On March 15, 1855, Louisiana Governor Paul Octave Hebert authorized the first state health board "to establish quarantine for the protection of the state." Nine "competent citizens," six appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate and three elected by the council of New Orleans, made up the board. The first president of the board was A. Forster Axson. Gov. Hebert was recognized for other innovations during his term as governor, such as improving conditions at the State School for the Deaf, Mute and Blind.

Copyright Aetna InteliHealth, Inc., 2012. All rights reserved.