The Louisiana Legislature has adopted a resolution expressing heartfelt condolences on the passing of Josephine Ruth Kennedy, a distinguished public servant and former Medicaid Director of the Louisiana Department of Health, who died at the age of seventy-one on March 20, 2026. Born on December 1, 1954, in Independence, Louisiana, Ruth Kennedy dedicated over forty years to public service, significantly impacting healthcare access and delivery in the state. She was instrumental in implementing key initiatives such as LaCHIP, Bayou Health, and Louisiana's Medicaid expansion program, which collectively improved healthcare coverage for hundreds of thousands of residents.

Ruth Kennedy's legacy is characterized by her strategic leadership and commitment to enhancing the healthcare system in Louisiana, earning her recognition and awards, including the Dunbar Award in 2015. She is remembered not only for her professional achievements but also for her unwavering faith and dedication to her community, family, and church. The resolution honors her contributions and expresses gratitude for her service, while also extending condolences to her surviving family members.