HJBR Jul/Aug 2026

46 JUL / AUG 2026  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE   Healthcare Briefs CPR classes, are available at: getaswimplan.ldh.la.gov FDAReleases Results from Largest-Ever Testing of Infant Formula in the U.S. Editor’s Note: The results of Operation Stork Speed may prove useful not because it revealed a poisoned formula supply, but because it tested an alarming claim against evidence. The result was not a scandal. It was a reminder that over- sight matters, trace contaminants exist across the food system, and public health leaders should be as willing to reassure parents as they are to frighten them. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in April results from the largest exami- nation ever conducted focused on chemical con- taminants in infant formula available on the U.S. market. While breast milk is widely considered the gold standard and optimal source of nutrition for infants whenever possible, millions of parents depend on formul. Across the products tested, an overwhelming majority of samples had undetect- able or very low levels of contaminants, affirming that the U.S. infant formula supply is safe. The FDA tested more than 300 infant formula samples representative of products sold at retail across the U.S. for lead, mercury, cadmium, arse- nic, pesticides (including glyphosate and glufos- inate), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and phthalates. The samples, which included powders, ready-to-feed liquids, and concen- trated liquids, were tested and analyzed in FDA laboratories. While overall levels of contaminants in the infant formula samples tested were low, the FDA is following up with additional testing as part of the agency’s ongoing monitoring and over- sight efforts and will take additional action where appropriate. This includes conducting further testing, including for additional contaminants, continuing to engage with manufacturers on measures to reduce the levels of contaminants to as low as possible, and working to establish action levels for contaminants in infant formula. Small amounts of contaminants may be present in foods — including infant formula and breast milk — because they occur naturally or enter the environment through human activities in the areas Healthcare Connections members under the age of one achieved nearly 100% compliance for receiving all recommended well-child visits. Uti- lization rates remained above national averages across all age groups. Several key initiatives contributed to the dra- matic increases: • Strong provider relationships with pediatri- cians and obstetricians statewide, built over years of collaboration. • Incentive programs offering small rewards to both members and providers to encourage completion of recommended checkups. • Fluoride varnish integration, promoted through education and certification efforts, ensures preventive dental care is available during well-child visits. • Community outreach events at Federally- Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Head Start locations. • Targeted member communications, includ- ing personalized reminder emails for well- child visits that averaged nearly 60% open rates, along with text messaging campaigns. • Louisiana-based social media influencer partnerships to encourage well-child visits, generating more than 500,000 impressions. LDHUrges Residents to Practice SwimSafety Recent data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that drowning is the fourth leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 0 to 14 in Louisiana. Fifty-five children drowned in Louisiana between 2022 and 2024, according to the Louisi- ana Department of Health (LDH) Office of Public Health (OPH). More than half (65%) were unsu- pervised, and 42% drowned in water unprotected by proper barriers. Most of these instances (58%) occurred in swimming pools. Another 54 chil- dren were hospitalized due to nonfatal drown- ings (or near-drownings), which can lead to life- long disabilities. Best practice recommendations for water safety TEACH THEM EARLY: Enroll children in swim- ming lessons at an early age to ensure they learn essential water skills and safety awareness. PROTECT POOL AREAS: Surround private pools with high fences and protective barriers, including self-closing and self-latching gates, to prevent children and uninvited guests from swim- ming unattended and toddlers from falling into water, unable to swim. Install safety devices, such as barriers, pool covers, and alarms. KNOW YOUR DRAINS: Teach children to stay away from pool drains. ENSURE COMPLIANCE: Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers. CONSIDER THE DANGERS: Everyone needs to know the rules and dangers in different envi- ronments, from backyard pools and hot tubs to area lakes and beaches. Open water brings spe- cial challenges, including low visibility in murky water, hazardous currents, changes in depth, and uneven surfaces and hazards. WATCH ACTIVELY: Always supervise children in or near the water. Never leave them unat- tended. Be sure an adult is always within arm’s reach. When there are several adults present, des- ignate one adult as a “water watcher” to super- vise, with no distractions for a certain period, such as 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, select another adult to be the “water watcher.” MIND THE RED FLAGS: At the beach, be aware of and respect conditions. Always swim with a buddy under the watch of lifeguards. Know what to do if you are caught in open currents or a rip- tide. Never swim alone. WEAR A LIFE JACKET: When boating or par- ticipating in open-water activities, wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets appropriate for weight and activity. AVOID ALCOHOL: Swim sober. Avoid alco- hol use near open water and before or during swimming, boating, and other water activities, as it could impede awareness and emergency response. Do not drink alcohol while supervis- ing children. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination. BE PREPARED: Know what to do in a water safety event. Learn life-saving practices, like CPR and basic water rescue skills. Have a phone nearby in case of an emergency. Resources and tips Resources and additional tips for water safety, including information on local swim lessons and