Health

Chelsea Brasted
May 31, 2023 - News

What's in our hurricane emergency kits

Illustration of a pattern of consisting of a water bottle, a flashlight, a whistle, duct tape, a battery, and a can opener.

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

Hurricane season is back (again). We hate it. You hate it. Everyone hates it. But that’s no excuse not to make sure you’re ready, should A Big One head our way this year.

Why it matters: Seasonal storms are becoming stronger and more frequent, in part because of climate change. So even if southeast Louisiana stays out of the cone of uncertainty this year, your emergency prep kit may still come in handy for unnamed events.

Yes, allergy season is worse in New Orleans

Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios

Congrats, y'all. We survived the intense yellow tree pollen season this year, but don't put away your antihistamines yet.

Why it matters: We're blessed with a tropical climate where plants flourish all year. Flip side — we have year-round triggers if you have allergies.

New Orleans aims to wipe out millions in medical debt

Illustration of a medical red cross attached to a chain and anklet which has been opened by a key

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

New Orleans is partnering with a nonprofit organization to wipe out millions in medical debt for eligible residents.

Why it matters: Americans owe debt collectors more medical debt than any other kind, Axios' Tina Reed reports.

Ochsner to lay off 770 employees in Louisiana and Mississippi

Photo shows an exterior view of Ochsner Medical Center in Jefferson Parish. Blooming magnolia trees are in the foreground.

Ochsner Medical Center in Jefferson Parish is the health care system's main campus in metro New Orleans. Photo: Daymon Gardner/Ochsner Health

Ochsner Health is laying off 770 employees in Louisiana and Mississippi, a company spokesperson confirms to Axios. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune broke the news Thursday morning.

Why it matters: Ochsner is the largest health system in Louisiana and the state's largest private employer, per info from the company.

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