Alena Maschke

Alena covers health in Acadiana for The Current and The Acadiana Advocate. She came to Lafayette after reporting on the recovery from hurricanes Laura and Delta in southwest Louisiana. A native of Germany, Alena first came to the U.S. as an international student at Columbia University’s School of Journalism in 2016 and has since worked as a reporter in New York, Florida, California and Louisiana.

Health

July 9

Catholic Charities scrambles to fund homeless shelter after Landry cut funding

Catholic Charities of Acadiana is scrambling to fund its emergency shelter after a recent decision by Gov. Jeff Landry to cut $1M in state funds to operate it.

Health

A woman wearing a bright orange sweater stands on a beach just before sunset.

July 5

‘A servant at heart’: Family, community remember health advocate Jeannette Alcon

Alcon, former executive director of the Lafayette Community Health Clinic, died on Sunday. Family and friends remember her for her dedication to the community.

News + Notes

Monique Blanco Boulet using hand gestures

July 2

‘We haven’t been tested’ — Boulet proposes new emergency prep office

With hurricane season underway, Mayor-President Monique Boulet wants to update Lafayette’s emergency response plan for the first time since the 1970s.

Health

June 24

Housing tops new 232-HELP director’s priorities

Last month, Edie Couvillon Aymond took over the leadership of 232-HELP, the primary point of contact for people in need in Acadiana.

Health

A digital rendering shows the plans for the new facade of Our Lady of Lourdes Women's and Children's Hospital.

June 18

Lourdes targets maternal health with major Lafayette expansion

A new-and-improved Women’s and Children’s Hospital is meant to serve as a hub of quality, accessible care for expectant mothers in Acadiana.

News + Notes

Three men, one sitting in a wheelchair, one in a barstool and one standing.

June 12

Lafayette comics fight for accessibility

For people with disabilities, Lafayette is a hard place to navigate. A group of local comics fights for their right to perform.

Health

An old thermometer reading just under 100 degrees hangs on a wood paneled wall.

May 29

Summer heat is here. Is Lafayette prepared?

Local and state officials are beginning to treat summer heat like hurricanes: a deadly and seasonal threat.

Health

Several people put post it notes on s sheet on a table.

May 24

How can Lafayette tackle homelessness?

In a series of meetings organized by Catholic Charities of Acadiana over the past few months, community members were invited to share their thoughts.

Health

May 21

Youth mental health response team coming to Acadiana

The program is part of a state effort to expand resources for youth experiencing mental health challenges.

Health

The entrance to a red brick building with white awnings is surrounded by trees.

May 14

Ochsner, Lourdes seek community input on Acadiana’s health challenges

The hospital systems, with the assistance of United Way of Acadiana, are conducting a community survey to assess health needs.

Health

Two hands, one lighter skinned and one darker skinned, hold each other.

May 8

Shipped Away: For Louisiana children and teens in crisis, help is often far from home

Inpatient psychiatric resources for patients under 18 are scarce across the state, leading many to be placed in treatment hours away from their communities.

Health

A statue of a cowboy on a bucking horse stands in front of a rounded gate with the inscription McNeese State University.

May 7

Southwest Louisiana lacks mental health professionals — a new program hopes to change that

Placing counseling students with providers for required training is difficult, especially in post-storm southwest Louisiana. A new program offers assistance.