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  3. History of the National Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Program

History of the National Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Program

1825

This tract of land is purchased by Robert Coleman Camp; Camp grows sugar cane using the labor of 100 enslaved Africans.

1890-1892

An exposé published in the Daily Picayune newspaper creates an outcry in New Orleans—the public demands that “pest houses” in the city housing leprosy patients move out of the city limits.

1905

Public outcry prevents the Louisiana Leper Home from relocating to the New Orleans area.  The State of Louisiana decides to purchase the Indian Camp property (350 acres) in December.

1909

The surrounding community, called Island, Louisiana, is re-designated as “Carville” by the U.S. Postmaster General to clear up confusion in U.S. postal delivery (Louisiana has many towns with Island in its name).  Louis Carville was the local postmaster.

1920

The "Home" is sold by the State of Louisiana to the United States Federal Government for $35,000.

1946

Patients’ rights to vote in Louisiana elections are restored.

1950's

The hospital establishes departments of Rehabilitation, Training, and Education.

Patients are allowed to marry. Patients’ dormitories are remodeled to accommodate couples.

1970's

All patient admissions to Carville become voluntary.

1981

Outpatient clinics are opened around the United States. Hansen’s disease officially becomes an outpatient diagnosis.

1992

Carville Historic District is placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service.

1992

The Center’s Laboratory Research Branch moves to the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge.

1994

Centennial Commemoration (1894-1994)–Recognition of the 100 year anniversary of the first patients’ arrival at “Carville”.

1998

The U.S. Congress passes a bill, authored by Congressman Richard Baker (R-LA), to relocate the Gillis W. Long Hansen’s Disease Center to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

2013

The armadillo is recognized as model for studying the nerve damage caused by leprosy infection.

2015

A second strain of leprosy bacteria shared by armadillos and patients is discovered in the Southeastern United States.

2017

Molecular diagnostic tests to detect leprosy bacteria are implemented as standard of care at the NHDP.

2018

Safety and efficacy studies performed by the NHDP Laboratory support advancement of a new leprosy vaccine into Phase 1 Clinical trials.

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