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital to offer basic services until most clinics can resume operations.

LDH reopens some oyster beds closed due to tropical weather

September 26, 2020

The Louisiana Department of Health will reopen oyster beds in areas 3, 4 and 5 beginning at sunrise on Sunday, September 26, 2020. Areas 1, 2, 6 and 7 will remain closed due to effects from Hurricane Sally.

Medicaid Annual Reports

September 25, 2020

Annual reports from Louisiana's Medicaid program (Bureau of Health Services Financing).

Federal stimulus checks will not affect eligibility for state assistance programs

September 24, 2020

If you have not received your Economic Impact Payment (federal stimulus check), you are not alone. About 300,000 Louisianans have not received their stimulus checks.

LDH to reopen some oyster beds closed due to tropical weather

September 23, 2020

The Louisiana Department of Health will reopen oyster beds in areas 26-28 beginning at sunrise on Thursday, September 23, 2020. Areas 1-7 will remain closed due to effects from Hurricane Sally.

Calcasieu Parish Health Unit delays COVID testing and suspends emergency vaccines today due to inclement weather

September 23, 2020

Due to inclement weather in southwest Louisiana this morning, the Region 5 Office of Public Health is canceling emergency vaccines at the Calcasieu Parish Health Unit today. COVID-19 testing will be delayed until noon.

LDH Blog: Recovery Month 2020: But for His grace

September 22, 2020

"By the age of 25, I had been raped, discarded into a canal and left for dead. I had been incarcerated, was living on the streets and had almost lost my life during an overdose," Lori Stone writes. "I had to bury one of my children because of my addiction and an abusive relationship I was in."

Gov. Edwards Declares State of Emergency in Advance of Tropical Storm Beta

September 21, 2020

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency in advance of Tropical Storm Beta, which could impact Louisiana in the coming days, allowing the state to assist local governments with their response needs.

Emergency Order: Healthcare Facility Notice/Order

September 18, 2020

This Emergency Order shall be effective immediately, beginning 5:00 p.m. on September 18, 2020, and shall remain in effect until further notice from the State Health Officer.

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