HJNO Sep/Oct 2025

of the JJIC. Tregre remarks that very often the experience at JJIC is the best healthcare these children have ever received. “This program is a perfect example of our commitment to stand in the gap for every child, every time,” said Tregre. “We are say- ing yes to providing care where and when it is needed most.” Many stories stand out, but there is one in particular that highlights the impact of the unique healthcare partnership. It is a story of a young girl who was first treated at the JJIC at age 15. Unfortunately, she returned at 16 and again at 17 and had her 18th birth- day there. During her time at the JJIC, the staff from Manning Family Children’s was able to diagnose and treat her depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Through counseling she was able to work through her complex relationship with her mother and the traumatic experience of a gunshot wound. With the help of the sup- port network available to her at the JJIC, and through Children’s care coordination efforts, she was connected to a long-term housing program that is structured to keep her on a good path where she will be con- tinuously supported. Manning Family Children’s also brings resources of its ThriveKids Student Well- ness Program to provide a continuum of care for youth housed at JJIC, with a focus on supporting youth following community reintegration. While ThriveKids tradition- ally focuses on school wellness in public schools, social workers and physicians have been able to stand in the gap for the JJIC population through follow-up counseling sessions, care coordination, and medication management, and by addressing any medi- cal disruptors that might impede a child’s ongoing progress. The support network, coping skills, and resources learned help them as they return to the community to respond better in dif- ficult or challenging environments. There is also the Intensive Home and Commu- nity Supervision Program designed for kids’ reentry, targeting the recidivism rate and reducing repeat offenses. MAKING A DIFFERENCE While the challenge is tremendous, and more support is always needed, we have seen gains. The individualized approach to this program is centered on meeting kids where they are and the success stories keep the team hopeful. In the case of another young person with multiple incarcerations, the youth presented with excessive frequent urination. Because of the easy access to comprehensive health- care services, labs were drawn, and the youth was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, unknown until that time. Upon diagnosis, the medical team was able to get the child started on the necessary medications and dietary modifications to manage the dis- ease. In addition, the child and the family were provided with education on the dis- ease process and how to properly manage it on going home. In another instance, a 15-year-old com- plained of nausea, decreased appetite, and vision trouble. When the patient was brought to Children’s for a comprehensive For many of the youth served, this is the first time they are receiving comprehensive pediatric health services, allowing for treatment of many unaddressed physical and mental health problems. Even though many of these youth are Medicaid-eligible, they often are not receiving care for a variety of reasons, including family instability, negligence, or simply limited access to transportation. 24 SEP / OCT 2025 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS