HJNO Mar/Apr 2022

34 MAR / APR 2022  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS   Healthcare Briefs LOPA Sets NewRecord for Organ Donation in 2021 In 2021, for the first time, Louisiana had 242 organ donors who provided 763 organs to wait- ing transplant recipients. The number of donors increased 15% over last year, despite the chal- lenges of a continuing pandemic and the devas- tation of Hurricane Ida. There were also 479 people who donated tis- sue last year for use in procedures such as heart valve transplants for children born with congeni- tal heart defects, skin grafts for burn victims, and a variety of orthopedic rehabilitation surgeries. One tissue donor can provide life-saving grafts for up to 75 individuals. More than 62% of these donor heroes made the decision for themselves by registering in advance as donors. This action not only helps ensure an individual’s end of life decision is honored while also taking the burden off family members to make a decision during such a traumatic time. Throughout the year, LOPA remained focused on supporting the families of its donors, whether it was adapting remembrance ceremonies to socially distanced outdoor events or trying to find ways for loved ones to say goodbye with hospital visitation restrictions in place. In addition to organ and tissue donation, LOPA has a research team that identifies new projects to help with medical advancements and thera- pies. A particular area of focus in 2021 was brain donation, which not only provides families addi- tional donation opportunities but also helps with groundbreaking work in traumatic brain injury and autism research. “We are in a unique position to help facilitate transplant recipients getting a second chance at life and provide support to families on their grief journey,” said Kelly Ranum, LOPA’s CEO. “The selflessness of our donors and their families offer the potential for healing. With almost 2,000 peo- ple in Louisiana waiting for a lifesaving organ, it is important we continue to set and achieve bold goals so that we are able to help and heal even more individuals in the coming years.” Al Copeland Foundation, LSU Health NO Expand Partnership The Al Copeland Foundation announced the donation of $400,000 to LSU Health Foundation New Orleans and a commitment of $2 million over the next 10 years to support the Al Cope- land Foundation and LSU Health New Orleans Cancer Partnership Network. The Network, an innovative, robust cancer program that will ben- efit patients with cancer in Louisiana and the Gulf States Region, expands the partnership that began more than a decade ago. The Al Copeland Foundation and LSU Health New Orleans Cancer Partnership Network will support cancer research programs and help bring clinical trials to a broad range of cancer patients. It will also develop a patient screening, preven- tion, and outreach initiative. “Our partnership with LSU Health New Orleans led us to find the treatment for the cancer that took my father’s life,” said Al Copeland Jr. “Fight- ing for his life led us down a path of searching for a lifesaving treatment around the world,” said Al Copeland Jr. “With the new partnership expan- sion, the ultimate goal is for everyone to have access to innovative cancer treatments that can save their lives right here at home.” “Building the new Cancer Network, with the support of the Al Copeland Foundation, is an important step in offering patients a more active role in their healthcare outcomes and contribut- ing to a healthier future generation,” said Steve Nelson, MD, LSU Health New Orleans interim chancellor. “Being able to provide this access right here in Louisiana is a huge step for the advancement in cancer care for our residents.” AVALA Acquires Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinic AVALA has recently acquired an orthopedic urgent care clinic, AVALA OrthoCare. AVALA OrthoCare will provide patients walk- in access to orthopedic and hand surgeons for non-emergency bone, joint, and sports injuries, including concussions. Physicians can offer care for work-related injuries, providing work assess- ments and proper medical evaluations. “Throughout the years, this walk-in orthope- dic clinic has provided immediate, urgent care to our communities,” said Paul van Deventer, MD, AVALA Ortho. “Our staff of board-certified orthopedics allows for patients to be seen at their convenience. With our new association through AVALA, we will have an opportunity to expand our mission to offer improved access to high level orthopedic services for the people of St Tammany Parish and beyond.” AVALA OrthoCare is located at 1200 Pinnacle Parkway in Covington. Louisiana Department of Health Receives CMS Approval to Launch TEFRA The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Ser- vices (CMS) has granted approval for Louisiana Medicaid to launch Act 421 Children’s Medicaid Option, or TEFRA, effective Jan. 1, 2022. This pro- gram allows certain children under 19 years of age with disabilities to receive Medicaid cover- age, regardless of parental income. The TEFRA option disregards family income for children with disabilities who meet specific crite- ria, so they may qualify for Medicaid to cover the services they need to grow and thrive while liv- ing at home. To qualify, children must have a disability that is recognized under the definition utilized in the Supplemental Security Income program of the Social Security Administration and must meet basic Medicaid and institutional level-of-care requirements. Additionally, their care must cost less at home than in an institution. “In our work each day within the Louisiana Department of Health, our goal is to help individ- uals receive care in a safe setting of their choice. We are grateful for both of our legislators and to CMS for approval to offer an option allowing chil- dren to remain in their homes to receive care that will help them thrive,” said LDH Secretary Court- ney N. Phillips, PhD. “This is a great day for families with children with disabilities in Louisiana,” said Rep. Dodie Horton. “TEFRA will allow these children to avoid long stays in hospitals and get the care they need while living at home in the comfort of their fam- ily and friends.” “We are excited about this new program and the significant impact it will have on our work- ing families and children with disabilities to help make their lives easier while providing much-needed services,” said Rep. Dustin Miller. “Thanks to all of our stakeholders and other com- munity partners for working with us to help move this forward.”