HJBR Jan/Feb 2024

48 JAN / FEB 2024  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE   Healthcare Briefs prevent and address these issues. Our mission at BFH is to elevate the strengths and voices of individuals, families and communities to catalyze transformational change to improve population health and achieve equity. We believe that the WHL State Plan moves us all closer to achieving that mission and are happy to continue to support the initiative through its implementation,” said Amy Zapata, Bureau of Family Health director. Over the next five years, LDH will continue to foster public and private sector partnerships to implement and sustain the plan for the long term. Becoming trauma-informed requires edu- cation, training, and ongoing self-reflection for all involved. By being trauma-informed, individu- als and communities can play a vital role in creat- ing spaces that promote healing, resilience, and recovery for those who have experienced trauma. Plan objectives will be implemented from Jan- uary 2024 to December 2028, establishing struc- tures, policies, and practices to propel Louisiana toward our vision of healthy and thriving children, families, and community members, regardless of who they are or where they live. For more information or to find out how to get involved, visit ldh.la.gov/WholeHealthLouisiana or contact WHL@la.gov . $3.4M Investment Made to Baton Rouge Health District Gateway Enhancements The U.S. Department of Commerce, via its Economic Development Administration (E.D.A.), announced a significant $4.4 million investment in Louisiana’s infrastructure. This allocation is geared towards strengthening the areas recently affected by disasters. A significant portion will be directed to the Baton Rouge Health District, in collabo- ration with Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, for vital enhancements. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo confirmed awarding a $2.72 million EDA grant to the Baton Rouge Health District. The Baton Rouge Health District will direct this funding towards crucial infrastructure upgrades as part of the R.E.A.C.H. Gateway Infrastructure Enhance- ment Project (Regional Economic Acceleration through Coordinated Health Infrastructure). These upgrades, including improved signage and intersection enhancements, are essential for sup- porting business growth. Along with an additional $680,000 in local funds, provided in part by both the city-parish and the health district, the total investment in the project reaches $3.4 million. Steven Ceulemans, executive director of the Baton Rouge Health District, said, “The R.E.A.C.H. project is not just an investment in infrastructure, it’s about creating a welcoming gateway to our district, enhancing its visual iden- tity and resilience. This initiative is our largest fed- erally funded project to date and is a key com- ponent in realizing our vision of Baton Rouge as a world-class health destination at the heart of a vibrant community.” The Baton Rouge Health District, comprising a coalition of prominent health-related institu- tions, is at the forefront of the R.E.A.C.H. initiative within a significant 1,200-acre area in the heart of Baton Rouge. This initiative is focused on aug- menting the healthcare district into a destina- tion that is not only resilient to future challenges but also inclusive and conducive to economic growth and vitality. Primary gateway junctions to receive enhancement treatments include the I-10 interstate approach to Essen Blvd; I- 10 inter- state approach to Bluebonnet Blvd; I-10 interstate approach to Ochsner-The Grove; Perkins Road/ Quail Drive; and Perkins Road/Essen Boulevard. Mayor Broome expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration by saying, “In partnership with the Baton Rouge Health District, my administration has allocated $350,000 of MOVEBR funds to the R.E.A.C.H. project. This strategic investment will not only beautify intersections but also prioritize pedestrian and bicycle safety. It’s a crucial step in fortifying the economic impact and resilience of the Health District.” Funded by the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023, these projects ben- efit from the EDA’s additional $483 million in Eco- nomic Adjustment Assistance Program funds. These funds address recovery in areas declared major disaster zones in 2021 and 2022 due to events like Hurricanes Ian and Fiona. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Eco- nomic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo said, “EDA’s role is pivotal in aiding communities to recover from natural disasters and adapt to cli- mate changes. We’re committed to supporting Baton Rouge and West Monroe in their mission to provide growth-supporting infrastructure.” n