HJBR Jul/Aug 2026

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  JUL / AUG 2026 47 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com demonstration through a phased, milestone- driven approach, prioritizing rollout at the eight state prison facilities operated by the Department of Corrections, followed by expansion to parish jails based on readiness. LouisianaWater System Grades ShowContinued Improvement in 2025 The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) annual report card for community water systems across the state has been released for 2025, offer- ing a look at the quality and performance of more than 900 systems serving Louisiana residents. This annual report, mandated by the Commu- nity Drinking Water Accountability Rule (Act 98 of the 2021 Regular Legislative Session), provides residents with clear, accessible information about the systems that deliver their drinking water. The latest report shows continued progress statewide, with fewer water systems receiving failing grades and more systems demonstrating measurable improvements in performance. The water grading system, authorized in 2021, is part of the Safe Drinking Water Program’s broader effort to strengthen accountability among water providers while empowering consumers with clear information about their drinking water. The grades are calculated using a standardized 100- point scale based on seven categories. For more information, visit the Bureau of Engi- neering Services’ Community Drinking Water Accountability webpage. BRCC to EstablishMobile Healthcare Lab with Ochsner Gift Thanks to a $472,500 gift from Ochsner Health, Baton Rouge Community College and the BRCC Foundation have created the Ochsner Mobile Healthcare Training Lab, which will allow BRCC to offer real-world skills training and firsthand expe- rience directly to high schools, rural communities, and partner locations. The gift from Ochsner will strengthen the reach of the BRCC nursing and allied health program and support the launch, operation, staffing, and sustainability of the mobile unit currently being built and scheduled to launch in spring 2027. The lab will support student learning, community out- reach, and workforce training programs. n Help is available through the Louisiana Depart- ment of Health by calling or texting 988. For online chat and additional resources, go to: www.Louisiana988.org Louisiana Anticipates 1115 Prison Reentry Demonstration Waiver Approval Governor Jeff Landry announced that Louisiana anticipates approval later this year from the Cen- ters for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of its Section 1115 Medicaid Reentry Demonstration Waiver. Louisiana was the first state in the nation to align its waiver to reflect new federal require- ments under Sec. 71118 of H.R. 1 (OBBBA). This requirement establishes budget-neutrality man- dates for Medicaid demonstration projects begin- ning on January 1, 2027. The waiver, currently under review by CMS, reflects close coordination between the State of Louisiana and federal partners. Louisiana worked with CMS to identify alternative funding sources for the infrastructure needed to implement the waiver. The Section 1115 Reentry Demonstration is designed to improve health outcomes for indi- viduals transitioning from incarceration to their communities by connecting them to Medicaid coverage and critical pre-release services prior to release. The initiative focuses on improving conti- nuity of care, particularly for individuals with men- tal health and substance use disorders. Many experience disruptions in care dur- ing incarceration and face elevated risks upon release, including overdose, emergency depart- ment utilization, and unmet behavioral health needs. Through the demonstration, eligible individu- als will receive a range of pre-release services, including case management, behavioral health treatment, medication-assisted treatment for sub- stance use disorders, medication supply upon release, and connections to community-based providers. This project will help coordinate care across LDH, correctional facilities, managed care orga- nizations, and community providers to ensure smoother transitions after release from jails and prisons. Once approved, Louisiana will implement the where ingredients are grown or produced. This testing was conducted as part of Opera- tion Stork Speed, the FDA’s Closer to Zero initia- tive, and the FDA’s routine food surveillance work to help ensure safe, reliable, and nutritious infant formula for families across the U.S. The FDA will continue to test infant formula as part of Operation Stork Speed and ongoing surveillance of foods, including testing infant formula products that have entered the U.S. market since this initial survey began and conducting additional compliance sampling. Consistent with FDA’s commitment to transparency, the agency will share results from follow-up surveys. Louisiana Healthcare Connections Encourages Mental Health While summer is often associated with vaca- tions, sunshine, and time with family and friends, mental health experts say it is also a time to remain vigilant about emotional wellness and suicide prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates are often higher during the summer months than during the win- ter, contrary to popular belief. In response, Lou- isiana Healthcare Connections is encouraging Louisiana residents to check on loved ones and recognize warning signs that someone may be struggling with mental health challenges. Louisiana Healthcare Connections encour- ages residents to be aware of warning signs that may indicate someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, including: • Depression or feelings of hopelessness; • Threatening to hurt oneself; • Talking or writing about death, dying, or sui- cide in ways that are unusual for the person; • Acting recklessly or engaging in risky behavior; • Feeling trapped or believing there is no way out; • Increased drug or alcohol use; • Dramatic mood changes; • Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities; and • Anxiety, agitation, or major changes in sleeping patterns.