Community organizations across Louisiana are receiving significant support to expand programs that improve access to care and address the factors that influence health.
A total of $150,000 in grant funding has been awarded to five organizations leading innovative, community-based initiatives. These projects focus on improving access to preventive care, addressing social drivers of health, and advancing health equity across the state. Selected from more than 150 applications, the funded initiatives represent targeted investments in programs designed to meet the unique needs of Louisiana communities.
“Healthcare is about more than access to medical services,” said Yolanda Wilson, Senior Vice President of Quality Improvement at Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “These investments support organizations that are addressing the root causes of health challenges and creating meaningful change in their communities.”
The grant recipients are implementing a range of solutions across Louisiana:
- Second Harvest Food Bank (Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana)
Expanding the Makin’ Groceries Mobile Market to increase access to healthy, affordable food, support food literacy, and provide SNAP outreach across nine parishes. - Rebuilding Together New Orleans (Orleans Parish; Houma-Thibodaux region including Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes)
Expanding the Safe at Home program to provide critical home repairs for low-income veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. - Power Pump Girls (Greater Baton Rouge; East Baton Rouge Parish)
Increasing access to period products by expanding distribution through schools, shelters, and community organizations. - HGM Community Development Corporation (DeSoto Parish)
Enhancing food distribution efforts through the installation of a commercial freezer to support pantry and delivery services. - Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana (Ouachita Parish and 12-parish Northeast Louisiana region)
Expanding senior nutrition programs to serve thousands of seniors through food distribution and SNAP application assistance.
In addition to these larger grants, additional funding will support smaller, targeted investments over the coming year, allowing for continued flexibility in addressing emerging community needs.
“As we continue to advance health equity, we are committed to supporting local organizations that are making a difference across Louisiana,” said Jamie Schlottman, CEO and Plan President of Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “By investing in these initiatives, we are helping build stronger, healthier communities.”
Since launching in 2018, the Community Health Grants program has supported efforts to address food insecurity, improve access to care, and strengthen community-based health initiatives.