HJNO Nov/Dec 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS  I  NOV / DEC 2025 41 Dana Lawson, DNP, MHA, MSN, APRN, CCM Senior Vice President of Population Health Clinical Operations and Health Equity Louisiana Healthcare Connections Addressing Disparities Through SHIP-Aligned Coaching Health disparities in Louisiana are shaped by race, income, geography, and access. Black and Indigenous communi- ties, rural residents, and individuals with disabilities face higher rates of chronic dis- ease and maternal morbidity. Nutrition in- terventions can reduce risk factors for five of the nine leading causes of severe ma- ternal morbidity and mortality, including heart disease, diabetes, and mental health. 7 SHIP’s shared measurement system en- ables health plans to track coaching out- comes and align with statewide goals. By documenting coaching interactions into care management platforms and using standardized templates, plans can con- tribute to SHIP’s data-driven improvement efforts. Recommendations for Medicaid Health Plans The following recommendations offer Medicaid health plans some strategies to pursue: A. Operational Enhancements • Launch a “Holiday Health Coaching Blitz” with increased outreach attempts and innovative engagement strategies for especially hard-to-reach individuals. • Use cohort analysis to identify high-risk members and tailor interventions. B. Equity-Focused Engagement • Partner with SNAP, area food banks, and community organizations to distribute healthy food kits to include recipes for reimagining classic Louisiana dishes in a healthier way. • Translate education materials into multiple languages and adapt for low-literacy populations. C. Measurement and Reporting • Track engagement and outcomes via SHIP’s dashboard and internal metrics. • Align coaching documentation with SHIP’s shared measurement system. The holiday season presents both risks and opportunities for Medicaid health plans. By aligning nutrition and health coaching initiatives with Louisiana’s SHIP framework, plans can proactively address seasonal health challenges, advance health equity, and improve chronic disease outcomes. Embracing personalization, cultural relevance, and dignity of choice, health plans can transform care for Medicaid members, during the holidays and beyond. n REFERENCES 1 “Food Security in the U.S.,” USDA Economic Research Service, 2025, https://www.ers.usda. gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food- security-in-the-us/key-statistics-graphics. 2 “Louisiana State Health Improvement Plan,” Louisiana Department of Health, 2024, https:// dashboards.mysidewalk.com/state-health- improvement-plan-louisiana/. 3 Dariush Mozaffarian, et al., “‘Food Is Medicine’ Strategies for Nutrition Security and Cardiometabolic Health Equity: JACC State-of- the-Art Review,” Journal of the American College of Cardiology 83, no. 8 (2024): 843–864, https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.023. 4 Gabriel Benavidez, et al., “Chronic Disease Prevalence in the US: Sociodemographic and Geographic Variations by Zip Code Tabulation Area,” Preventing Chronic Disease 21 (2024), http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd21.230267. 5 A. M. A. Dabrh, et al., “Health & Wellness Coaching Services: Making the Case for Reimbursement,” American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 19, no. 6 (2024): 800–13, https://doi. org/10.1177/15598276241266784. 6 Allie Wainer, et al., “At the Nexus of Grocery Access and Transportation: Assessing Barriers and Preferences for Alternative Approaches to Enhancing Food Access,” Journal of Transport & Health 33 (2023): 101712, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. jth.2023.101712. 7 “Report to Congress on Medicaid and CHIP,” Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, June 2020, https://www.macpac. gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/June-2020- Report-to-Congress-on-Medicaid-and-CHIP.pdf. Health Coaching as a Seasonal Intervention Health coaching offers a personalized, culturally sensitive approach to nutrition education and chronic disease management. During the holiday season, when dietary habits often shift toward high-sugar and high-fat foods, coaching can serve as a stabilizing force. Key coaching strategies include: • Holiday nutrition campaigns that promote portion control, hydration, and healthy substitutions and use relevant messaging. • Stress management support that offers virtual coaching sessions focused on mindfulness-based interventions, sleep hygiene, and behavioral health triggers. • Diabetes outreach that prioritizes members with poor A1C control for targeted coaching and education. Studies show that health coaching improves dietary behaviors, increases fruit and vegetable intake, and supports sustainable lifestyle changes. 5 Personalized Food Access and Cultural Relevance The dignity of choice is central to ef- fective nutrition interventions. Personal- ized food selection, aligned with cultural preferences and dietary needs, empowers members to take ownership of their health. This approach is especially impactful during the holidays, when food traditions are deeply tied to identity and community. Innovative solutions such as direct-to- home grocery delivery can overcome geo- graphic and economic barriers, ensuring access to fresh produce and nutritious op- tions in both urban and rural areas. 6