Letter from Our President

Greetings Friends of LCHE:

 

Louisiana is a place of extraordinary culture, resilience, and spirit. Yet for too many of our 4.6 million residents, longstanding inequities continue to limit opportunities for good health. Recent years have brought new challenges—from the COVID‐19 pandemic and repeated natural disasters to attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, threats to affordable healthcare and SNAP, and the strain of government shutdowns. Through it all, Louisiana’s people—and LCHE—have persevered.

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Since founding the Louisiana Center for Health Equity in 2010, I have held fast to a simple conviction: every Louisianan deserves a fair and just opportunity to live a healthy life. That conviction continues to guide our work and fuels LA40by2030, our bold initiative to move Louisiana into the top 40 healthiest states by 2030. It is ambitious, possible, and necessary.

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Over the years, LCHE has become a leading voice for health equity. One of our most transformative achievements was convening the Campaign for Healthcare for Everyone–Louisiana and advancing Medicaid expansion, making Louisiana the first state in the Deep South to adopt this policy. More than 500,000 adults gained health coverage—an achievement that has saved lives, strengthened families, and stabilized communities.

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Our impact has continued to address long‐standing gaps in health and opportunity. LCHE has helped shift statewide conversations from treating symptoms to addressing the root causes that affect health in our communities. We have elevated community voice, strengthened crisis response, promoted trauma‐informed and healing‐centered approaches, and expanded youth leadership as a catalyst for long‐term improvements that strengthen health across Louisiana. Through LA40by2030, we are bringing communities, policymakers, and partners together to confront inequities and co‐create solutions rooted in justice and accountability.

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Despite policy attacks, program threats, and economic pressures, we have continued to move forward. LCHE helped establish the Louisiana Office on Women’s Health, facilitated the completion of the statewide Student Behavior, Mental Health, and Discipline Task Force Report, and advanced mental health reform through the Mental Health Transparency Bill (Act 455)—all achievements that will shape policy and practice for years to come.

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While Louisiana has made meaningful progress, our work is far from complete. The road ahead requires courage, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. When I asked you to join me in 2010, many of you stepped forward—and together, we have built a movement for equity, justice, and opportunity. I remain deeply grateful for your partnership and invite you to continue walking with us as we strive for a healthier, more equitable Louisiana.

Together, we continue to move forward and make a lasting impact.

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With gratitude,

Alma C. Stewart Allen
President and Founder
Louisiana Center for Health Equity