Health Fund launches on Giving Tuesday

<div class="Content"><p class="indent">On Giving Tuesday, Christus Ochsner Health Southwestern Louisiana launched its Women’s Health Fund and the newly-established James W. Gardiner Center at Christus Ochsner Lake Area Hospital.

<p class="indent">The $1.6 million center is an investment from the namesake’s trust and will house 3-D mammography and ultrasound units, along with the most advanced sterotactic biopsy unit. Patients can have their comprehensive cancer screenings done locally and get results faster.

<p class="indent">The center is also focused on wellness, screenings and genetic initiatives to identify cancer risks as early as possible. Dr. Alice Prestia said uninsured patients can receive the genetic screening for free.

<p class="indent">Dr. B. Jay Brooks Jr., hematologist/oncologist, said the center is focused on early screening, personalized prevention, and its advanced imaging techniques makes its services “incredibly unique and almost revolutionary” to the standard of care offered in Southwest Louisiana.

<p class="indent">The health fund — established with two $100,000 donations from the Women’s Health Council and the Vickie Singletary Christian Benevolent Initiative Fund — will serve women who are uninsured, underinsured or have extremely high deductibles.

<p class="indent">The Women’s Health Council is dedicated to providing health education and financial assistance to Southwest Louisiana women.

<p class="indent">Vickie Singletary said she established the fund to give back to those who helped her financially when her late husband battled cancer 20 years ago at St. Patrick’s Hospital.

<p class="indent">“The mercy of God met me in that room,” Singletary said of a benevolence fund that lifted the heavy financial strain of cancer treatment.

<p class="indent">For an appointment, call 431-7887.

</div><div class="Lead">

The health fund will serve women who are uninsured, underinsured or have extremely high deductibles.

</div>””<p>Chrisus Ochsner doctors disucus new techniques and equipment available at the new  James W. Gardiner Center.</p>Special to the American Press

SportsPlus

McNeese Sports

Marlin fired by ULL

McNeese Sports

A quick trip home

Local News

City Council gives green light to lakefront hotel plan

Crime

12/19: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Crime

Washington-Marion student arrested for terrorizing, charged as an adult

Local News

Governor selects Stine, Tarver for new Fiscal Responsibility Program

high-school Football

Press box project for Jerry Simmons Stadium move forward

Local News

National defense budget could allocate millions to Louisiana military bases

Face to Face

Second Harvest hosts drive-thru Christmas dinner distribution

Business

It’s not just about money: The Five T’s of Philanthropy

Face to Face

Carols under the Oak: Lake Charles Symphony unites with Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Face to Face

Health officials say Louisiana patient is first severe bird flu case in US

Crime

12/18: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Westlake fire chief describes training with ‘cutting edge’ technology

Local News

Scooter Hobbs column: A new low for bowl opt-outs

Business

Scott Walker named new president, CEO of Chamber SWLA

Business

Hotel owner questions lakefront hotel development plans

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column: Is insurance our No. 1 problem?

Face to Face

10 local charities reap benefits of Coats for Kids drive

Crime

Sentence stands for man who crashed into 18-wheeler while impaired, killing 3-year-old

Crime

12/17: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Top Russian general is killed in a Moscow bombing claimed by Ukraine

life

Wreaths placed on hundreds of graves at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

Local News

Children do the Christmas shopping at Family Matters event