Office of Public Health Meet Our Intern Cohort Ten students from universities across Louisiana spent this session embedded with OPH bureaus — tackling real public health challenges from maternal health and food access to emergency preparedness and disease surveillance. This session, the Office of Public Health welcomed ten interns representing seven Louisiana universities. Placed acrossContinue reading "Meet the OPH Summer 2026 Interns"
Employee Spotlight: Vendetta Johnson
Employee Spotlight Vendetta Johnson Administrative Coordinator 4 · Sanitarian Services Louisiana Department of Health · OPH · Based in Lake Charles · 12 years of service Vendetta Johnson was born and raised in Lake Charles, LA, with a strong sense of community and dedication. After completing high school, she earned an Associate’s Degree in AccountingContinue reading "Employee Spotlight: Vendetta Johnson"
August Employee Spotlight: Van Coulon Jr.
Employee Spotlight Van Coulon Jr. Assistant Regional Administrator · Region 1 Administrative Office Louisiana Department of Health · OPH · BRCO · With OPH/LDH since April 2018 Van Coulon Jr. began his career with the Louisiana Department of Health at the Delgado Personal Health Clinic, where he provided frontline administrative support for immunizations and reproductiveContinue reading "August Employee Spotlight: Van Coulon Jr."
OPH Announces Fall 2026 LDI Cohort
Introduction In October 2026, the OPH Leadership Development Institute (LDI) will welcome a new cohort of 12 emerging leaders from the Office of Public Health. In partnership with Success Labs, a renowned Baton Rouge-based consulting and coaching firm, the LDI is designed to equip our future leaders with the essential skills and strategic mindset neededContinue reading "OPH Announces Fall 2026 LDI Cohort"
Employee Spotlight: Madison Albright
Employee Spotlight Madison REDCap System Administration Manager · Bureau of Health Informatics Louisiana Department of Health · New Orleans · With OPH/LDH since May 2017 Combining expertise in education, data systems, and public health, Madison works to help programs within the Office of Public Health become more data-driven through adaptive REDCap solutions, integrated reporting, andContinue reading "Employee Spotlight: Madison Albright"
OPH Invoice Portal Launches
The Center for Finance and Administration has launched the OPH Invoice Portal, a centralized electronic system designed to make contractor and vendor invoice submissions more consistent, transparent, and easier to track. For many years, invoice processing at OPH relied on multiple submission methods, including email, paper, and program-specific processes. While staff worked hard to keepContinue reading "OPH Invoice Portal Launches"
New Birth Certificate Supports Women’s Health
On June 16, Governor Jeff Landry signed ACT 1 from the 2026 Regular Legislative Session establishing Louisiana’s new Commemorative Birth Certificate during a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion. The event was attended by First Lady Sharon Landry, Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein, Surgeon General Evelyn Griffin, Deputy Assistant Secretary Darlene W. Smith, VitalContinue reading "New Birth Certificate Supports Women’s Health"
Region 4 Hosts Annual Nursing Skills Day
On April 29, the Region 4 Office of Public Health hosted its annual Nursing Skills Day at Abbeville General Hospital’s (AGH) Simulation Lab. This event brought together 24 nurses for hands-on training focused on nursing competency, disaster response readiness, and Medical Needs Shelter operations. The day included presentations on nursing roles during disasters, Medical NeedsContinue reading "Region 4 Hosts Annual Nursing Skills Day"
Hurricane Preparedness Starts at Home
On June 1st, the Bureau of Community Preparedness outreach team hosted the Kick-Off for Hurricane Season Preparedness at the Bienville Building. The event brought attention to the importance of early planning and personal readiness for hurricane season. The outreach event focused on engaging Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) employees to ensure they are not onlyContinue reading "Hurricane Preparedness Starts at Home"
OPH Laboratory Hosts Bioterrorism Training
On April 30, 2026, fourteen laboratorians from hospitals across the state participated in the Bioterrorism Preparedness Workshop hosted by the Office of Public Health (OPH) Laboratory Emergency Preparedness & Response Section. The intermediate-level workshop provided valuable hands-on training designed to strengthen the ability of clinical microbiology laboratorians to recognize and respond to potential bioterrorism agentsContinue reading "OPH Laboratory Hosts Bioterrorism Training"
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