A statewide initiative to better understand the challenges faced by Louisiana’s military veterans and their families has been launched.
This initiative will be spearheaded by the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation (LCHI), a center under the Informatics Research Institute at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, alongside the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA).
It aims to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment survey to identify gaps in resources and services, guiding future support efforts for the state’s veteran community.
“As a top-tier research university, UL Lafayette is proud to lead this initiative through the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation, delivering data-driven insights that will have a profound impact on Louisiana’s veterans and their families,” said Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, vice president for research, innovation and economic development at UL Lafayette. “We believe this to be the most meaningful way for us to honor our veterans for their service.”
The survey will focus on key areas such as mental health, housing, employment, health care access and family support, providing a clear picture of the current realities faced by Louisiana’s veteran population.
To ensure the voices of the veteran community are heard, three surveys were launched, which include the veterans' survey, the families of veterans survey and the veteran-serving organizations survey.
With Louisiana being the 28th highest veteran population in the U.S., and the largest group of veterans being those who served in Vietnam, the survey’s findings will be used to improve existing services and inform strategic initiatives aimed at creating stronger, more resilient veteran communities across the state.
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs will use the survey as a tool to improve the resources provided to Louisiana’s veterans and their families.
“The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs supports the research study conducted by the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette,” said Secretary Charlton Meginley of LDVA. “We believe the information that could be gathered through this study will enhance the services that we and our partners can provide to all veterans who call Louisiana home.”
The Louisiana Center for Health Innovation, leveraging its research expertise in health innovation, informatics and community-based public health, is leading the development of the assessment tools and evaluation framework in close collaboration with LDVA and veteran-serving organizations.
“At LCHI, we are deeply committed to transforming data into action that serves our communities. This initiative is about more than identifying service gaps — it's about listening to veterans, elevating their voices and designing solutions that reflect their real needs,” said Dr. Gabriela Wilson, director of the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation and principal investigator of the study. “Our goal is to ensure that every veteran and their family in Louisiana is seen, heard and supported.”
The success of this initiative will rely on participation from Louisiana’s veterans, service members and families. Those eligible are encouraged to participate in the 2025 survey to share their experiences and help shape the future of veteran support in the state.
To be eligible to take the survey, one must be at least 18 years old and either a veteran, a family member of a veteran or a person who works or volunteers in a veterans service organization.
Each person’s answers are entered anonymously and will be kept safe to protect their privacy. Questions will revolve around one’s background, need for support and mental wellness. After the study ends, the answers will be kept safe for 5 years and then deleted.
Every survey is available in both English and Spanish. All eligible participants must complete one of the surveys before they close on June 15. To take a survey, click here.
For any questions about one’s rights as a research participant, please contact the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Human Review Board (IRB) atirb@louisiana.eduor by calling (337) 482-5811. The main job of the IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of people involved in research activities at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
For other questions, contact Dr. Gabriela Wilson at gabriela.wilson@louisiana.edu or Dr. Angie Sanchez at angie.sanchez@louisiana.edu.