HJNO May/Jun 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  MAY / JUN 2025 37 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalNO.com cardiologist, to the active medical staff. She has joined Thibodaux Regional Cardiology Clinic located at 602 North Acadia Road, Suite 101, in Thibodaux. Upadhrasta received a medical degree from Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences in Ghan- pur, Hyderabad, India, and completed an inter- nal medicine residency at Saint Agnes Hospi- tal in Baltimore. She also completed a year of advanced heart failure training at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Additionally, Upadhrasta completed a fellowship in cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. She is certified by the American Board of Inter- nal Medicine and is a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians. LDHUnveils NewCentral Louisiana State Hospital Facility The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) unveiled the new Central Louisiana State Hospi- tal (CLSH) in Pineville with a ribbon-cutting cer- emony. The state-of-the-art facility provides care for up to 116 patients with severe and persistent mental illnesses, with a focus on rehabilitation and preparing patients for success. Long in the making, the $33 million renovation and reloca- tion project marks a new chapter for the historic state hospital. “We now have a beautiful new therapeutic facility with outstanding care delivery,” then LDH Secretary Michael Harrington said. “It supports CLSH’s delivery of care model, which is to pro- vide person-centered care that promotes recov- ery and resiliency.” “At the heart of this project was creating a patient-centered facility with individualized care, allowing our medical staff to meet the patients where they are in their journey to recovery,” Sur- geon General Ralph L. Abraham, MD, said. “Evi- dence-based treatment programs, a multidis- ciplinary approach, high quality of care, and an environment of support and connection together make a best-in-class mental health facility.” Operating under LDH’s Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), the new mental health facility offers enhanced safety, security, and a more effective therapeutic environment. New interior spaces feature a feeling of openness, with emphasis on natural light and exterior views, seen through tall ceilings and windows in each room. The project placed a high priority on creating an environment that ensures patient privacy and safety. Certified by the Centers for Medicare and Med- icaid Services (CMS) and accredited by The Joint Commission, the hospital’s primary focus is to provide intermediate inpatient psychiatric care to adult Louisiana residents. Treatment services include individual, group, and family therapy; rec- reational and occupational therapy; pharmaco- therapy; speech and hearing therapy; nutritional counseling; dental services; pastoral care services; and limited diagnostic medical services. CLSH also supports patients with mental health conditions by reducing healthcare barriers they may face upon discharge, such as safe housing, educational resources, and food and income securities. Newly constructed buildings at the facility include two patient care buildings and a util- ity plant. Three existing buildings, previously owned by Pinecrest Supports and Services Cen- ter (PSSC), received extensive renovation to sup- port hospital operations, including occupational and therapeutic services, medical staff, and a cen- tral pharmacy. Other site improvements include utility infrastructure, site work, parking, plumbing, and landscaping. CLSH has been a mainstay for mental health in Louisiana since its founding in 1906. In June 2024, CLSH employees moved all patients from the 118-year-old original site on Shamrock Street to the current location on Esler Field Road in one day. Louisiana Healthcare Connections Partners with LSU AgCenter, 4-H to Build Healthy Meals During National Nutrition Month in March, Louisiana Healthcare Connections announced the launch of the fourth in the series of popu- lar Build a Healthy Meal videos, produced in partnership with the LSU AgCenter. This latest series introduces teens from the Teen Chef and 4-H programs, focusing on nutritious, kid-friendly meals and snacks that children can easily make themselves. Each episode is presented by a team comprised of a middle or high school student and an LSU AgCenter nutrition agent and showcases the cre- ativity and culinary skills of Louisiana’s youth. The initiative highlights the importance of empow- ering children with the knowledge and tools to prepare healthy meals, fostering lifelong healthy eating habits. “We are thrilled to continue our partner- ship with LSU AgCenter in this fourth series of Build a Healthy Meal,” said Monique M. Jones, MD, MPH, FAAP, Louisiana Healthcare Con- nections medical director. “Healthy eating has been proven to help prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high choles- terol, and cardiovascular disease. The earlier we can help children understand the connection between nutrition and health and teach them the skills to prepare healthy meals, the more likely they will continue healthy eating later in life.” The first five kid-friendly recipe videos in the series are now available online: • Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets and Roasted Broccoli – Presented by Jennifer Duhon and 8th grade 4-H member Brees (Central Louisiana). • Pecan Wild Rice – Presented by Quincy Vid- rine and 9th grade 4-H member Jonathan (Northeast Louisiana). • Taco Empanadas – Presented by Quincy Vidrine and 11th grade 4-H member Sarah (Northeast Louisiana). • Three Sisters Soup – Presented by Jennifer Duhon and 12th grade teen chef Morgan (Central Louisiana). • Sushi Stack – Presented by Mandy Armen- tor and 8th grade 4-H member Luke Sireesha Upadhrasta, MD