By T. Scott Boatright
The Lincoln Parish Police Jury moved to strengthen local healthcare by adopting an ordinance during Tuesday’s meeting creating Hospital Service District No. 1 for Lincoln Parish.
Logan Hunt, chair of the LPPJ’s Economic Development and Long-Range Planning Committee, said the new hospital service district will help protect, strengthen and improve healthcare in Lincoln Parish.
“Creating the district gives Lincoln Parish a permanent framework to plan and act on the future of its healthcare system,” Hunt said. “Hospital service districts across Louisiana have tools and authorities provided under state law. Creating this district does not impose any new taxes or fees. Any future public funding proposal would be a separate decision and go through the appropriate public process.”
Established under Louisiana law, the Hospital Service District is authorized to support a broad range of healthcare initiatives, including acquiring, owning, leasing and operating healthcare facilities; promoting community health; developing strategic partnerships; and supporting activities that improve access to quality healthcare for parish residents.
Hunt said the district will work collaboratively with healthcare providers, state agencies, educational institutions, local governments, nonprofit organizations and other community partners to strengthen healthcare throughout Lincoln Parish.
The district’s priorities will include:
- Supporting access to quality healthcare throughout Lincoln Parish.
- Developing strategic partnerships that strengthen local healthcare services.
- Pursuing state, federal and philanthropic funding opportunities.
- Planning for the community’s long-term healthcare needs.
- Coordinating efforts among healthcare stakeholders to improve access, quality and health outcomes.
After creating the district, the LPPJ will begin the process of appointing a five-member Board of Commissioners, which will organize the district and begin carrying out its responsibilities under Louisiana law.
The action represents the culmination of more than 18 months of planning, evaluation and collaboration among the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, the City of Ruston, the Lincoln Health Foundation, healthcare leaders and other community stakeholders to develop a long-term strategy for healthcare in Lincoln Parish.
With help from Whitecap Health Advisors, local leaders evaluated the parish’s healthcare needs, emerging trends and future opportunities to help ensure Lincoln Parish is well positioned to meet today’s healthcare needs while preparing for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
“We’ve worked very closely with the Lincoln Health Foundation, the City of Ruston, healthcare leaders and our advisors to evaluate the current state of healthcare, where it is headed and what Lincoln Parish needs for the future,” Hunt said. “Today’s action is the result of that work and gives our community a stronger foundation to protect and improve healthcare for decades to come.”
Police Jury President Glenn Scriber said creating the district reflects the LPPJ’s commitment to the future of Lincoln Parish.
“Our responsibility is to the people of Lincoln Parish,” Scriber said. “This action demonstrates our commitment to protecting access to healthcare, strengthening our community and planning responsibly for the future of healthcare in Lincoln Parish.”
LPPJ Health and Welfare Committee Chair Annette Straughter called creating the district an important step toward protecting access to healthcare for Lincoln Parish residents.
“A strong hospital service district is an investment in the health, safety and future of our community,” Straughter said. “Every resident deserves timely access to quality healthcare, especially during emergencies when every minute matters.
“Creating and supporting a hospital service district helps ensure that rural families, seniors, veterans and children can receive essential medical care close to home. We must maintain quality healthcare in our communities for all of our citizens.”
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