HJNO Jul/Aug 2026

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  JUL / AUG 2026 49 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalNO.com behavior; • Feeling trapped or believing there is no way out; • Increased drug or alcohol use; • Dramatic mood changes; • Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities; and • Anxiety, agitation, or major changes in sleeping patterns. Help is available through the Louisiana Department of Health by calling or texting 988. For online chat and additional resources, go to: www.Louisiana988.org Louisiana Opens Applications for Rural Clinician Credit Bank Applications are now open for the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability (ORHTS) Rural Clinician Credit Bank, a new $5.6 million pro- gram designed to help rural healthcare provid- ers recruit and retain physicians, nurses, dentists, EMS personnel, behavioral health professionals, and other clinicians serving in the state’s rural communities. The Rural Clinician Credit Bank provides match- ing funds to eligible rural healthcare providers for recruitment and retention incentives including sign-on bonuses, retention bonuses, relocation assistance, and professional training. Participat- ing clinicians must commit to serving in rural Lou- isiana for at least five years. The program helps rural providers remain competitive in attracting and retaining clinicians while supporting work- force development. The program is part of Louisiana’s broader Rural Health Transformation effort to improve access to care, address workforce shortages, and build sus- tainable healthcare delivery models in rural com- munities statewide. Eligible applicants include a wide range of rural healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, physician practices, behavioral health providers, EMS agen- cies, pharmacies, and dental providers. Applications for the first budget period were accepted through June 25, 2026. For additional information email RuralHealthTransformation@ la.gov or visit: bit.ly/rhtp-funding n Bucks on their existing SNAP EBT card. Families who received SUN Bucks in 2024 or 2025 will receive their child’s 2026 benefit on the same card. New participants not enrolled in SNAP will receive a preloaded EBT card by mail in a white envelope addressed to their child. Cards for eligible children in the same family may arrive separately. SUN Bucks benefits must be used within 122 days of issuance. Any remaining balance after that time will expire and cannot be reissued. For program details and answers to frequently asked questions, call the SUN Bucks helpline at (833) 323-7482 or visit: ldh.la.gov/page/sun-bucks To request a replacement EBT card, call (888) 997-1117, call the SUN Bucks helpline at (833) 323- 7482, use the LifeInCheck EBT app, or visit: LifeInCheckEBT.com Families can find no-cost summer meal sites near them using the USDA SUN Programs site finder at: fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder Louisiana Healthcare Connections Encourages Mental Health While summer is often associated with vacations, sunshine, and time with family and friends, mental health experts say it is also a time to remain vigilant about emotional wellness and suicide prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates are often higher during the summer months than during the winter, contrary to popular belief. In response, Louisiana Healthcare Connections is encouraging Louisiana residents to check on loved ones and recognize warning signs that someone may be struggling with mental health challenges. Louisiana Healthcare Connections encourages residents to be aware of warning signs that may indicate someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, including: • Depression or feelings of hopelessness; • Threatening to hurt oneself; • Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide in ways that are unusual for the person; • Acting recklessly or engaging in risky Medicaid and Medicare recipients, veterans, self- pay patients, and other underserved populations without barriers to access. Prior to DePaul launching the MAT program 11 years ago, Medicaid and Medicare recipi- ents were often unable to access this level of treatment. SUN Bucks Are Out for Summer 2026 The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has begun issuing SUN Bucks. The program provides $120 in grocery benefits to help ensure children who receive free or reduced-price school meals get the nutrition they need when schools are closed for summer break. Children who are automatically enrolled will see SUN Bucks added to their EBT card. Sun Bucks will continue to be issued as applications are approved and additional children become eligible through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Family Independence Temporary Assistance (FITAP), Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP), or income- based Medicaid. Most eligible children will receive SUN Bucks automatically and do not need to apply. No application is necessary if: • Child was born between August 20, 2007 and July 1, 2020, and received SNAP, FITAP, KCSP, or income-based Medicaid benefits at any time between July 1, 2025 and August 20, 2026. • Child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP), and was individually approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals. Application for SUN Bucks is needed for children attending a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school where all students receive free meals, but the child’s family did not complete an NSLP or SBP application. Families who believe they may be eligible based on income should apply by August 20 at: louisiana.summerebtapp.com Homeschooled or virtual school students must receive SNAP, FITAP, KCSP, or income-based Medicaid to be eligible for SUN Bucks. Children enrolled in SNAP will receive SUN