A cadre of CAHS staff joined Executive Director Jan Laughinghouse, PhD, LCSW-BACS, LAC, CCS, at Louisiana Behavioral Health Day, celebrated April 27 at the State Capitol where leaders, advocates, and community partners gathered to raise awareness about the importance of accessible, comprehensive behavioral health services across the state.
Dr. Laughinghouse, one of the speakers at the event, shared her insights about the importance of prevention, early intervention, and integrated care in addressing mental health and substance use challenges in Louisiana communities.
Joining Dr. Laughinghouse at the event was a multidisciplinary team: Program Monitor Supervisor Yolanda Yancy, RPP; Program Monitor Tamara Jones, PSIT; Prevention Coordinator Alicia Richbourg, PSIT; Social Service Counselors Samantha Moore and Rosalyn Davis, PLPC, CCGC, CAC; and Peer Support Specialists LaKeisha Grayer and Dustin Englehart.
Throughout the day, the team provided valuable information about the wide range of services offered by CAHS, including mental health treatment, substance use prevention, recovery support, and community-based resources. Their presence highlighted the agency’s commitment to improving behavioral health outcomes and expanding access to care.
In addition to education and outreach, the team distributed Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray to attendees, reinforcing the importance of overdose prevention and equipping individuals with life-saving tools to respond to opioid emergencies.
Louisiana Behavioral Health Day at the Capitol served as a powerful platform to advocate for mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen partnerships that support healthier communities across the state.