MHSD History
In 2003, the Louisiana State Legislature authorized the creation of MHSD as the local government entity responsible for developing, supporting, and sustaining vulnerable residents in Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard parishes. Following five years of difficulties in meeting its mission, retired Judge Calvin Johnson was hired as MHSD’s Executive Director in 2008. Since that time, Judge Johnson has created a senior leadership team that has established fiscal stability at the agency, strengthened community-based services and created the district’s first crisis care continuum (accessible 24/7 by calling 504-568-3130). Under Judge Johnson’s leadership, MHSD also has established a single point of entry to mental health, addiction and intellectual/developmental disability services for adults and children (accessible by calling 504-568-3130). In September 2013, MHSD was awarded a 3-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This accreditation is considered a “seal of approval” that we conform to nationally and internationally recognized, people-focused standards of service.
