PROJECTS, STRATEGY & ACTION PLAN
HEALTH GOALS & OBJECTIVES
GOAL 1 – Enhance Access to Primary and Specialty Healthcare Services.
OBJECTIVE
Improve healthcare access, focusing on primary care, dental, maternity, and mental health services, to address identified shortages and health disparities across the CRPC region.
ACTION 1.1
Expand Primary and Maternity Care Resources.
Increase recruitment and retention of primary and maternity care providers in high-need areas, such as Livingston, Pointe Coupee, and Washington Parishes, using incentives and partnerships with medical schools.
ACTION 1.2
Enhance Dental and Mental Health Services.
Establish dental and mental health clinics in underserved areas, leveraging partnerships with public health departments and local governments. Focus on high-demand regions, such as Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes.
GOAL 2 – Promote Healthy Lifestyles and Preventive Health Measures.
OBJECTIVE
Implement community infrastructure and programs to reduce obesity and encourage preventive health practices.
ACTION 2.1
Develop Public Health and Recreational Infrastructure.
Build parks, trails, and exercise facilities in parishes with limited access to physical activity resources, such as St. Helena and Pointe Coupee.
ACTION 2.2
Launch Nutrition and Wellness Programs.
Offer community health programs focused on healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management in schools and community centers in high-obesity areas like Washington Parish.
GOAL 3 – Address Behavioral Health Risks through Prevention and Education.
OBJECTIVE
Mitigate health risks from behavioral issues, including substance abuse and STIs, through targeted interventions and awareness programs.
ACTION 3.1
Expand Substance Abuse Prevention Programs.
Strengthen alcohol and substance abuse education and support, especially in Washington and St. Helena Parishes, where alcohol-impaired fatalities are high.
ACTION 3.2
Increase STI Prevention and Sexual Health Resources.
Provide STI education, screenings, and resources in parishes with high STI rates, such as St. Helena and Iberville.
GOAL 4 – Mitigate Socioeconomic and Environmental Health Barriers.
OBJECTIVE
Address socioeconomic and environmental factors impacting health to promote equitable health outcomes.
ACTION 4.1
Support Economic Stability and Access to Resources.
Implement job training, affordable housing, and nutrition assistance programs in high-poverty areas like St. Helena and Washington to reduce economic health disparities.
ACTION 4.2
Launch Environmental Health Initiatives.
Promote policies to improve air quality and reduce pollution in high-risk areas, such as Ascension and East Baton Rouge, with public health advisories to decrease respiratory health issues.
GOAL 5 – Enhance Health Literacy and Preventive Care Access.
OBJECTIVE
Increase health literacy and preventive care participation to empower residents in managing their health proactively.
ACTION 5.1
Implement Health Literacy and Education Programs.
Partner with community organizations to launch health literacy programs targeting low-literacy areas to increase awareness of preventive care and healthy practices.
ACTION 5.2
Provide Preventive Screenings and Wellness Services.
Offer free or low-cost preventive screenings (e.g., diabetes, blood pressure, mental health) in underserved, high-uninsured areas.
STAKEHOLDERS
Local hospitals, medical schools, health agencies, local clinics, public health departments, nonprofit organizations, local governments, parks departments, community organizations, addiction treatment centers, community health organizations, local law enforcement, educational institutions, social service agencies, housing authorities, workforce development boards, environmental agencies, public libraries, and state health agencies.