HJBR Sep/Oct 2023

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  SEP / OCT 2023 39 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com non-profit organization dedicated solely to cancer prevention and early detection, has granted Mary Bird Perkins $25,000 to launch a supplemental mobile cancer screening and education program for the region’s LGBTQ+ community, particu- larly for breast and colorectal cancers. The pro- gram consists of culturally competent outreach and education, no-cost cancer screening, and patient navigation for those with abnormal find- ings. A key component of this work includes pro- viding training encouraging Baton Rouge’s local LGBTQ+ community to be mindful of recom- mended cancer and preventive health screenings. A second organization, the Preparedness and Treatment Equity Coalition (PTEC), has provided the cancer center with $50,000 to establish a cul- turally appropriate and inclusive data collec- tion system to better assess individuals and ulti- mately develop tailored educational materials to increase the rate of cancer screening. “At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, our doors are open to everyone in our community,” said Renea Duffin, vice president, cancer support and outreach, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “And we believe, at our core, that every person, no matter one’s gender identity or sexual orien- tation, deserves to be treated with compassion- ate care and respect.” In Louisiana, the LGBTQ+ community, like other vulnerable and underserved populations, faces a variety of challenges when it comes to accessing culturally competent healthcare services, includ- ing access to preventative cancer screenings. Aside from encountering barriers to access, this community also suffers disproportionately from trauma and other societal stressors that can lead to unhealthy lifestyles or behaviors, such as smok- ing or vaping and alcohol use, both of which are known cancer risks. “In so many ways, our LGBTQ+ community deserves to be uplifted and supported, espe- cially when it comes to cancer care,” said Duffin. “Early detection is the best and most effective way to improve cancer treatment outcomes. With these new grant programs, we know that we can help make a difference and ultimately save lives.” Mary Bird Perkins took part in the Baton Rouge Pride festival held on June 24. Staff members were on hand to provide educational materials and resources. Also, members of the LGBTQ+ community attended a Cancer Center screening event on July 25 held at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge. American Heart Association, Junior League of BR Donate 50 Infant CPRKits toWoman’s Hospital On June 28, the Capital Area chapter of the American Heart Association and the Junior League of Baton Rouge presented 50 infant CPR Anytime kits to Woman’s Hospital. The kits will help families with babies in Woman’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) learn lifesaving infant CPR and infant choking relief skills. Educating parents and caregivers in lifesaving skills is essential as many babies treated in the NICU have experienced respiratory distress or heart problems. Designed for at-home use, these kits will allow parents, grandparents, and other caregivers to learn the lifesaving skills of infant CPR and infant choking relief in about 20 minutes in the comfort of their own home. Each kit con- tains a bilingual (English/Spanish) tutorial DVD, one CPR infant manikin, and a bilingual (English/ Spanish) pocket-sized skills reminder card. Kits are portable, allowing families to easily share with multiple caregivers. More than 1,320 Attend NewCardiovascular Horizons Conference More than 1,320 attended the New Cardiovas- cular Horizons (NCVH) conference at The Roos- evelt New Orleans May 30-June 2 for a peripheral vascular disease program to improve cardiovas- cular care and outcomes in patients across the United States. The annual conference featured more than 20 live cases from across the world, 180 expert fac- ulty, 525 exhibitors, and more than 300 presen- tations. Up to 25 continuing education credits were offered. Vascular leg conditions such as peripheral artery disease and vein disease affect more than 50 mil- lion Americans. NCVH was founded by Craig M. Walker, MD, interventional cardiologist, presi- dent and founder of Cardiovascular Institute of the South. “Peripheral disease affects more than 20 million Americans, and it is imperative for phy- sicians to understand this complex, yet common condition, and how to treat it properly and effec- tively.” He added, “We must do a better job in diagnosing and treating these patients, not only to save their legs, but to reduce cardiovascular death and cost.” NCVH provides accredited education on late-breaking advancements in cardiovascular On June 28, the Capital Area chapter of the American Heart Association and the Junior League of Baton Rouge presented 50 infant CPR Anytime kits to Woman’s Hospital. Pictured at the presentation, left to right, are Nicole Jackson, AHA; Renada Deschamp, Woman’s; Cheri Johnson, Woman’s; Lisa Olivere Thomas, AHA; Shannon Thibodaux, Woman’s; Heather Folks-Given, Junior League; Julie Noland, Junior League; Kelia Stoval, Woman’s; and Stephanie Hughson, AHA.