DHH would like to recognize its nurses for the tremendous job they do each day in promoting public health and for the selfless care they provide during times of emergencies. This is National Nurses Week, May 6-12, set aside to honor all of America's 3.1 million registered nurses, including the more than 54,000 nurses in Louisiana. National Nurses Week is the time of year designated to recognize and celebrate these professionals and highlight the work they do every day to save lives and help people achieve better heath.
In recognition of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, May 5-11, 2013, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospital’s Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) is bringing attention to symptoms of mental illness and programs to support those who have mental health issues. This week is dedicated to increasing public awareness about the triumphs and challenges in children's mental health and emphasizing the importance of family and youth involvement in the children's mental health movement.
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.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals - Office of Behavioral Health is holding a series of 10 forums to educate the public about addictive disorders programs offered in their communities. These informational sessions began on Wednesday, January 30 in Lafayette, and will conclude on Thursday, March 14, in Belle Chasse.
1. The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals from qualified proposers that provide External Quality Review (EQR) services. Proposers must demonstrate sufficient experience performing such reviews. The current RFP seeks qualified proposers to perform an annual external quality review of the recently implemented contract for the Statewide Management Organization (SMO). This external quality review is required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Medicaid waivers that authorize the SMO and as required by §1932(c)(2) of the Social Security Act and 42 CFR Part 438, Subpart E. 2. A contract is necessary to fulfill the CMS requirements for an external review of the performance of the SMO as required by the CMS approved Medicaid waivers and the contract between the SMO and OBH.
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.
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.
