After years of rising obesity rates in the United States, recent statistics show the rates may have steadied. But that may not be enough, according to a new report released last Monday – it estimates about 42% of the U.S. population will be obese by 2030. The report suggests an additional 30 million Americans will be obese in 18 years. This would cost an additional $549.5 billion on medical expenditures, according to the report in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.  What does this mean for us here in Louisiana? It means we have to act now before our health care system becomes bankrupt and our next generation dies way before their time. So, the…

Join us in in promoting the importance of acceptance, friendship, inclusion and utility by using the new R-Word, RESPECT. Visit www.r-word.org to take the pledge.

We’ve probably all heard the old adage “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” It’s a philosophy that has been central to my leadership style for many years. One of my early observations since coming to Louisiana last year was that there are all kinds of pockets of great work being done to improve the lives of Louisiana children, but little of it was integrated or coordinated. Too often there are no outcomes metrics tied to these activities. Thankfully, we have great leaders in Louisiana who are committed to improving child well-being in our state. One of those inspiring individuals is Louisiana Chief Justice Catherin “Kitty” Kimball. Last Friday, Chief Justice Kimball and I convened…

Years of research, public discourse, hard work and late nights will soon culminate in the most significant transformation of Louisiana’s Medicaid program in its more than 40 years of existence. In just one week, eligible enrollees in the New Orleans and Northshore regions will have an opportunity, for the first time, to make a choice about the way their health care is delivered. On Dec. 15, enrollment into BAYOU HEALTH begins, and the people we serve will choose which of five different Health plans best meets their needs and the needs of their family. As we near that hallmark date, I have been reflecting on the tremendous work that has occurred to get us here….

November is prematurity awareness month. As we close the month, I want to draw your attention to some troubling facts. Preterm Birth is defined as less than 37 weeks gestation, and preterm births represent 15.4% of all births in LA in (2008). Louisiana ranks 48th nationally in infant mortality and preterm birth, and 49th in the percentage of low birth weight and the percentage of very low birth weight babies, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. We have a high rate of disparity, with extremely elevated poor outcomes in Louisiana’s African-American population. We also bear a financial burden associated with high labor and delivery costs.  Louisiana’s high prematurity rates are costly as the…