1. Give us a brief history of your company.
The Acadiana Area Human Services District (AAHSD) was created by the Louisiana State Legislature under the provisions of the Louisiana revised statutes (LSA-RS): R.S. 373 to provide administration, management, and operation of behavioral health (addictive disorders and mental health) and developmental disabilities services to the residents of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, and Vermilion parishes.
Service locations include: Crowley, Lafayette, New Iberia, Opelousas and Ville Platte. AAHSD is governed by a ten-member Board made up of citizens from the seven-parish area. The Board was officially seated in January 2010 and AAHSD began managing/operating services in July 2012.
2. What would you tell the rest of Acadiana makes you special?
Our values as an organization.
- Accountability – To be good stewards of our resources and to exceed all contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements in providing services.
- Transparency – To operate in such a manner as to be above reproach in all of our governance and operational processes.
- Value – To achieve optimal outcomes by implementing cost-effective, evidence-based practices in a timely manner.
3. What are you most proud of?
Due to the pandemic all AAHSD clinics were closed to the public last year, but we managed to serve more people in 2020 than we did in 2019 due to the availability of telehealth and the willingness of our employees to adapt and work remotely.
4. Where do you see your business in 10 years? What are your plans for the future?
AAHSD plans to continue working to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Acadiana who have behavioral health and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities.
5. 1A is making an impact as we take an active role in improving the community we live in. Our members are making an impact, too! What does impact mean to you? How is your company making an impact?
For AAHSD, “Impact” means adapting and maintaining services for the citizens of Acadiana through our clinics, contracts, and community partnerships.