Giving Back - Louisiana Healthcare Connections Volunteers in Local Communities
Date: 12/30/24
Baton Rouge, La.
In addition to its overall commitment to work toward healthier communities, Louisiana Healthcare Connections has a culture of volunteering with health-focused organizations to extend these efforts. Over the past year, Louisiana Healthcare Connections employees gave of their time and resources at multiple initiatives, including food banks, home builds, health fairs, community outreaches, and disaster preparedness events aimed at strengthening communities and addressing social determinants of health.
Nearly 700 volunteer hours have been tracked for employees this year, at projects such as a Habitat for Humanity building project in St. Tammany Parish, serving through the Northshore and Second Harvest Food Banks in Orleans, St. Landry, and St. Tammany parishes, disaster preparedness workshops in Plaquemines Parish, a suicide prevention fair in Terrebonne, and six Love Heals Free Clinics across the state.
Additionally, as a company of Centene Corporation, Louisiana Healthcare Connections participates in double-matching opportunities for employee charitable giving, making contributions go even further.
Volunteer efforts like those with The Northshore Food Bank and Love Heals Free Clinics are crucial for the organizations to serve in the capacity that they do.
“The Northshore Food Bank’s commitment to fighting hunger at the community level is why Louisiana Healthcare Connections continues to support its food distribution efforts,” noted CEO and Plan President, Jamie Schlottman. “Nearly 46,000 Louisiana Healthcare Connections members live in St. Tammany and surrounding parishes, so we know the need is great. We volunteer our time and resources to meet these needs.”
The Northshore Food Bank provides food assistance to more than 400 individuals and families each week who live at or below the 130% federal poverty guidelines.
“We could not do these clinics without the medical, dental, and support volunteers,” emphasized Love Heals Free Clinics Co-Director, Donna Collins-Lewis. “And partners such as Louisiana Healthcare Connections, have been an invaluable resource, going the extra mile for these clinics."
This year alone, Love Heals Free Clinics served approximately 2,500 patients with free medical, dental, and vision services across the state.
“By providing free medical, dental, and vision care for those who do not have health plan coverage or who are otherwise unable to visit a local care provider, the Love Heals Free Clinics fill a critical gap in the health of our communities,” stated Tanzel Montgomery, Community Relations Manager with Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “We are proud to support the Love Heals Free Clinics and all of the volunteers who give of their time and skills.”
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About Louisiana Healthcare Connections
A Medicaid health plan serving the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Healthcare Connections was launched in 2012 to provide the best benefits and programs possible to improve the overall health of the families and communities we serve. We are a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), focused on identifying and removing institutional barriers to good health with sustainable solutions that reduce health disparities and create health equity. Through a family of engaged employees, dedicated providers and diverse community partners, we deliver care for the health of all with Medicaid Made Personal.