Catalyst in Louisiana

2020-2021 Catalyst Grantee

Fight CRC grantees in Louisiana took a “small p” policy approach to addressing colorectal cancer screening in the state. They leveraged their Payer’s Council that consisted of health insurers from across the state to commission a report comparing the colorectal cancer screening coverage policies of the two largest insurers. They then used that report to engage the insurers directly to urge them to strengthen their policies. The grantees in Louisiana also created a one pager with information on colorectal cancer screening that they sent out to over 3,000 primary care physicians in the state.  

Colorectal Cancer Screening in Louisiana

*Overall Percentage of Adults Who Are Up to Date with Colorectal Cancer Screening

Louisiana Grantees 

The LSU Health Foundation New Orleans is an institutionally-related 501(c)(3) organization that supports LSU Health New Orleans and its fourfold mission of education, patient care, research, and community outreach. LSU Health treats over one million patients annually and is Louisiana’s largest safety net healthcare system. LSU Health especially prides itself on the many community outreach activities in which its faculty, residents, and students are engaged. 

Taking Aim at Cancer in Louisiana (TACL) is a state-wide initiative that brings together leaders across sectors in healthcare, business, government, community, advocacy, philanthropy and other sectors to work toward the common goal of improving cancer outcomes in Louisiana.  

Louisiana Colorectal Cancer Screening Coverage

Louisiana state law requires state regulated health plans to cover “routine colorectal cancer screening” which means a fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy provided in accordance with the most recently published recommendations established by the American College of Gastroenterology, in consultation with the American Cancer Society, for the ages, family histories, and frequencies referenced in such recommendations. 

Louisiana is the 5th deadliest state for colorectal cancer in the U.S.

Relentless Champions in Louisiana

Brittani A. B. Nelson, MPH

Program & Policy Coordinator
Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs
bnels5@lsuhsc.edu

Nakisha Singleton, MPH

Program Manager
Louisiana Cancer Prevention & Control Programs
nsing5@lsuhsc.edu

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