Category: State Office of Rural Health
Thank You for 30 Years of Service
Tracie Ingram, Division Manager for Rural Health Advancement for Well-Ahead Louisiana, has worked for Louisiana Department of Health for 30 years, serving as State Rural Health Officer since 2009. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in improving access to healthcare for all Louisiana residents.
As part of her role as the State Rural Health Officer, Tracie established Louisiana’s annual Rural Health Workshop, which has, for the last 15 years, been an event that provides rural healthcare professionals across the state with resources, education, networking opportunities and support to improve healthcare services and access to Louisiana residents. She has been influential in the expansion and sustainability of the rural health safety net across Louisiana and has successfully facilitated information flow from the federal government to rural providers and communities.
Most recently, Tracie has guided healthcare innovation programs such as telemedicine expansion and Project ECHO in an effort to address rural communities’ unique healthcare needs.
With a true understanding of the importance of collaboration, Tracie worked throughout her career to establish fundamental partnerships with the state’s small rural hospitals, critical access hospitals and rural health clinics. She has served on various state and national advisory boards focusing on rural healthcare.
Tracie’s passion and commitment to rural Louisiana is unmatched. We thank her for commitment to moving Louisiana’s health forward. She will be missed!
Message from Tracie Ingram
When I started working with the state 31 years ago, I knew two things: I wanted to help people and that service was in my blood. What I didn’t know was how much I’d grow, learn and love about helping others throughout rural Louisiana. I had no idea how many friends I’d make, trials we’d endure or victories we’d experience. More than anything I’m thankful for all of that.
I have so many mixed emotions right now as I prepare for my final week leading the State Office of Rural Health and Rural Health Advancement Division for Well-Ahead Louisiana. I’m sad, yet excited. I’m confident in the work that has been done. To prepare for this transition, I’ve worked to put great people in place to continue that work. They are young, brilliant and passionate about rural. I will miss helping you all through this role. I truly hope our paths will cross again soon.
I’ve been extremely privileged to work with some of the best people in the world who share a passion for making things better for our citizens. I have truly loved my job. I’m so honored I had the opportunity to do it.
I hope that my passion and commitment has been a small part of you achieving your goals. I have enjoyed helping all of you by providing technical assistance, coaching, cheerleading and sometimes just a sounding board. I will miss this role, but am looking forward to working in other ways that will continue to support healthcare and strengthen rural health care infrastructure.
This is not a goodbye, but a “continue the good work” and I’ll see you again.
