LSU Health Shreveport Honors Health Care Professionals in 14th Annual Fundraiser

Special to 318 Forum

The LSU Health Sciences Foundation (LSUHS Foundation) will host the 14th annual An Evening for Healers on Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Shreveport Convention Center. The event raises essential funds to help LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) recruit top-tier faculty, invest in cutting-edge equipment and enhance student programs and scholarships across its three schools.

An Evening for Healers also honors the lifesaving work of the Shreveport-Bossier community’s first responders, physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and other health care providers who have made a lasting impact on patients at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport.

This year’s event will honor more than 50 first responders and health care professionals, retelling their patients’ stories through inspiring documentaries. Featured patient stories will highlight specialized care in neurosurgery, labor and delivery, and NICU services at Ochsner LSU Health, as well as rehabilitation at the School of Health Professions & Sciences Rehabilitation Clinic.

Healer honorees pose with medals

Health care remains a key sector that drives the economy in north Louisiana. LSUHS has a direct economic impact of $600 million annually in the Shreveport region. Combined with the economic impact of our practicing alumni ($2.4 billion), LSUHS overall has a total economic impact of over $3 billion annually on North Louisiana.

“LSU Health Shreveport is humbled and grateful for the continued financial support of An Evening for Healers,” stated Dr. Lester W. Johnson, interim chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport. “The funds raised at this event allow LSUHS to pursue time-sensitive opportunities which have and will continue to be instrumental in the strengthening of our health sciences center.”

Mike Henson, Kevin Flood, Susan Moffitt, Lauren Henson, Dr. Michael Acurio and Courtney Batts

Ochsner Health is the presenting sponsor for An Evening for Healers. Ochsner Health and LSU Health Shreveport will celebrate seven years of their partnership this year. The Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana was launched in 2018 with a vision to improve access to care and patient care quality, upgrade facilities, expand patient-centered technology, support the medical school and expand research. Together, they have accomplished that and more.

“Over the past seven years, the partnership between Ochsner and LSU Health Shreveport has transformed health care in North Louisiana,” said David Callecod, chief executive officer of Ochsner LSU Health. “By combining our strengths, we’ve not only improved access to quality care but also advanced medical education, research and innovation. This collaboration exemplifies how our community benefits when organizations share a vision for healthier communities and a brighter future.”

Healer Honoree Ryan Jones, MD, and Tracy Jones

Last year, the Foundation presented event attendees with the opportunity to fundraise for a vital piece of critical-care equipment at Ochsner LSU Health, raising over $9,000 that evening. The American Electric Power Foundation (AEP Foundation) also supported the night of fundraising efforts with a $20,000 grant.

“LSU Health Shreveport plays an essential role in advancing health care and medical education in north Louisiana,” said Kevin Flood, president and CEO of the LSU Health Sciences Foundation. “When we support LSUHS, we’re helping to recruit exceptional faculty, foster groundbreaking research and contribute to highquality care for our community — today and for generations to come.”

How to Attend: Sponsorship opportunities remain available starting at $2,500, and individual tickets can be purchased for $150.

The doors will open at 6 p.m. for the welcome reception, with dinner and the program beginning at 7 p.m. Semi-formal attire is recommended.

More information can be found at www.lsuhsfoundation.org/healers or by calling the LSU Health Sciences Foundation at 318.861.0855.

Lawson Moock, Dr. Kevin Sittig, Clay Moock, Trisha Moock and Hannah Grace Moock

Jim Henderson, Louisiana Tech president and Mackenzie Kelso, featured Healers patient.