Photo credit: Nicolas Galindo/The News-Star, Monroe News-Star via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Louisiana’s new Surgeon General, Dr. Ralph Abraham, has made mental health his first priority when he takes office.
In the wake of the pandemic and numerous natural disasters across the state, residents are feeling the impact emotionally, he said.
“In my work as a physician, I see a lot of depression and anxiety. These mental health issues can take people away from their work and their social lives, so this is a really big problem that we have to address,” Abraham said.
Doctors say they also want to change policies that prevent states from providing better health care.
Currently, 1.7 million people in Louisiana are on Medicaid, and Abraham said the Louisiana Department of Health’s goal is to help residents continue to work and access health care.
“Over time, as their living conditions improve, we can transition them onto the insurance exchanges or private insurance,” he said.
In the wake of the pandemic and numerous natural disasters across the state, residents are feeling the impact emotionally, he said.
“In my work as a physician, I see a lot of depression and anxiety. These mental health issues can take people away from their work and their social lives, so this is a really big problem that we have to address,” Abraham said.
Doctors say they also want to change policies that prevent states from providing better health care.
Currently, 1.7 million people in Louisiana are on Medicaid, and Abraham said the Louisiana Department of Health’s goal is to help residents continue to work and access health care.
“Over time, as their living conditions improve, we can transition them onto the insurance exchanges or private insurance,” he said.
In the wake of the pandemic and numerous natural disasters across the state, residents are feeling the impact emotionally, he said.
“In my work as a physician, I see a lot of depression and anxiety. These mental health issues can take people away from their work and their social lives, so this is a really big problem that we have to address,” Abraham said.
Doctors say they also want to change policies that prevent states from providing better health care.
Currently, 1.7 million people in Louisiana are on Medicaid, and Abraham said the Louisiana Department of Health’s goal is to help residents continue to work and access health care.
“Over time, as their living conditions improve, we can transition them onto the insurance exchanges or private insurance,” he said.
