Published April 2, 2019
Monroe, Louisiana – The University of Louisiana Monroe announced today, Tuesday, April 2, 2019, that it would provide healthcare screenings
and education events to citizens in Union, Morehouse, Richland, East Carroll, West
Carroll, Tensas, Madison and Bienville parishes for the next three years thanks to
a $96,679 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.
The ULM Colleges of Health Sciences and Pharmacy will partner with Ochsner LSUHSC-Monroe
(formerly E.A. Conway) and local community organizations to conduct healthcare screenings
and educational events in the service area. According to Project Manager, Dr. Susan
Lacey, the ULM Kitty DeGree Chair in Nursing, “When individuals are identified at-risk
or need additional education to manage a previously diagnosed condition, they will
be referred to their original provider, a local provider, and/or a Federally Qualified
Health Clinic.”
Screening for Life will also train area citizens to help manage the screenings and
events. After the grant ends, ULM faculty will remain engaged with the Community Health
Workers (CHWs) as they continue screenings and education in places where people gather,
such as churches and beauty shops.
Susan Chappell, Executive Director of ULM Advancement, Foundation and Alumni Relations,
said, “We thank Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation for making it possible
to reach north Louisiana citizens living in underserved areas with Screening for Life.”
ULM President Nick J. Bruno said the Screening for Life grant will allow the university
to expand its healthcare services to surrounding communities that rank high nationally
for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and obesity.
“Thanks to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, ULM will be able
to make an impact with people who have a significant need for healthcare services,”
Bruno said.
Michael Tipton, president of the Blue Cross Foundation, says that the ULM project
stands out for its partnerships, “Our Foundation has positioned itself to support
communities coming together to solve tough health problems. We commend this unique
partnership of educators, healthcare providers and community leaders to improve the
health and lives of those living in the northeast region.”
The three year program begins August 1, 2019.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation works each day to improve the
health and lives of Louisianians by empowering everyday people to do extraordinary
good. By building and funding coalitions of friends, families and neighbors, the Foundation
hopes to build a healthier Louisiana, particularly for its children. The Foundation
is funded solely by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, but is a separate 501(c)(3)
nonprofit entity.
Pictured in the photo are:
Michael Tipton, President of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation (front center),
presents a check for a $96,679 grant for the Screening for Life program to University
of Louisiana Monroe President Dr. Nick J. Bruno (front right) joined by Louisiana
State Sen. Francis Thompson (front left). Also pictured (from left to right) are,
Dr. Susan Lacey, Kitty DeGree Chair in Nursing and project manager for Screening for
Life, Roxanne Smith of the ULM Foundation, Lauren Fowler of Blue Cross and Blue Shield
of Louisiana Foundation, Mike Vining with the city of Monroe, Louisiana State Rep.
Frank Hoffman, Katie Murray of Louisiana State Rep. Jack McFarland’s office, Dr. Ken
Alford, Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Hannah Livingston of U.S.
Sen. John Kennedy’s office and Dr. Paula Griswold, Associate Dean of the College of
Health Sciences.
Emerald McIntyre/ULM Photo Services
