Baton Rouge, LA (May 9, 2024) – Southern University’s Increasing Clinicians of Diversity (SU ICOD) project is partnering with Love Heals the Boot – Love Heals Free Clinics to host a series of free healthcare clinics across Louisiana in June. These free clinics will offer essential dental, vision, and medical services to underserved communities in Baton Rouge, Opelousas, Alexandria, and Shreveport.
The time, dates, and locations for the clinics are as follows: 6am-6pm daily – June 15: Baton Rouge – F.G. Clark Activity Center
– June 17: Opelousas – Opelousas Civic Center
– June 20: Alexandria – Peabody High School
– June 22: Shreveport – Shreveport Convention Center
“Southern University is dedicated to being a community hub that addresses the present needs of its members,” said John Pierre, executive vice president of the Southern University System. “Southern University is humbled to partner with Love Heals the Boot to provide no-cost comprehensive care exams. Through SU ICOD, we are building partnerships and erasing disparities.”
The Southern University Increasing Clinicians of Diversity (SU ICOD) program focuses on building the capacity of the minority healthcare workforce to address health disparities and engage in meaningful community work; building partnerships to identify and train trusted messengers who represent the diversity of communities affected by infectious disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19; conducting COVID-19 related events, including vaccine education, community awareness, and training to slow and prevent the spread of infectious diseases; and educating vulnerable communities to slow or prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases in the community.
The Love Heals Free Clinics aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access, ensuring that individuals and families in need receive quality medical attention regardless of their financial circumstances. Last year, these clinics served over 1,400 residents who would otherwise lack access to vital healthcare services.
“The ultimate goal of the clinics is to connect individuals and families with providers for ongoing dental, vision, and medical services,” said Donna Collins-Lewis, Founder of Baton Rouge Love Heals Free Clinic. “As the director, it is my goal to continue this work to provide these much-needed services to Louisiana and beyond.”
The clinics will provide comprehensive care, including dental services such as x-rays, fillings, extractions, and cleanings; vision services like exams, screenings, and prescription eyeglasses; medical services such as treatment of chronic conditions, wellness exams, preventive screenings, and health education; and filling of prescriptions prescribed during the free clinic.
Patients will be served on a first-come, first-served basis, with no ID, insurance, or appointments required. Community resources will also be available to connect patients with ongoing care or services beyond the clinics.
For more information on past and future events of the Southern University Increasing Clinicians of Diversity project, contact Deidre Street at deidre.street@sus.edu or 225-771-3361. For more information on Love Heals Clinics, visit lovehealstheboot.com or contact Donna Collins Lewis at batonrouge@lovehealsfreeclinic.org.
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About Southern University Increasing Clinicians of Diversity
The Southern University Increasing Clinicians of Diversity (SU ICOD) Initiative, supported by grant funding from the Louisiana Office of Public Health, is committed to empowering minority healthcare professionals to combat health disparities and engage in community-centered efforts.
Through partnerships, targeted events, and extensive education, SU ICOD aims to address infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19, ensuring fair access to resources and promoting healthier outcomes for all Louisianans.
About Love Heals Free Clinic
Love Heals Free Clinic is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential healthcare services to underserved communities across the United States. Brought to Louisiana in 2018 by Donna Collins-Lewis, the organization partners with local institutions and volunteers to deliver free dental, vision, and medical care to those in need.
