Over the past few years of traveling in and out of the US, I lost touch with some of the wonderful work done in New Orleans for free and low-cost health care. The camaraderie and solidarity post-Katrina really showed some of the innovations and successes that could be done under difficult situations. Maybe I'm too far removed from health care system in NOLA feels disjointed nowadays. Here's an initial cyber-effort to re-engage with these clinics - and hopefully be inspired by the work being done by awesome people in this city.
- Common Ground Health Clinic - in the West Bank. Used to have herbalists, though I think no more.
- Tulane Free Clinic Guide - a fairly updated list of different clinics around town. Clinics used to frustrate me when no one picked up the phone - we'll see if that problem persists through gum-shoe blogging in next few weeks.
- GNOCHC - A kind of medicaid + program in NOLA that got grants after Katrina. It is an insurance program that can get people different services. Here's a link for basic information.
- HIV Testing and counseling sites - I think completely free services
- STD clinic - Delgado STD clinic on Rampart, across from French quarter. Will have to find out the cost structure.
- Planned Parenthood - uptown on Magazine - not just for family planning but for Pap smears and general female health care.
Two other notes on health:
- While it may be hard in the modern culture, all partners should get mutual testing/treatment before first sexual encounter or if a couple wants to conceive.
- Plan B - the 'morning after pill' - it's available at any pharmacy without a prescription. It's a bit expensive ($40-50 - though you can find a $10 coupon on-line). It may be possible to get a cheaper rate through one of the above clinics. The pill should be taken as a single pill (or split in half in two doses 12 hours apart) within 72 hours of sexual activity. You don't need a pregnancy test before taking the pill.
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