U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited New Orleans on April 20 to tour LSU Health and discuss ongoing efforts to improve the health of Louisiana families and address chronic health issues. Cassidy also spoke at the Annual National Conference of the American Language Therapy Association about supporting people with dyslexia.
Cassidy’s visit highlighted ongoing work in healthcare and education that aims to benefit Louisiana residents. As chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, he has focused on advancing medical research and supporting those with learning disabilities.
During his tour at LSU Health, Cassidy learned about initiatives aimed at reducing obesity and cancer risks among patients. “LSU Health is helping patients defeat obesity and lower their risk of cancer,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I will continue to support these efforts, so our loved ones can live longer, healthier lives.” He also met with Dr. Lucio Miele from the LSU-LCMC Health Cancer Center to discuss large-scale research programs like All of Us Precision Medicine Research Program.
Dr. Miele said, “Large-scale efforts like the All of Us Precision Medicine Research Program and its ancillary studies such as Nutrition for Precision Health are key to tackling the burden of chronic disease in Louisiana, including diabetes, obesity and cancer.” He added that participation in these programs could help achieve NCI designation for Louisiana by accelerating discoveries that reduce cancer rates.
At the ALTA conference later that day, Cassidy spoke about his advocacy for people with dyslexia: “I know first-hand how you can change a dyslexic child’s life if she gets the support she needs,” he said. He discussed legislative efforts such as creating the Bipartisan Congressional Dyslexia Caucus and introducing legislation to encourage early diagnosis.
Conference chairwoman Traci Barrientos welcomed Cassidy by saying: “Senator Cassidy’s presence at ALTA’s 40th Anniversary National Conference marks a historic milestone – the first time a federal legislator has stood before our professional body to speak directly to our mission.” She acknowledged his leadership on relevant legislation affecting education and justice outcomes for individuals with dyslexia.
Cassidy’s background includes co-founding the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic to deliver free health care services according to his official website. He earned both undergraduate and medical degrees from Louisiana State University according to his official website.
He serves on several Senate committees including Finance; Energy and Natural Resources; Veterans Affairs according to his official website. His policy priorities include lowering health care costs, coastal restoration projects, mental health reform according to his official website, as well as providing free care through community clinics for uninsured workers according to his official website.
Cassidy’s family includes three children raised together with his wife—a retired breast cancer surgeon—and they enjoy spending time with their grandchild according to his official website.
