Elyse Stevens was a primary physician at the University Medical Center New Orleans, which runs an integrated health clinic specialized in treating patients with substance use disorders. At first, her patient-centered approach won her awards. But in 2025, the Louisiana medical licensing board began investigating her practices. She had to leave the state to continue working, she said.
As we learned from Katrina, when government decisions destabilize families and communities, the psychological impact on children is profound and lasting.
Louisiana spends too much of its budget on criminal justice while ranking low in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic wellbeing. We could redirect those resources.
Children, particularly small children, need to understand the sudden transition in their daily routines because of COVID-19. And they need our grace, support, and respect (yes, respect, as a human being), especially during times such as these.
