Gillis W. Long Hansen’s Disease Center

building, Louisiana, United States

Also known as: Louisiana Leper Home

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July 16, 2026

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The Gillis W. Long Hansen's Disease Center in Carville, Louisiana, United States, was historically known as the Louisiana Leper Home. It was established in 1894 and later transferred to U.S. federal control, eventually being renamed to honor Dr. G.H. Armauer Hansen, who discovered the leprosy bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae.12

Hansen's disease, commonly known as leprosy, is a chronic infectious disease primarily affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. While historically feared and leading to social stigma and isolation, leprosy is now curable with modern multidrug therapy. The center's name change reflects a move to destigmatize the disease and focus on its treatability.13

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leprosy
History
…became officially known as the Gillis W. Long Hansen’s Disease Center. The new name Hansen’s disease was part of a determined effort by health authorities to rid leprosy of its old social stigma and to focus attention on the fact that leprosy was finally becoming a treatable disease.
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…became officially known as the Gillis W. Long Hansen’s Disease Center. The new name Hansen’s disease was part of a determined effort by health authorities to rid leprosy of its old social stigma and to focus attention on the fact that leprosy was finally becoming a treatable disease.
Read More