On June 26, Florida Parishes Human Services Authority and its governing board recognized Rubby Douglas for her service and dedication as a board member representing Livingston Parish from 2011 to 2015. Ligia Soileau, board chair/Livingston Parish representative, and Melanie Watkins, FPHSA executive director, presented her with a plaque in appreciation for her services.

Florida Parishes Human Services Authority is a state-funded local governance entity with the vision of enhancing the availability of services and supports leading to a satisfying and productive life for persons with addictions, developmental disabilities and mental illnesses.

FPHSA was established during the 2003 Louisiana legislative session under House Bill 954. Upon passage by the Legislature, House Bill 954 became Act 594 of the 2003 legislative session. FPHSA became operational effective July 1, 2004.

FPHSA was created to pool funding dollars in the areas of addictive disorders, developmental disabilities and mental health services and to bring spending and operational decisions down to the local level. FPHSA’s geographical service area includes the parishes of Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington.

The Authority is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors representing the five-parish area. FPHSA, through its Board, directs the operation and management of community-based programs.