OUR STORY
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.
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.
TIMELINE:
2010
Louisiana Center for Health Equity was established.
2011
LCHE convened the Together We Are More Adolescent Health Collaborative, held the inaugural Our Community Health Is Wealth Fair, and hosted its first Light Up The Night For A Brighter Future Fundraiser.
2012
LCHE hosted its first Women's Health Day and Retreat.
2013
LCHE convened the Campaign for Healthcare for Everyone for Medicaid Expansion and unveiled its Dying for Healthcare slogan.
2014
LCHE began the Youth Peace Olympics in Baton Rouge.
2016
LCHE was recognized for its role in Louisiana's Medicaid expansion and convened its Inaugural Annual Health Summit. LCHE also discontinued its hosting of the Our Community Health is Wealth fair in response to the Great Flood.
2017
LCHE hosted its Inaugural LYFELine Teen Summit alongside several other youth development activities.
2018
2019
LCHE President, Mrs. Alma Stewart Allen, awarded the NAACP Dr. William Montague Cobb Award for outstanding efforts to advance health policy, health advocacy, and social justice in the State of Louisiana
LCHE President selected to join the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Children's Health Leadership Network.
2021
LCHE convened the Campaign to Establish the Louisiana Office on Women's Health and implemented LEAD in LYFE League Teen Leadership and Advocacy Program.
2022
The Louisiana Office on Women's Health legislation was passed, LCHE launched the Louisiana Resources and Educational Assessments for Children's Health (LA REACH), LCHE President won the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Health Equity Award presented by the National Civil League, and LCHE revealed its official rebranding.
2020
LCHE announced LA40by2030 and declared this the decade for intentional focus on Louisiana Children
2023
Submitted Student Behavior, Mental Health, and Discipline Task Force Report to Legislature for House Resolution 173 of the 2022 Regular Session that named LCHE as the convener.
The Biden-Harris Administration invited LCHE President to the White House for the "Communities in Action: Building a Better Louisiana" convening.
Founded The Wade Institute for Youth Equity
2024
Advanced mental health policy reform through the Mental Health Transparency Bill (Act 455)
2025
Elevated young emerging leaders through Health Crusaders.
Advanced LA40by2030 with growing bipartisan momentum.
