AGP Executive Report

Maternal Addiction Support: Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is offering free, nonjudgmental help through its Grace program for pregnant women battling addiction to alcohol, tobacco, opioids, or cocaine—support includes a nurse and social worker during pregnancy and up to a year postpartum, aiming to reduce Louisiana’s high rate of pregnancy-related overdose deaths. Trauma-Informed Care in New Orleans: Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center marked three years expanding trauma-informed, wraparound services for injury survivors at LCMC Health’s University Medical Center, shifting care from “what’s wrong with you” to “what happened to you.” Public Health Watch: An Air Quality Alert covers parts of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, warning of unhealthy-to-very-unhealthy conditions that can hit hardest for children, older adults, and people with asthma or heart/lung disease. Medicaid Coverage Shift: Louisiana has seen about 200,000 people leave Medicaid over the past year, raising questions about whether they gained private coverage or lost access to care. ALS Data Update: Louisiana’s first state-level ALS incidence estimates show 1.36 new cases per 100,000 people from 2012–2019, slightly below the national average. Safety & Violence: NOPD is investigating a fatal Broadmoor shooting on Milan Street early Sunday, and a separate Broadmoor fight left another man dead, underscoring ongoing community violence concerns. Cannabis Policy: Federal medical marijuana rescheduling is moving forward, but states—including Louisiana—are still navigating a patchwork of rules as businesses wait for clearer guidance. Workforce & Training: Ochsner and UL-Lafayette’s free, 15-month accelerated nursing program is helping address Louisiana’s nurse shortage, with graduates earning BSNs and reporting strong exam pass rates.

Sail 250 New Orleans: Thousands of sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and international partners arrived to kick off the five-day Sail 250 celebration along the Mississippi River, with ship tours and community outreach running through Sunday. Public Safety: Louisiana State Police are investigating the death of an inmate who suffered a medical emergency while in custody at the Morgan City Police Department; no foul play is suspected. Child Safety & Justice: Shreveport Police announced an arrest in a 13-year-old assault case, saying DNA results tied the suspect to the crime; the charge carries up to 40 years. Local Accountability: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill is investigating allegations that St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith attacked a critic at a Madisonville steakhouse. Mental Health: A Baton Rouge expert is urging people to seek help during Mental Health Awareness Month, emphasizing support, crisis assessment, and treatment options. Health Policy Watch: Three Republican attorneys general, including Louisiana, are challenging the federal medical cannabis rescheduling in court. Infectious Disease Alert: Reports say Vibrio vulnificus cases are rising in warm Gulf conditions, with infections linked to raw shellfish or wound exposure.

Health Policy & Access: The full 4th U.S. Circuit will rehear challenges to 340B contract pharmacy laws after a prior panel said similar rules were unconstitutional; Louisiana and Arkansas courts have upheld comparable laws. Cancer & Sleep: New research links insomnia to higher risk of early-onset cancers in adults under 50, including higher breast, womb, ovarian, and bowel cancer odds. Local Care Upgrade: Ochsner Health at the Grove in Baton Rouge is adding two AI-powered MRI machines, starting June 8, to reduce travel for specialized scans. Public Health & Prevention: Measles and whooping cough are rising amid low vaccination rates, with national measles totals near the worst year since 1991. Community Health Support: Toups Family Meal plans another 70,000 free summer meals for New Orleans children. Mental Health & Safety: New Orleans police responded to a Hale Boggs Federal Building incident involving a man described as having a mental health episode; he was Tased and taken for evaluation. Food & Nutrition: Louisiana’s SNAP restrictions take effect, with health officials weighing in on what families should expect. Environment & Health: Louisiana approved a ban on intentional outdoor releases of mylar and latex helium balloons, citing wildlife and power-outage risks.

Violence & Safety: A person died and another was hospitalized after a shooting inside a car on Baton Rouge’s Airline Highway; the victims pulled into a Chevron station and officers were already on scene for an unrelated call. Public Health & Food Access: Second Harvest Food Bank is expanding its summer feeding program, serving about 6,000 children at nearly 100 sites across 14 parishes, with new Amazon home-delivery meal boxes for identified kids. Water Safety: Lake Arthur plans a townwide water outage June 1, followed by a boil advisory until state health officials confirm water safety. Health Policy Watch: Louisiana could soon allow local votes on whether to keep fluoridating public drinking water if SB4 is signed. Care & Workforce: ULM’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program received full CAPTE accreditation, a major milestone for Louisiana healthcare training. Community Health Support: SUN Bucks is sending a one-time $120 per child grocery benefit to eligible families, with activation options through LifeInCheck. Medical Accountability: A Tulane psychiatrist was arrested after a neighborhood dispute ended in a shooting, according to NOPD. Health-Related Legal News: Louisiana’s governor signed a bill creating jail time for smoking marijuana within 2,000 feet of school property.

Affordability Pressure: A new national report finds 45.5% of U.S. households couldn’t “make ends meet” in 2024, with families often delaying medical care or skipping healthy food when costs rise faster than incomes. Reproductive Health & Access: Louisiana’s approach to abortion medication remains in the spotlight after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed telehealth dispensing of mifepristone “for now,” while states push to restrict abortion drugs by classifying them as controlled substances. Medicaid Spending Watch: In Louisiana, Medicaid billing for pathology and lab procedures jumped 46.2% in Mer Rouge (2024 vs. 2023), while vision services rose 2.4% in New Iberia; dental services also climbed in Pineville and Lutcher. Care Workforce Pipeline: Baton Rouge Community College is launching an Ochsner-funded mobile healthcare training lab (phlebotomy, medical assistant, CNA) aimed at high schools and rural communities, with a spring 2027 rollout. Food Support for Summer: SUN Bucks will load $120 grocery benefits onto eligible Louisiana families’ EBT cards May 27–June 2, with most children automatically enrolled. Public Safety & Health: Baton Rouge kicked off the $10M MOVEBR Terrace Ave project to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety near schools and the Carver Branch Library.

Marijuana Legal Fight: Nebraska, Indiana and Louisiana AGs sued to block the Trump Justice Department’s move to reclassify marijuana, arguing the federal process skipped required public steps and may violate a 1967 narcotics treaty. Prison Health & Courts: A federal judge ruled Louisiana can’t be forced to fix dangerous “farm line” working conditions at Angola after a higher-court decision lowered the standard for proving cruel punishment. Medicaid Costs: In West Monroe, Medicaid durable medical equipment billing rose 2.1% in 2024, reaching $88,546. Public Health Alerts: A specialty beverage recall tied to possible Salmonella contamination hit 25 states, including Louisiana. Community Health Prep: Acadian Ambulance and local hospitals ran a hurricane evacuation tabletop exercise with plans to better track patients during storms. Safety & Violence: Baton Rouge police reported a woman died after a shooting in an apartment complex; no suspects yet. Wellness Access: Ochsner Health is offering a June 4 wellness screening in Marksville with bloodwork, A1C, and mental health checks. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data shows Mid City Community Nursing and Rehab in Baton Rouge earned a 4-star rating in early 2026.

Disaster Readiness: FEMA’s acting administrator Bob Fenton says the agency is ready for hurricane season as “Silent Echo” rehearses response steps ahead of June 1. Rural Health Push: Gov. Landry and state leaders unveiled a rural healthcare initiative aimed at expanding access and services, including tech support for hospitals like Union General. Public Health Alerts: Shreveport issued a voluntary boil advisory for west customers after power issues tied to repair work; residents are told to disinfect water before use. Sexual Violence Response: Louisiana lawmakers sent a bill creating a survivor-led sexual assault task force to the governor. College Sports Overhaul: A bipartisan Senate bill would limit eligibility, transfers, and coach movement, targeting the “Wild West” of college athletics. Marijuana Legal Fight: Nebraska, Indiana and Louisiana AGs sued to block Trump DOJ’s marijuana reclassification. Safety on Louisiana Roads: A teen was seriously injured in a St. Landry Parish ATV crash; officials again warn about off-road vehicle rules. Research Spotlight: LSU flagship research activity topped $600M for FY 2024–25, marking five straight years of record growth.

Rural Health Push: Gov. Jeff Landry and state health leaders are set to announce a new rural healthcare initiative aimed at boosting innovation and investment across Louisiana. Food Support for Families: Louisiana’s SUN Bucks summer EBT program begins this week, adding $120 in grocery benefits to eligible children’s EBT cards between May 27 and June 2, with additional eligibility through SNAP and other programs. Teen Fitness Access: Planet Fitness is offering Louisiana teens ages 14–19 free workouts all summer via its High School Summer Pass, starting June 1 through Aug. 31. Youth Safety & Injuries: A teen was seriously hurt after an ATV was struck by a car in St. Landry Parish; investigators say there’s no suspected impairment by the driver. Community Health Care Capacity: Ochsner Health and myLaurel say their home-based acute and transitional care partnership saved 10,500+ hospital bed days, cut readmissions by 60%, and helped 85% of patients complete care at home. Nursing Home Oversight: CMS data shows Pierremont Healthcare Center in Shreveport (owned by Nexion Health) had an overall rating of 1 in Q1 2026 and racked up five penalties totaling $431,489. Online Child Safety: Louisiana AG Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan push against the federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken states’ ability to protect children online. Local Health Events: New Orleans-area festivals and community events include the Jean Lafitte Seafood Fest and the Cajun-Zydeco Festival, plus more summer gatherings.

Pelicans Coaching Focus: Jamahl Mosley’s first message in New Orleans is simple: Zion Williamson “hasn’t even scratched the surface,” and the plan is to open the floor, attack the basket more, and keep him healthy as the Pelicans try to turn recent losing seasons around. Workers’ Comp Shake-Up: A regulatory surge and federal policy shifts are making workers’ comp more complex for Louisiana employers and insurers, with cost pressures and coverage changes pushing more patients toward compensable claims. Summer Meals in Rapides: Rapides Parish Library branches are teaming with the Food Bank of Central Louisiana for free summer meals for kids starting June 1 through July 31. Hurricane Prep in New Orleans: City leaders are urging residents not to wait—register vulnerable people in Smart911 and plan early, even with forecasts calling for a below-average season. LSU Disability Lawsuit: Louisiana AG Liz Murrill argues an LSU employee’s disability case should move to federal court under federal law. Cancer Alley Speech Fight: An award-winning Louisiana pollution documentary reportedly got blocked from a public theater screening, raising First Amendment concerns.

Local Tragedy: A woman died after falling from a balcony at a Baton Rouge apartment complex on Ben Hur Road Monday night; police say the investigation is ongoing. Public Safety: In Lafayette, a suspected vehicle burglary turned into gunfire early Sunday; the homeowner was shot but is expected to recover, and police urge residents to call 911 instead of confronting suspects. Health & Care: Jeff Davis Water and Sewer Commission No. 1 earned an “A” rating from the Louisiana Department of Health for drinking water quality. Policy Watch: Louisiana’s SNAP rules are tightening—health officials say benefits are now restricted to in-state and nearby areas. National Legal Fight: A federal court temporarily blocked Alabama from using a new congressional map after finding it intentionally discriminated against Black voters, following the Voting Rights Act backlash. Tech & Kids: Connecticut opened an investigation into Roblox over reports of child harm, joining a broader push for stronger online protections.

SNAP crackdown starts Tuesday: Louisiana health officials say EBT cards will be limited to purchases inside Louisiana and select border-area ZIP codes in neighboring states beginning May 26, aiming to cut fraud and out-of-state misuse—though some lawmakers warn it could add barriers for families who are already struggling. Health alert: LDH reports a rise in flea-borne typhus, with 17 reported cases in the last 1.5 years and two deaths; officials say providers aren’t required to report cases, so the true number may be higher. Public safety & community: New Orleans launched “Bryan’s Call,” a new alert system for missing vulnerable people who don’t qualify for Amber or Silver alerts. Local happenings: The Felicianas are gearing up for the Feliciana Wildflower Festival June 6, plus summer library programs and West Feliciana youth camps and basketball camps.

Violence in Baton Rouge: A 20-year-old man, Johnathan Chambers, was killed and a woman was injured after a Sunday night shooting. Police say the attack happened in the 3300 block of Hollywood Street, but the victims were found blocks away at Beech Street and Douglas Avenue around 8:20 p.m.; no suspects have been developed and the investigation is ongoing. Public Safety in Shreveport: Earlier, Shreveport police reported an officer-involved downtown shootout where four officers fired during a confrontation, leaving two people hurt; Louisiana State Police will investigate and the officers were placed on administrative leave. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to issue major rulings through June, with cases tied to immigration and birthright citizenship expected to shape presidential power and election-related outcomes. Health & Care Access: A new Louisiana-focused push highlights the need for better cancer care access in the state, pointing to gaps in advanced treatment options. Community & Culture: Essence Festival leaders are negotiating a longer-term New Orleans deal as funding talks continue ahead of the city contract’s September expiration.

Alternative Spring Break Funding: Stanford students say next year’s Alternative Spring Break budget is being cut by 30%, threatening who can afford the trips and shifting participation toward students with more money. Violence in Louisiana: Baton Rouge police report one person in critical condition after a Sunday night shooting; Ruston police are asking for tips after a separate early-morning restaurant parking-lot shooting left one victim with non-life-threatening injuries. Maternal Health Policy: Louisiana lawmakers deferred a maternal mortality resolution that would have forced a deeper review of pregnancy-related deaths and access gaps—advocates say the move leaves a major crisis unexamined. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data show mixed results across Louisiana facilities, including one Shreveport nursing home earning a 3-star rating while other homes report low ratings and fines. Public Health Tips: Baton Rouge pediatricians and swim instructors are urging stricter water supervision and safer pool habits as summer ramps up. Health Research: A new study highlights that eating 10–15% fewer calories may support healthier aging.

Summer Safety Push: Baton Rouge pediatrician Dr. Susan Bankston is urging parents to treat water and heat as the big summer threats—constant supervision, life jackets (floaties don’t count), and steady hydration to prevent dehydration. Local Crash Aftermath: In Algiers, Olive Branch Cafe reopened for carryout days after a car smashed into its dining room; cleanup is done, but a remodel is planned. Maternal Health Backslide: Louisiana lawmakers deferred a maternal mortality resolution that would have forced a deeper review of pregnancy-associated deaths and access gaps, despite the state’s high rates. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data show Heritage Manor of Baton Rouge II has held a low overall rating and racked up fines/penalties in Q1 2026. First-Responder Recognition: Acadian Ambulance named paramedic and EMT of the year honorees for clinical excellence and mentoring. Public Health Alert: A nationwide salmonella recall hit specialty powdered drink mixes sold in Louisiana and 24 other states. Community & Care: Companion Animal Alliance says kitten intake is spiking and is asking for fosters, adopters, and donations.

Women’s Wellness Spotlight: Ochsner Health is pushing a “whole-person” approach to women’s care—annual wellness visits, personalized prevention, and support through hormonal and mental health changes from adolescence to menopause. Public Health Watch: Louisiana health officials are flagging a rise in flea-borne typhus, with 17 confirmed cases since 2025 and most clustered around Acadiana/Lafayette; all cases required hospitalization and two deaths reported. Crash Tragedies: Louisiana State Police report multiple fatal crashes in Tangipahoa Parish, including a 6-month-old and a 22-year-old killed in separate incidents, with impairment cited in one case. Community Safety & Care: Bridge Center for Hope in Baton Rouge is reminding residents it offers walk-in crisis stabilization for adults, plus events to connect people to mental health and substance-use services. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved more than $24.2M in post-disaster grants across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas.

Missing Person Search: New Orleans police are asking for help finding 59-year-old Cassandra Dee Johnson, last seen May 22 at a Central City short-term rental; she has a medical condition that could affect her judgment and is believed to be traveling on foot. Public Health Alert: Louisiana health officials warn of a surge in flea-borne typhus—17 confirmed cases since early 2025, with every patient hospitalized and two deaths—most concentrated in Acadiana/Lafayette. Mental Health Access: Baton Rouge’s Bridge Center for Hope is highlighting its crisis stabilization services during Mental Health Awareness Month, including walk-in help for adults and a community resource fair May 29. Medical Marijuana Expansion: The West Bank opened a new NOLA Cannabis Co. medical dispensary in Harvey, adding to the growing network across the New Orleans area. Health & Safety Reminder: Ahead of Memorial Day, Louisiana drivers are feeling higher gas prices, with pumps around the $4 mark in major metros.