In May, Gov. Bobby Jindal signed legislation banning the sale of electronic cigarettes and other tobacco alternatives to people under the age of 18. The bill by state Sen. Rick Gallot, D-Ruston, merged the gap in the law regarding new alternatives to tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes. The legislation passed unanimously in both the state Senate and House of Representatives and takes effect on August 1.
This month, Team Louisiana participates in a national, Olympic-style competition in Houston. The 2014 Transplant Games, July 11-15, offers recipients of transplants and those affected by transplants, a chance to shine in sporting and non-sporting events, including swimming, bowling, golf and table tennis. Living donors and donor families also can participate in workshops and will be honored during the opening ceremonies. In May, Ochsner Medical Center, the Louisiana Organ procurement Agency and Team Louisiana celebrated the countdown to the Transplant Games with a second-line led by the Gentilly Brass Band and held a flag signing ceremony. The flag, which continued from Louisiana to Texas for signatures from the more than 40 participating teams, will fly over BBVA Compass Stadium during the opening ceremonies of the games in Houston.
The Advocate reported recently that the Administration of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s plan to privatize LSU hospitals is pushing forward with the 10-1 state House committee vote to close Pineville’s Huey P. Long Medical Center. According to The Advocate, it’s the ninth of LSU’s 10 hospitals affected by the privatization plan. It also reported “under a ‘cooperative endeavor agreement,’ Christus’ St. Francis Cabrini and Rapides General Medical Center take over the care of the poor and uninsured in central Louisiana and with completion of the deal, only Lallie Kemp Medical Center in Independence would remain under LSU operation.”
