Conducts policy and public health research, translation and dissemination of information on a variety of health topics to assist governmental bodies and organizations in developing evidence-based policies designed to improve community health.

Over the past two years, LPHI has reached significant benchmarks that enhance the organization’s statewide presence, expand the organization’s role in regional and statewide policy development, as well as address health inequities through the use of data and statistics. Policy Development and Advocacy staff were engaged by the Louisiana Office of Public Health to facilitate development of a five-year plan for the Maternal and Child Health Bureau 2010 Needs Assessment and conducted a comprehensive statewide MCH needs assessment initiative across the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals’ (DHH) nine regions.

Additionally, the Director of Policy Development and Advocacy was engaged by the Public Health Oral Health Program of DHH to facilitate the formation of the Louisiana Oral Health Advisory Council, the first-of-its-kind committee comprised of public and private stakeholders working together to formulate strategies to improve oral health in Louisiana.

One of the more notable achievements is the creation of the Healthy NOLA Neighborhoods initiative.  This initiative provides a web-based resource containing neighborhood-specific health data and statistics, as well as tools and links to community partners in New Orleans. Community liaisons are using these data and resources to facilitate community engagement and inform structural change and strategic policies. The Director of Policy Development and Advocacy also provided consultation to and facilitation for strategic visioning and planning by the Louisiana Public Health Association, a professional membership organization.