The recipient entity's physical address:
           1115 Weber Street
Franklin, LA 70538

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           1115 Weber Street
Franklin, LA 70538

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          John Harris
Cladonia Lee
Julius Fernandez
A.F. Zuniga, DDS
Chester Charles

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  3441

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $4,026,000

What type of request is this?  Capital Outlay Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Leroy Willis, P.O. Box 934, Franklin, LA 70392
Cleveland Farlough, P.O.Box 528, Reserve, LA 70084

Barbara Hills,
624 Pellerin Street
Jeanerette, La. 70544

Rose Susan Dorsey
PO Box 709
Franklin, LA 70538

Janis Jones
168 Verdun Lane
Franklin, LA 70538

Edna Lyons
121 Jolivette Street
Franklin, LA 70514

Donnie Frizzell
1815 Canal Drive
Franklin, LA 70538

Thomas Dardar
217 Millenium Ave
Houma, La. 70364

Howard Castay
1509 Chestnut Drive
Morgan, City, La 70380

Darrell Jupiter
P.O. Box 953
Napoleonville, La 70390

Willie Rack
P.O. Box 1042
Franklin, La 70538

Denise Pitts
507 Federal Avenue
Morgan, City 70380

Eugene Dial
307 Cherokee Ave.
Thibodaux, La 70301

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Teche Action Board, Inc. d/b/a Teche Action Clinic, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), was established in 1974 in Franklin, Louisiana and is a private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation operating sixteen (16) Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) sites located in six (6) parishes. For 45 years, TAC has provided uninterrupted quality comprehensive safe primary and preventive health care services to the uninsured and underinsured populations of rural southwest Louisiana, specifically to the residents of St. Mary, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. John, St. James, and surrounding areas. In 2019, TAC provided services to over 25,661 unduplicated users. The proposed project includes much needed renovations to our existing facilities in St. Mary Parish and construction of a new comprehensive primary care facility in St. James Parish. TAC’s service area in St. Mary Parish is made up of approximately 50% water, which makes it susceptible to flooding, hurricanes and other natural disaster. Over the past two (2) years, TAC’s service area has experienced extreme flooding and was impacted by several hurricanes. With this capital outlay request, we plan to purchase and install an exterior generator for our Franklin location; renovate our Franklin location to make improvements to the building entry for handicapped accessibility and protection during inclement weather; modernize, improve and reconfigure the interior of our waiting area at our Franklin clinic, as well as improving sidewalks and ramps; and renovate available space to create an Emergency Preparedness Communication Center. This will provide an area for our organization to house a fully equip space to monitor events, host meetings and store EP materials and other items related to emergency preparedness. TAC has a long-standing history as a key player in community emergency preparedness. Our CEO, CHIO, and Director of Environment of Care are listed as Direct Regional Contacts for FQHC’s in Region 3 by the Office of Public Health and our EOC Director serves as a member on the 6 Parish GOHSEP committees. With this capital outlay request, we also plan to expand much needed primary and preventative health care services to the residents of St. James Parish. TAC will purchase land and construct a 10,000 sq. ft. facility in Gramercy that will consist of 10 exam rooms, an in-pharmacy, 3 mental health counseling rooms, patient lobby/waiting room, a conference room/board room, offices, a work room, an employee lounge, central supply room, bathrooms, 5 dental operatories, a dental lab, a nursing station, lab draw room with pass through bathroom, data communication room, utility room, patient private interview room, a patient assistance center, women’s health department, WIC and nutritional departments, and a generator.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $310,500
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $150,000
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $3,105,000
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $460,500

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          For 45 years, TAC has provided and seeks to continue providing uninterrupted quality comprehensive safe primary and preventive health care services to the uninsured and underinsured populations of rural southwest Louisiana, specifically to the residents of St. Mary, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. John, St. James, and surrounding areas. TAC’s mission is to give care to the most vulnerable, underserved, low-income, uninsured, underinsured, and general population, regardless of their ability to pay. In 2019, TAC provided services to over 25,661 unduplicated users. TAC’s exemplary quality care is noted by its continued accreditation by the Joint Commission. The increasing disparities and social determinants of health greatly impact the health outcomes of our target population and it was never more prevalent than during the most recent pandemic. The population that TAC serves are low-income, high-poverty communities. The total patient population is 52,411 of which 22,029 (42.92%) are designated as low income and underserved individuals. Individuals in the service area that are living below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) is 19.24% and 42% are living below 200% of the FPL. The per capita income is $22,212 which is lower than both the state of Louisiana and the nation. The total uninsured rate in the service area is 8.57%. The total individuals in the patient population that are disabled is 17.36%. Additionally, in TAC’s service area 44% of the uninsured population are living below 200% of the FPL. The patients we serve in this population also experience a high prevalence of chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, asthma, and COPD as well as tobacco dependence, binge drinking and substance use. TAC’s service area consists of largely rural populations where accessibility to health care is limited and the impact of the natural disasters are significant. The residents in TAC’s service area are among the poorest with 40% of the service area population designated as low-income and 19% living at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. The total individuals in the patient population that are disabled is 17.36% and the patients we serve in this population also experience a high prevalence of chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, asthma, and COPD as well as tobacco dependence, binge drinking and substance use. TAC’s service area consists of largely rural populations where accessibility to health care is limited and the impact of the natural disasters are significant. Improving access to care, eliminating disparities, and improving the quality of life for the medically underserved is the commitment that TAC has made to the communities it serves and for which the expenditure of state monies will support. As a Federally Qualified Community Health Center, TAC has been addressing and meeting the specific needs of both the community and the individuals within its target population for over 45 years. St. James Parish, the total population served through our Gramercy location is 13,092. The total percentage of individuals living 100% below the federal poverty level is 19.07% and the total low-income in the target population is 34%. The total percentage of children living in poverty in the target population is 26%. There are many health disparities in the target population. The percentage of adults who are obese is 37%; the incidence of diabetes is 14%; the percentage of adults who were told they have high blood pressure is 38%; the age-adjusted mortality rate is 430/100,000; and the STD rate is 688.6/100,000. Additionally, the percentage of adults in the target population who have delayed or not sought care due to the high cost is 14%; and the percentage of adults with no usual source of care is 11%.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          The capital outlay funding request will assist TAC in achieving its goals of providing a better setting for the Primary Care Medical Home team, for providing patient care, improvement of patient care outcomes and in achieving efficiency in the patient flow, reduction in wait times and decrease staff frustrations that will also enhance the quality of care. Our staff must communicate with 6 different officials, often with varying levels of immediate threats and priorities, to coordinate our efforts and ensure the safety of our patients, staff, facilities, and resources. This funding will allow TAC to receive and distribute up-to-date, timely information that is critical in the operation of our facilities and in ensuring the safety of our patients and staff. This project will accomplish several goals, including increasing access to expanded health care services, improving our ability to effectively communicate in emergency situations and mitigating risks associated with loss of power and other inclement weather hazards. Renovation to our current St. Mary Parish facilities, specifically to covered area where patients requiring assistance with ambulation can remain dry while safely exiting their vehicles and entering our building will decrease risk of injury associated with slips and falls. Effective communication in an emergency disaster situation is critical in preserving the well-being and safety of our patients and staff. It is also crucial in preserving resources and our ability to remain open and available to meet the needs our communities. In St. James Parish, TAC’s goal is to expand its primary, preventative, mental health, dental and pharmacy services through a community provided workforce of 20 employees. Our overall goal for St. James Parish is to provide increased access to Family Medicine, Behavioral Health, Dental and diagnostic services both on site and through referrals. We also aim to provide pharmacy services, case management and Medicare, Medicaid and Health Insurance Marketplace application and enrollment assistance and to serve approximately 1500 unduplicated users and generate approximately 6000 visits within twelve months.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           20 months

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 N/A
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 N/A

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 N/A

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  N/A

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               N/A

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               N/A

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                N/A

          What is the nature of the relationship?  N/A

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Nutrition Services - WIC Program
1950 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70802


Louisiana Department of Insurance
P.O. Box 94214
Baton Rouge, LA 70804

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               TAC has a contract with LDH-OPH to serve as a provider for the state's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (LA WIC Program).

TAC has a services contract with the Louisiana Dept. of Insurance to conduct one-on-one Medicare counseling sessions to Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, advocates, and Medicare professionals with a focus on Medicare, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, Low Income Subsidy, Medicaid and other related topics to our target population in the communities that TAC serves.


Contact Information
name:  Berryl Broussard 
                                       address:  1115 Weber Street
Franklin, LA 70538
                                       phone:  337-828-2550
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  berryl@tabhealth.org
                                       relationship to entity:  Interim Chief Operating Officer