http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/category/4 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:38:00 GMT en-us Copyright 2013 Department of Health & Hospitals | State of Louisiana Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:38:00 GMT http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2779 Problem gambling is one of Louisiana’s most serious health issues. It affects not only the addict; it affects that person’s family, friends, co-workers and society as a whole. A 2008 Louisiana study on problem gambling revealed as many as 100,000 Louisianians are problem and pathological/compulsive gamblers. Problem gambling is an urge to continuously gamble despite harmful negative consequences or desire to stop. Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:38:00 GMT 4-2779 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2774 The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals today formally notified the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's Office and the Office of the District Attorney for East Baton Rouge Parish that staff have gathered evidence that leads them to believe a DHH employee has misappropriated public funds intended for the department and used these funds for personal activities. Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:44:00 GMT 4-2774 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2772 The Louisiana Departments of Health and Hospitals and Wildlife and Fisheries announced today the precautionary closure of oyster harvest Area 11 in response to an oil spill. Area 11 is west of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:46:00 GMT 4-2772 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2762 Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced today he has selected Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein to be a member of the recently created National Commission on Long-Term Care. Greenstein is the only representative thus far from Louisiana appointed to the bipartisan, 15-member commission, which is tasked with studying how to effectively reform long-term care supports and services and submitting recommendations to Congress. Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:35:00 GMT 4-2762 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2758 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:39:00 GMT 4-2758 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2743 Today, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein announced plans to reform the Medicaid Hospice Program, with a focus on providing services in the community. The department has secured bridge funding from existing grants to continue the current hospice program, which was set to end on Feb. 1, until the reformed program can be implemented later this spring. Previous Administration decisions regarding the Medicaid budget will still remain intact. The savings will still be realized from the original reduction, with Hospice services continuing through this existing funding stream. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:25:00 GMT 4-2743 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2738 Today, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein and LSU System Executive Vice President for Health Care and Medical Education Redesign Dr. Frank Opelka announced a public-private partnership agreement is under way for Walter O. Moss Regional Medical Center with Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and its partner, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. Fri, 18 Jan 2013 20:00:00 GMT 4-2738 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2733 As 2013 begins, many Louisianans commit to a New Year’s Resolution, and many of these focus on health-related goals – working out regularly, eating better, losing weight, quitting smoking, etc. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals wants to encourage residents to make a healthier lifestyle a lifelong commitment rather than a one-year resolution. Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:31:00 GMT 4-2733 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2727 Today, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein announced mid-year reductions at the agency that will save $51.8 million in State General Fund for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. These reductions have a total impact of $82.6 million for this Fiscal Year, when federal funds that would be used to match affected programs and services are considered. DHH’s reductions are part of the State’s overall mid-year reduction plan that addresses the budget shortfall in the current fiscal year. Fri, 14 Dec 2012 22:30:00 GMT 4-2727 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2722 Today, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein and LSU System Executive Vice President for Health Care and Medical Education Redesign Dr. Frank Opelka held events in three regions of the state to announce that agreements have been reached to form public-private partnerships involving three LSU hospitals. Interim LSU Hospital and its successor University Medical Center in New Orleans will partner with Louisiana Children’s Medical Center; Leonard J. Chabert Hospital in Houma has reached agreements with Ochsner Health System and Terrebonne General Medical Center; and University Medical Center in Lafayette has formed a partnership with its neighbor, Lafayette General Medical Center. Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:13:00 GMT 4-2722 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2719 It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week, and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals today kicked off its annual "Fight the Flu" campaign, reminding Louisiana residents that it’s important for them to protect themselves and their families by getting this year’s influenza vaccine. Wed, 05 Dec 2012 19:00:00 GMT 4-2719 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2714 BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals joined St. Tammany Parish leaders and area legislators today to announce a final agreement allowing the parish to use the property at Southeast Louisiana Hospital in Mandeville, with Meridian Behavioral Health Services assuming control of inpatient beds at the hospital and outpatient services on the property continuing. Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:16:00 GMT 4-2714 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2712 The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals continues to detect West Nile cases up to the year’s end, with state health officials reporting 11 new cases and one new death this week. Fri, 30 Nov 2012 22:45:00 GMT 4-2712 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2701 The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals uncovered 15 new West Nile cases this week, and reports one death from the disease. The State is experiencing its worst West Nile outbreak in a decade this year, and health care providers continue identifying new cases into the fall season. Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:47:00 GMT 4-2701 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2694 Today, the State of Louisiana sent a letter to the federal Department of Health and Human Services declaring that the state declines to assume the risk of building a health insurance Exchange as outlined by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Thu, 15 Nov 2012 01:00:00 GMT 4-2694 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2692 The state’s worst year for West Nile virus in a decade continues into the fall season, with state health officials reporting 12 new cases and two deaths this week. Fri, 09 Nov 2012 23:04:00 GMT 4-2692 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2691 Top state legislators, health officials and law enforcement personnel held a news conference today announcing steps they’ve taken to ban a dangerous new drug, 25-I, making it illegal in the State of Louisiana. Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:24:00 GMT 4-2691 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2686 State health officials today confirmed six new West Nile cases, urging Louisiana residents to continue to Fight the Bite. No deaths from the disease occurred this week. Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:46:00 GMT 4-2686 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2679 Tomorrow, Nov. 1, pharmacy becomes a benefit of three Medicaid Bayou Health Plans, with those plans assuming responsibility for helping members access pharmacy services, encouraging compliance with medication and driving use of the most clinically effective, least expensive drug available. Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:57:00 GMT 4-2679 http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/2676 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 21:05:00 GMT 4-2676