What to know
Through strong partnerships, the Louisiana (LA) Tracking Program aims to use their data tool and their resources to inform policies; aid in public health planning and response; promote further study and research in public and environmental health; and educate communities to help them make more informed decisions about their health.
Background
Louisiana repeatedly has ranked below the national averages for public health and environmental quality. Example problems that affect the state include oil spills, carbon monoxide poisonings, and well water contamination.
According to this report, LA has the fourth highest death rate from colorectal cancer in the country. High-risk population factors like smoking, eating processed and red meat, genetics, and not enough people getting screened contribute to this statistic.
Accomplishments
Louisiana’s BREATHE Initiative Fills a Crucial Gap in Asthma Intervention
The Louisiana Tracking Program identified social and environmental vulnerabilities across the state from a data review study. In response, the program developed the Bringing Respiratory Health Equity for Asthmatics Through Healthier Environments (BREATHE) initiative. BREATHE provides asthma services and resources to patients living in high-burden areas of the state.
Before BREATHE launched, there was no statewide program that brought together managed care organizations, Medicaid services, the department of health, and private and community groups. Through these partnerships, the BREATHE program provided virtual services to improve asthma health outcomes in socially and environmentally vulnerable areas. For its success, the BREATHE initiative was awarded the National Environmental Health Association Gold Award for Environmental Innovation.
Unique Data
All state and local tracking programs collect and display a set of standard data. But individual programs may host other data that are important to their populations. Louisiana Tracking's unique data include the following.
Milestones
2009:
- Participated in ASTHO's Tracking Fellowship.
- Louisiana Tracking Program established with CDC funding.
2016: Launched the LA Tracking site in partnership with the Department's Bureau for Health Informatics.
2018: Upgraded LA Tracking site to include dual, linked data views.