The Community Health Department aims at improving the chronic disease outcomes in Louisiana by linking healthcare providers and communities to chronic disease self-management, health education, and health behavior support services. We lead regionally focused efforts to identify community resources and establish community-clinical linkages to advance the prevention and management of heart disease and diabetes. The Community Resource Department also establishes and maintains partnerships for the purpose of increasing clinical interventions that increases access to community resources and lessens the burden of chronic disease in the region.

Community Health Workers (CHWs), Community Ambassadors, and other motivated Community Leaders are the frontline “boots-on-the-ground” workers who are trusted members of and/or have an unusually close understanding of the community served.  The department builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, education, and community empowerment. Numerous programs addressing women and men's health initiatives, Youth Empowerment, community-based vaccine, blood pressure and diabetes programs, and so much more address the many barriers communities face. This team works to ensure that all Louisiana residents receive proper resources and tools to achieve healthy living that is sustainable and community led."