Regional awareness effort encourages community members to connect with local clinics offering affordable primary, preventive and behavioral healthcare
NEW ORLEANS – As healthcare coverage continues to change across Louisiana, leaving many residents uncertain about where to turn for affordable care, 504HealthNet is launching a region-wide awareness campaign to connect Greater New Orleans families with trusted community clinics.
The nonprofit network of community healthcare providers recently announced its “Get Connected, Stay Connected” campaign, a coordinated public awareness initiative designed to help Greater New Orleans residents find trusted healthcare close to home and encourage them not to delay medical care because of uncertainty surrounding insurance coverage.
Recent healthcare policy changes have created confusion for many families. Since January 2025, nearly 260,000 Louisianans, including approximately 71,000 children, have lost Medicaid coverage. After Marketplace subsidies expired last year, 69,000 Louisianans ended their Marketplace plans. Additional Medicaid eligibility changes and rising insurance premiums are expected to leave even more residents uninsured or underinsured.
At the same time, 504HealthNet leaders say many residents are unaware that community clinics continue to provide affordable primary, preventive and behavioral healthcare regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
“No one should postpone seeing a doctor because they are unsure about their insurance or don’t know where to turn,” said Currin Wallis, executive director of 504 HealthNet.. “Our message is simple: trusted care is available in neighborhoods throughout Greater New Orleans, and we’re working together to make sure residents know where to find it.”
504HealthNet is a nonprofit association representing 26 community-based healthcare organizations operating at more than 75 locations across the Greater New Orleans region, collectively serving more than 200,000 patients annually. Member organizations provide comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, behavioral health, dental care, vision services, addiction treatment and sexual and reproductive healthcare.
The campaign encourages residents to establish a relationship with a trusted healthcare provider before they experience a medical crisis while reminding existing patients to remain engaged with their healthcare providers and respond promptly to communications regarding their insurance coverage.
“Healthcare coverage may change, but access to care should not,” Wallis added. “Community clinics have long served as the healthcare safety net for our region, and we’re committed to making sure every resident knows they have somewhere to turn for quality care.”
The Get Connected, Stay Connected campaign includes community outreach, social media, educational materials and partnerships with community organizations to increase awareness of local healthcare resources. It also directs residents to 504HealthNet’s online Find a Clinic tool, making it easy to locate nearby providers based on healthcare needs and location.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Find a primary care provider before they need urgent care.
- Keep their Medicaid and healthcare provider contact information current.
- Respond promptly to any notices regarding healthcare coverage.
- Continue receiving preventive and routine healthcare—even if their insurance situation changes.
For more information about 504HealthNet or to locate a clinic near you, visit 504HealthNet.org or use the organization’s Find a Clinic tool at 504HealthNet.org/find-a-clinic. The learn more about the Get Connected, Stay Connected campaign, visit 504HealthNet.org/get-connected-stay-connected.