HJNO Mar/Apr 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  MAR / APR 2024 41 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalNO.com Robichaux, fund development manager, at (504) 212-9509 or charles.hession@dcsno.org . Louisiana Healthcare Connections Offers Help to Quit Smoking A recent survey from Forbes Health confirms that quitting smoking remains in the top ten of New Year’s resolutions for 2024. Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable diseases, impact- ing both physical and mental health. Recognizing the importance of addressing this public health concern, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, a Medicaid health plan serving the Louisiana Department of Health and a wholly owned sub- sidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is dedicated to assisting members in their quest to quit smoking and promoting overall well-being. In this ongoing commitment to health and well- being, Louisiana Healthcare Connections reminds members of its comprehensive smoking cessa- tion program aimed at supporting individuals in their journey towards a smoke-free life. The ini- tiative includes a range of resources and rewards. Key Program Features: • Sharecare Craving to Quit Program: Lou- isiana Healthcare Connections encour- ages members to take advantage of the Sharecare Craving to Quit program. This evidence-based program offers coaching calls, self-guided lessons, motivational text message support, and community engage- ment to aid individuals in their journey to quit smoking. • Financial Incentives: To further motivate members, Louisiana Healthcare Connec- tions provides a $10 reward for participants in the Craving to Quit program. Addition- ally, members can earn a $25 My Health Pays smoking cessation reward upon suc- cessfully completing the program, provid- ing a tangible acknowledgment of their commitment to a healthier lifestyle. • Covered Medications and Counseling Ser- vices: Louisiana Healthcare Connections covers medications and counseling ser- vices prescribed by network providers. Generic nicotine replacement products, including gum, lozenges, and patches, as well as Bupropion SR (Zyban), are among the covered medications. Counseling ser- vices, such as This is Quitting, motivational text message support, and hypnotherapy for quitting smoking, are also available. • Provider Involvement: Members seeking smoking cessation support can obtain pre- scriptions for covered medications and counseling services from network provid- ers, ensuring a comprehensive and person- alized approach to quitting. “Quitting tobacco, whether cigarettes, chew, or vapes, has tremendous health benefits,” notes Louisiana Healthcare Connections Chief Medical Officer Stewart T. Gordon, MD, FAAP. “This one decision can greatly reduce your risk for disease and early death. The main thing is to find a pro- gram that works for you and stick with it, as it may take several attempts to quit for good.” DCHS Commemorates the Daughters of Charity’s 190th Anniversary of Healthcare in NewOrleans Jan. 6 marked the 190th anniversary of the Daughters of Charity providing healthcare to the Greater New Orleans community. The Daugh- ters of Charity’s founding occurred in 1633 when a French widow, Saint Louise de Marillac, and a French priest, Saint Vincent de Paul, organized the Order to serve France’s poor. Centuries later, on Jan. 6, 1834, Sister Regina Smith and nine other Daughters of Charity began managing and overseeing Charity Hospital of Louisiana in New Orleans. “The Daughters’ accomplishments emanate from having compassion for people. They learn about needs in the community and work hard to fulfill those needs,” said Michael Griffin, MSPH, DSc, FACHC, president and CEO of DePaul Com- munity Health Centers (DCHC). “Their willingness to serve, innovation, and dedication to address- ing the healthcare needs of this community con- tinue to inspire our work today. We are honored to celebrate their 190th anniversary of providing healthcare in New Orleans.” The Daughters of Charity garnered numerous accomplishments, including erecting Hotel Dieu Hospital (1859), managing the Louisiana Leper Home in Carville, Louisiana (1896), celebrating 100 years of providing care at Hotel Dieu Hospi- tal (1959), selling Hotel Dieu to the State of Loui- siana (1992), and establishing Daughters of Char- ity Services of New Orleans (1996), which today comprises 11 Federally Qualified Health Centers in both Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. Those centers are now known as DePaul Community Health Centers. “The Daughters of Charity came to New Orleans 190 years ago in response to the needs of those who were sick and less fortunate," said Sis- ter Catherine Kelly, DC, an Ascension DePaul Ser- vices board member. "We have spent years in the ministry of education, especially at the elemen- tary level, and now we are working with those who are homeless, as well as continuing our work with DCHC and the health ministry. All of the sisters who are currently in New Orleans are extremely proud of our long history and heritage with the people of this city, and we look forward to it con- tinuing for many years to come.” While the Daughters no longer work in health- care on a daily basis, many of them serve as vol- unteers in various capacities with several organi- zations, including DCHC. DCHS Commemorates the Daughters of Charity’s 190th Anniversary of Healthcare in New Orleans