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OCTOBER 14th & 15th 2026
Virtual via Zoom, 8:30am to 12:30pm
The annual 2026 Culture of Health Summit is set to gather healthcare professionals from across the state, aimed at navigating Louisiana's health equities and disparities.
* WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Professionals, stakeholders and community leaders from all facets and disciplines who are passionate about improving healthcare and healthcare outcomes in Louisiana.
WHEN
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Thursday, October 15, 2026
8:30 am – 1:00 pm
WHERE
Zoom Webinar
REGISTER
SPONSOR
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Continuing Education Credit for
Nurses and Social Workers
This nursing continuing professional development activity was previously approved by Louisiana State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s
Commission on Accreditation.
This activity has previously been approved for social worker contact hours.
2026 Applications approval pending.
COME AND BE A PART OF
THIS GREAT ANNUAL SUMMIT
DAY 1 - Oct. 14th 8:30am - 1:00pm
8:30AM - 9:00AM - PROGRAM BEGINS
Summit and Day's Purpose, and Recognition of Sponsors & Summit Logistics
Welcome Address
9:00AM - 10:00AM - STATE OF THE STATE FIRESIDE CHAT
Fireside Chat with Louisiana Department of Health, Deputy Secretary Pete Croughan, MD
10:00AM - 11:00AM - KEYNOTE
Voice for the Vulnerable: Advocating for Seniors Aging in Place
Denise Bottcher
State Director
AARP Louisiana
11:00AM - 11:15AM - BREAK
11:15AM - 12:00AM - PRESENTATION
Building a Healthier Rural Future: Funding, Engagement, and Your Voice
Julie Foster Hagan
Executive Director, Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability
Louisiana Department of Health
12:00AM - 12:45PM - PRESENTATION
Your Story, Your Impact: Voices that Matter
Kathy Baldridge, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP
Nurse Practitioner Education Specialist Supervisor
Advanced Practice Education Associates (APEA)
12:45 - 1:00PM - DAY 1 WRAP-UP & DAY 2 INTRODUCTION
Comments and Adjournment
DAY 2 - Oct. 15th 8:30am - 12:40pm
8:30AM - 9:00AM - OPENING REMARKS & DAY 1 REVIEW
Day's Purpose, Recognition of Sponsors, & Summit Logistics
9:00AM - 9:45AM - PRESENTATION
Stronger Together: Mobilizing Communities for Health Priorities
Kenyatta Royal
Implementation Manager
Office of Public Health | Bureau of Planning and Performance
9:45AM - 10:30AM - PRESENTATION
Using Data to Strengthen Advocacy and Advance Health Equity
Cynthia Bienemy, PhD, MSN, RN, FADNL
CEO & Lead Researcher, All Things Professional, LLC – Healthcare Workforce Research & Consulting
President, Greater Baton Rouge Black Nurses Association
10:30AM - 10:45AM - BREAK
10:45AM - 11:45PM - PANEL
How to Move Health Policy to Effect Equity
Karen Wyble, DNP, MSN, MHA, MBA, RN
AVP Academics, Ochsner Lafayette General
Alma C. Stewart Allen
Founder and President, Louisiana Center for Health Equity
Host, Today's Health Topics
11:45AM - 12:45PM - PANEL
From Barriers to Breakthrough: Nurses in Action
Moderator: Coletta C Barrett, DNP, MHA, RN, FAHA, FACHE
Lauren Dufour, MSN, FNP-BC, FIM-P
Jidi Gennusa, MSN, BSN, RN
12:45 - 1:00PM - DAY 2 REVIEW & ADJOURNMENT
* WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Professionals, stakeholders and community leaders from all facets and disciplines who are passionate about improving healthcare and healthcare outcomes in Louisiana.
* Learn: How to utilize culturally sensitive, evidence-based strategies to eradicate social determinants of health which foster health disparities among underrepresented populations.
* Engage: Nurse leaders, healthcare professionals from various health disciplines and community leaders to identify the root causes of inequity that exist within the healthcare system.
Call to Action: Utilize best practices and collaborative partnerships to cultivate a culture of health based on equity, resilience, and diverse values.
CULTURE OF HEALTH PREMIER “SHINING STAR” ($5,000+)
