Working Together to Improve Access to Behavioral Health Services in Lafourche, Terrebonne and Grand Isle.
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder was identified as one of the top five priorities in Bayou Community Foundation’s 2023 Community Needs Assessment. In response, BCF launched the Behavioral Health Working Group in January 2024, convening local service, support, and government agencies to begin a critical conversation around the growing need for behavioral health care in our region.
The Bayou Region Behavioral Health Working Group is excited to announce the launch of BayouHelp.org, a free, easy-to-use online resource directory that connects individuals and families in the Bayou Region with the local resources they need—when they need them most.
Whether you are looking for food assistance, behavioral health facilities, counseling, suicide prevention or shelters and housing, BayouHelp.org puts reliable, up-to-date information at your fingertips. Simply search by service category or key word to find organizations near you that are ready to help.
BayouHelp.org was created to make it easier for you to find help, give help and share help across Lafourche, Terrebonne and Grand Isle. Get the Help You Need When You Need It Most! Learn More about BayouHelp.org and access printable resources HERE.
About the Bayou Region Behavioral Health Working Group
Working Group Early Efforts and Community Feedback
On January 25, 2024, Bayou Community Foundation hosted the first meeting of the Behavioral Health Working Group to gather insights from professionals and identify challenges and opportunities. In March 2024, BCF conducted two anonymous surveys — one for community members and another for mental health professionals and providers — to better understand the experiences, gaps and barriers faced when seeking behavioral health and substance use services in our Bayou Region communities.
Bayou Region Behavioral Health Summit
On April 30, 2024, BCF hosted the inaugural Bayou Region Behavioral Health Summit at Fletcher Technical Community College. Led by facilitator Ron McClain, Executive Director of the Institute of Mental Hygiene of the City of New Orleans, more than 100 participants including health care providers, nonprofit leaders, law enforcement, educators and elected officials gathered to share knowledge, identify service gaps and develop actionable strategies to strengthen access to care for both adults and youth in the Bayou Region.
The 2024 Behavioral Health Summit was made possible thanks to our generous sponsors:
Ongoing Conversations
Lunch & Learn Series:
As a direct outcome of the Summit and Working Group, BCF launched a new Behavioral Health Lunch & Learn series to keep the momentum going. The first event, held September 29, 2024 at Terrebonne General Health System, focused on Crisis Services and efforts to grow the Behavioral Health Workforce. Guest speakers from the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Behavioral Health discussed the 988 crisis line, youth-focused care and state efforts to expand the behavioral health workforce.
This Lunch and Learn was made possible thanks to our sponsors:
Crisis Care Roundtable:
On January 30, 2025, BCF hosted a Behavioral Health Crisis Care Roundtable in partnership with Terrebonne Parish President Jason Bergeron and Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson. The event brought together over 50 representatives from local medical centers, behavioral health providers and government agencies to share current services, identify needs and explore ways to improve crisis care coordination across the region.
Supporting Our Neighbors in Crisis:
Bayou Region Behavioral Health Fund
You can help improve access to care for our neighbors in need!
The Bayou Region Behavioral Health Fund supports Bayou Community Foundation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen mental health and substance use disorder treatment services across Lafourche, Terrebonne and Grand Isle. Your charitable donation funds strategic initiatives, community partnerships, and nonprofit grants that expand and improve access to behavioral health care in our Bayou Region.
