The Louisiana Center for Health Equity (LCHE) was founded on a clear conviction: every Louisianan deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life, regardless of race, income, or ZIP code. From the outset, we committed ourselves to confronting the deep inequities that have shaped our state for generations and to advancing racial equity and health justice as essential pillars of Louisiana’s future.

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LCHE quickly emerged as a trusted statewide voice, bringing together partners across sectors, elevating community experience, and championing policies that strengthen the health and well‐being of children, families, and disadvantaged populations. Our leadership contributed to landmark achievements, including Medicaid expansion, which extended coverage to hundreds of thousands of adults, and the creation of the Louisiana Office on Women’s Health, ensuring dedicated attention to women’s health needs statewide.

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Central to our mission is addressing the social and political drivers of health—the systems, policies, and conditions that shape opportunity long before a person seeks care. We work to ensure that every community has access to the resources, protections, and environments required to thrive.

Over time, LCHE evolved from an advocate to a statewide convener. We unite policymakers, community leaders, youth, and organizations to advance solutions rooted in equity and accountability. Our efforts have strengthened mental health transparency, protected essential programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, and elevated health equity as a shared statewide priority.

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Recognizing Louisiana’s persistent challenges, LCHE launched LA40by2030, a bold initiative to move Louisiana into the top 40 healthiest states by 2030. This vision reflects our belief that meaningful progress requires collaboration, bipartisan leadership, and a commitment to long‐term systems change.

The next generation is central to our work. Through Health Crusaders and the Wade Institute for Youth Equity, we are cultivating young leaders who are informed, empowered, and prepared to shape the policies that will define Louisiana’s future.

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Today, LCHE stands as a statewide leader—advancing racial equity, championing health justice, and serving as a bridge between communities and policymakers. Our story is one of resolve, partnership, and unwavering dedication to building a healthier, more equitable Louisiana.

And our work continues.