LPHI Signs Letters of Support for Public Health and Social Justice Measures Amid COVID-19

As an urgent matter of public health and safety, the Louisiana Public Health Institute, along with other partners, has formally urged local and state judges, law enforcement leaders, and elected officials to release youth who are in custody and people who are in jail and being held pretrial who are low risk, and those who are elderly with health issues that increase their susceptibility to COVID-19. We have also requested that these same individuals who are in jails and prisons receive the proper protections from COVID-19 (i.e., readily available access to anti-bacterial soap, water, and hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, etc.).

Although we have seen some movement in the right direction, it is not enough

We have signed on to the Families & Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children letter; submitted a join request with Vera Institute of Justice – New Orleans; and submitted a request with assistance from the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Moving quickly in this situation is of the utmost importance. We believe these additional public health measure will continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 amid this global pandemic and keep our local and state health care capacity at a manageable level.

If your organization would like to partner on a public health letter of support or other COVID-19 efforts, please reach out to us via covid19response@lphi.org.