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Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Dr. Fred Cerise and other DHH medical directors say the increased tax on cigarettes proposed in the Legislature will lead to a decrease in cigarette smoking, particularly among young smokers and potential smokers.
The swim advisories issued for the water at Martin Beach and sections at Holly Beach have been lifted. The advisories were issued because high levels of potentially unsafe bacteria were found in the water at these locations. However, water samples tested during the past seven days show the water is now acceptable for swimming.
Under new guidelines proposed by the Department of Health and Hospitals, four-person families earning in excess of $58,000 will no longer qualify for free services under the state’s EarlySteps program.
A swimming advisory has been issued for the beach water at Martin Beach and for four areas of Holly Beach in Cameron Parish. This advisory is being issued because water samples collected at this location showed high levels of enteric bacteria, which comes from the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. The swim advisories issued on May 6 for Hackberry and Rutherford Beaches in Cameron Parish remain in effect. Please note that this is NOT a closure of the beach or facilities at Hackberry, Holly, Martin or Rutherford beaches. All areas remain open for boating and land-based activities.
The Department of Health and Hospitals, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services will hold its 12th annual Emergency Medical Services Week May 16-20. During the week, fire and EMS crews promote messages of healthy living and personal safety to Louisiana residents and emergency workers are recognized for heroic acts they perform.
A swimming advisory has been issued for the beach water at Hackberry and Rutherford beaches in Cameron Parish. This advisory is being issued because water samples collected at this location showed high levels of enteric bacteria, which comes from the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. Please note that this is NOT a closure of the beach or facilities at Hackberry and Rutherford beaches. All areas remain open for boating and land-based activities.
Swimmers and water sports enthusiasts are advised to start checking for swim advisory signs at Louisiana beaches, as the statewide BEACH monitoring program resumes this week.
A bill proposed by Rep. Sydnie Mae Durand would allow the Department of Health and Hospitals to include two more classes of drugs on the Medicaid Pharmacy Program’s preferred drug list. This action could save the state $11.1 million while still ensuring recipients’ access to the necessary medications.
The Department of Health and Human Services this week announced Louisiana will receive $3.35 million to create six new federally qualified health center sites. The sites will be located in St. Joseph, Clinton, Ferriday, Livonia and Monroe and will serve an estimated 15,000 patients annually.
As part of the efforts to improve health outcomes for Louisiana’s children, Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has declared the week of April 24 as National Infant Immunization Awareness Week in the state of Louisiana. Parish health units across the state, as well as partner clinics in some areas of the state, will be open extended hours on Monday, April 25 through Friday, April 29 to make it easier for parents to have their children immunized.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit will host a three-day training program April 12-14 to help other states to become more prepared to distribute medications and medical supplies in the event of a health threat.
As part of the efforts to improve health outcomes for Louisiana’s children, Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has declared the week of April 24-30 as National Infant Immunization Awareness Week in the state of Louisiana.