September 2023: Volume 6, Issue 3

Our Mission: To provide merit-based, innovative workforce solutions which enable state government to attract, develop and retain a productive, diverse and engaged workforce that excels in delivering quality services to the citizens of Louisiana.

LDH launches new 988 helpline campaign to

broaden statewide awareness, utilization

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is launching a new marketing campaign aimed at raising awareness, destigmatizing the need for mental health treatment and services, and increasing Louisiana 988 usage statewide. A key goal of the campaign is reaching vulnerable populations about the services available through 988, including individuals who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ people and veterans.



A series of historic storms, the COVID-19 pandemic and other traumatic events have taken a major toll on the mental health and emotional well-being of Louisianans of all ages in recent years. Because of these challenges, the message from LDH has been clear: It’s OK to not be OK, and Louisiana 988 has counselors ready to assist anyone seeking help.

Excellent Compliance Audits

State Civil Service would like to commend the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women, Louisiana State Penitentiary and the Department of Public Safety and Corrections—Division of Adult Probation and Parole for an excellent Compliance Audit. These agencies achieved 90% compliance or higher in all categories audited, had no areas of concern, and no major rule violations. 

The results received by these agencies show the value and importance of excellence they place on Civil Service rule compliance. They are to be commended for a job well done!

Annual enrollment for the 2024 plan year begins October 1, 2023 and runs through November 15, 2023. The Office of Group Benefits (OGB) would like to update you on a few changes you will need to know going into annual enrollment this year. Please see the schedules below for the date, time, and location that is best for you.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Vantage MHHP plan will no longer be available. Members currently enrolled this plan MUST select a new health plan during annual enrollment. Representatives from Blue Cross will be on hand at our informational meetings to answer any questions you have about the available health plan options.

IMPORTANT: If a member would like to remain in their current OGB BCBS health plan with the same covered dependents for the 2024 plan year, they do not need to do anything. Their coverage will continue for the 2024 plan year. (Members enrolled in the HSA and/or FSA options MUST update their contributions for 2024.)

October 3, 9:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

University of Louisiana-Lafayette Cecil J. Picard Center

200 East Devalcourt Street, Lafayette, LA 70506

October 3, 9:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Bossier City Civic Center

620 Benton Road, Bossier City, LA 71111

October 10, 9:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Monroe Civic Center 

401 Lea Joyner Expressway, Monroe, LA 71201

October 13, 9:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

SLU Student Union Annex Theater (Old Student Union)

303 Texas Ave., Hammond, LA 70402

October 17, 9:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

State Police Headquarters Auditorium (BLDG A)

7919 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806 

October 17, 9:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Houma - Terrebonne Civic Center 

346 Civic Center Blvd., Houma, LA 70360

October 24, 9:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

University of New Orleans (University Center Ballroom)

2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70148

October 24, 9:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Alexandria Convention 

2225 N MacArthur Dr., Alexandria, LA 71303

November 7, 9:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Lake Charles Civic Center - Contraband Room 

900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70602

If you have any questions, please contact OGB customer service at 1-800-272-8451.

State Civil Service and the Baton Rouge Testing & Recruiting Center will be closed on November 10, 2023 for Veterans Day.

There will be no testing on this day.

September is National Preparedness Month.

• Visit getagameplan.org to help finalize your plans.
• Check out the information on the DCFS Louisiana Wildfire Resources page.
• Stay up to date with the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal news.