NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Ochsner Health is thrilled to announce that Yvens Laborde, MD, has been named chief community medical officer for the medical system. In this new role, Dr. Laborde is driving Ochsner’s comprehensive community strategy to promote health equity and further align initiatives under Healthy State, a collaborative effort with government, non-profit and business organizations to promote health and wellness in Louisiana.

Dr. Laborde will deepen his work with Ochsner’s community outreach and community health partners to develop and implement programs focused on improving health and wellness in local communities. He will also develop programs to train and educate students and healthcare professionals on the principles and practices of health equity and social drivers of health and wellness.

The new community medical officer role comes a year after the formation of the 38-member Healthy State Advisory Board and furthers the collective Healthy State mission of creating healthier, happier and more productive communities, with health equity at the forefront of these efforts. Together, Healthy State members from every sector bring resources to underserved communities; better understand the impact of health and social conditions; utilize data, technology and innovation to improve outcomes; and invest in Louisiana’s economic growth and workforce.

“It’s an ambitious plan, but with the right people, partners and drive, we are confident we will profoundly improve the well-being of the communities we serve through the lens of health equity,” said Dr. Leonardo Seoane, chief academic officer and executive vice president for Ochsner Health, and executive champion for Healthy State. “Since the beginning of these efforts, Dr. Laborde has been a key partner, and this new role will further our work together and build on the momentum toward creating better health and wellness for the communities we collectively serve.”

Dr. Laborde’s History at Ochsner
Dr. Laborde has been instrumental in Ochsner’s community and global health efforts since joining the health system in 1995 as an internal medicine physician. Most recently, he served as the medical director of global and community health and led local, regional and global efforts focused on improving health outcomes around the world. He served as physician advisor during Hurricane Ida emergency response efforts; supported the Community Health Needs Assessment; led humanitarian relief efforts following devastating natural events in Haiti, Dominican Republic and Bahamas; and orchestrated outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic to reinforce equitable vaccine and testing in the community.

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