Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center

Thank you for your partnership, McNeese State University. Thank you for inspiring our next generation of healthcare leaders!

👀 Looking for health insurance coverage this summer? Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana can help you explore your options and choose the best plan that meets your family's needs.

💻 GetCoveredLA.org
📲1-800-435-2432

Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana — SWLAHEC Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana provides free-one-one assistance with checking eligibility, applying, and updating existing account information for Medicaid, LaCHIP and Marketplace Insurance Plans. The federally funded program is supported by a grant from the Centers for Medicaid Services (CMS) o...

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth. We celebrate freedom. We celebrate community.

If you're looking for a fun celebration in our community, consider attending today's festivities hosted by SWLA Center for Health Services: https://bit.ly/45IFXMs

At SWLAHEC, we want men in our community to take charge of their health.

A good place to start is by scheduling a check-up appointment with your primary care provider. If you're looking for a doctor, we can help point you in the right direction. Call our office at (337) 989-0001.

Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center SWLAHEC works to improve health status through access to information, education and health services.

To all fathers and father figures across Southwest Louisiana, we wish you a very Happy Father's Day!

We have some incredible dads here at SWLAHEC! 💙💚

Certain cancers are among the top causes of death in the U.S. - and Louisiana’s incidence and mortality rates are higher than national averages with the 5th highest cancer mortality rate in the nation.

Among men in Louisiana, prostate cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death. Louisiana men also have a higher prevalence rate of colorectal cancer than women.

Simple lifestyle habits like exercise and diet can lower the risk of some cancers. Additionally, catching colorectal cancer early means it’s almost always survivable, which is why everyone 45 and older must be screened regularly.

We love hearing from students who have participated in our student programs! Here's a note from former AHEC Scholar, Beau Goodreaux:

“I have absolutely loved my time as an AHEC Scholar! This program served as an excellent complement to my medical education. It allowed me to learn more about the very real social issues that are just as important in determining the health of my patients as the conditions I learn in school.”

If you're interested in any of our student programs, email Brooke at [email protected] or call us at (337) 989-0001.

Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center SWLAHEC works to improve health status through access to information, education and health services.

Did you know that Southwest Louisiana has one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the state? SWLA Center for Health Services hosts a phenomenal weeklong community celebration honoring African American history and the Juneteenth holiday. With various programs and activities, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy!

Juneteenth | SWLA Center for Health Services June 14, 15 & 19, 2024 Join us for three days of festivities, to celebrate the history of African Americans and Juneteenth!

Gentlemen, it's time to make your health a priority. When is the last time you visited the doctor?

This month is Men's Health Month. It's time to schedule those long-overdue doctor appointments, prioritize your mental health and make healthier lifestyle choices. https://bit.ly/39y3cAL

We couldn't host our AHEC of a Summer program without the support of our community champions like Acadia St Landry Hospital. We are so grateful for their team - and all of our partners - for taking the time to inspire our students! 💙💚

New Iberia, come on out to the Mobile Market on Friday at Da Berry Fresh Market from 10am - 12pm! You'll have access to:

🗒 Healthy recipes
🚌 Grocery store on wheels
🍓 Fresh produce & affordable, healthy foods
💪 Health & wellness services

It's going to be HOT this summer. As temperatures soar, be aware of the dangers from excessive heat. Stay safe by following these tips:

👕 Dress for the heat and stay cool.
💧 Drink plenty of water.
⏱️ If working outside, take regular breaks.

Find more tips on how you can beat the heat from the Louisiana Department of Health: https://bit.ly/4e5760j.

Thank you for sharing, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. And thank you for giving our AHEC of a Summer students such a great experience!

From all of us at SWLAHEC, we offer our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Richard Zuschlag. Our entire community feels this loss.

Mr. Zuschlag, through Acadian Ambulance and other ventures, was a powerful force in improving the health and safety of Southwest Louisiana. He will be greatly missed!

Richard Zuschlag, who built Acadian Ambulance service into powerhouse, dies at 76 Zuschlag counted presidents, senators and supreme court justices among his acquaintances but he was known for trying to do as much for political nobodies as big shots.

OK, this was REALLY cool! Thank you for providing this unique experience for our AHEC of a Summer students, Air Evac 125 - Kinder, La! 🚁

AEL 125 was able to show the aircraft to some AHEC students in DeQuincy, La. Always a pleasure to involve and educate our community on the capabilities and services we provide!

We are excited to participate in Saturday's Iberia Mental Health Summit at the MLK Center in West End Park from 10am - 2pm. There will be a variety of resources offered, guest speakers, prizes and free food.

We hope to see you there! Please share and help us spread the word across our community.

We have some talented students in our community! We're so glad to see they're learning so much as part of their AHEC of a Summer experience.

Thank you for your partnership and collaboration, Dequincy Memorial Hospital!

To our LGBTQ+ family members, friends and neighbors - you are seen and you are loved. ❤️🌈

As we celebrate Pride Month, we're extra grateful for our community's rich diversity. We are all ONE Southwest Louisiana and, at SWLAHEC, we prioritize the health and well-being of every community. SWLAHEC.org

Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center SWLAHEC works to improve health status through access to information, education and health services.

Hurricane season has officially started 🌀 Don’t wait until there’s a storm in the Gulf to prepare.

Be sure to keep these tips in mind:
🔵Plan for special medical needs
🔵Communicate with your healthcare provider
🔵Notify caregivers and support network
🔵Maintain a sufficient supply of medications
🔵Arrange for backup power
🔵Plan to evacuate if advised
🔵Pack essential supplies
🔵Protect medical equipment
🔵Keep sufficient documentation

This summer, don't go without health insurance coverage! If you recently lost your Medicaid coverage or if you're looking for other affordable health insurance coverage options, Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana is available to help.

💻 GetCoveredLA.org
📱 1-800-435-2432

The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Human Services Department and City of Lake Charles will begin the 2024 Summer Food Service Program Monday, June 3 at multiple Calcasieu Parish locations.

Lunch will be served daily, Monday through Friday, until Friday, July 26. Sites will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday observance and Thursday, July 4, for the Fourth of July holiday observance.

All children ages 18 and under will receive meals at no charge. No registration is required. Program acceptance and participation requirements are the same for all children - regardless of race, color, national origin, s*x, or disability. Meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis from 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. at the following locations:

• DeQuincy Primary School, 304 McNeese St., DeQuincy
• First Baptist Church, 401 S. Huntington St., Sulphur
• LaGrange High School, 3420 Louisiana Ave., Lake Charles
• MLK Center, 2009 Simmons St., Lake Charles
• Moss Bluff Middle School, 297 Park Road, Moss Bluff
• Sulphur Housing Authority, 312 Brooks St., Sulphur
• Sulphur High Ninth Grade Campus, 600 Willow Ave., Sulphur
• Washington-Marion High School, 2802 Pineview St., Lake Charles
• Westlake Multi-Purpose Complex, 1221 Sampson St., Westlake
• Western Heights Elementary School, 1100 Elizabeth St., Westlake
• W.T. Henning Elementary School, 774 Henning Drive, Sulphur.

Additionally, the following locations will also serve breakfast from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.:

• Iowa High School, 401 W. Miller Ave., Iowa
• JI Watson Elementary School, 215 N. Kinney Ave., Iowa
• Western Heights Elementary School, 1100 Elizabeth St., Westlake
• Westlake Multi-Purpose Complex, 1221 Sampson St., Westlake

All food must be eaten on site – no food can be taken out of the facility.

For more information, call 337-721-4030 ext. 5111 or visit www.calcasieu.gov/summerfoodprogram.

For quick reference, the map below marks the sites available inside the City of Lake Charles.

Let's give a big shoutout to Marsha Goodly!🙌

Marsha has worked at SWLAHEC for over 13 years! She serves as as the RN Public Health Outreach Director in Calcasieu Parish where she has led a variety of educational programs across the community. From leading blood pressure screening events to educating students on the importance of staying healthy, Marsha does it all!

She truly has a servant's heart. Thank you for all you do, Marsha!

Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center SWLAHEC works to improve health status through access to information, education and health services.

Iberia Medical Center is a PHENOMENAL partner and we are so proud to collaborate with them for our AHEC of a Summer program. Together, we are working to strengthen our community's healthcare workforce and prepare these students for the future!

We're off to AHEC of a start! Iberia Medical Center participates in the Louisiana “AHEC of a Summer” Health Careers Volunteer Program overseen by Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center and designed to encourage high school students to enter the health profession. We have 22 enthusiastic students on campus observing and rotating through specialty care areas.

While kids are out of school for the summer, it's important to keep them busy! Keeping them physically active will help them stay healthy and allow them to burn off energy.

Well-Ahead Louisiana offers tips on ways in which you can promote a healthy lifestyle in your home. https://bit.ly/3wzMQTQ

To our men and women in the military who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we are forever grateful. ❤️

Is your high-schooler thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare? We can help guide them down that path. Learn about some of the workforce programs we offer or contact Brooke Voorhies ([email protected]) for more information.

SWLAHEC Make a donation. Donate to SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA AHEC Donate to LOVE YOURSELF CAMPAIGN Donate to HARM REDUCTION EFFORTS About Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center (SWLAHEC) Since 1991, SWLAHEC has served as an independent nonprofit organization and a member of the national network of Area....

EVERY member of our community is valuable - no matter one's age. In Southwest Louisiana, we value and respect our elders.

This , we're reminded to check-in with and offer support to our senior citizens. Social isolation poses a serious health risk to older adults in our community - it has been linked to higher blood pressure and increased risk of stroke, among other things. https://bit.ly/3wbOdb7

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we're shining a spotlight on one of our partners: Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority.

ImCAL HSA offers mental health assistance and addiction treatment to support residents across our community. Learn more about their services:

Adult Behavioral Health Services Adult Behavioral Health There is Hope. We are here to help by offering mental health and/or addictions screening and treatment which can dramatically improve your quality of life. Are You or Someone You Love Struggling? Are you or someone you love struggling with depression, anxiety, or worse, havin...

Congratulations to all graduates across Southwest Louisiana! 🎓🌟

If you're interested in pursuing a healthcare career in our community, take a moment to explore some of our workforce development programs! We also encourage you to connect with Brooke Voorhies, SWLAHEC's Career and Professional Development Department Director.

Email Brooke at [email protected]. She can help point you in the right direction! https://bit.ly/3fH0Lyy