By: Greg LaRose March 18, 2026 Louisiana Illuminator
A new effort to remove fluoride from public drinking water supplies in Louisiana would allow local residents to vote on the matter, though dental professionals say it would be a step backwards in health care.
FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center has implemented updated Emergency Department (ED) access and patient registration procedures. The new flow and entry points are part of continued progress on the hospital’s Emergency Department Reimagination, a multi-phase renovation designed to enhance access, improve patient flow, and strengthen emergency care capacity for the region. Additional project milestones are expected in the coming months, including a future groundbreaking to mark the next phase of the Emergency Department transformation.
Manning Family Children’s has been honored with the Vermont Oxford Network (VON) Award for Excellence in Quality Improvement, a national recognition that celebrates hospitals that demonstrate measurable, data-driven improvements in neonatal care.
The award recognizes Manning Family Children’s neonatology team for its work to optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) by reducing sleep disruption in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Louisiana Healthcare Connections is encouraging Louisiana residents to make heart-healthy food choices that can help manage blood pressure and support long-term health. Good nutrition plays a critical role in preventing and managing high blood pressure—one of the most common chronic conditions affecting adults in Louisiana—while also supporting overall wellness for children and families.
FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake, in partnership with LSU and Southern University, hosted a group of student-athletes, for a healthcare careers open house, offering students a firsthand look at the many professions that support today’s healthcare industry.
During the event, students toured hospital departments, connected with physicians and healthcare professionals, and learned about career pathways across the healthcare industry and the teams that work together to deliver patient care.
