Louisiana Healthcare Connections Presents $500,000 to Xavier University of Louisiana
Date: 10/20/23
New Orleans, La.
Grant funding is part of a larger ‘Equity in Health and Care’ Initiative partnering with higher education for research, community health, and workforce development
Today, Xavier University of Louisiana received a $500,000 check toward a larger program centered on eliminating health disparities to create a more inclusive, representative healthcare system by Louisiana Healthcare Connections as part of ongoing efforts to create health equity.
“As a university that seeks a more just and humane society, Xavier understands the importance of addressing health equity issues on a systemic level,” says Dr. Reynold Verret, president of Xavier University. “Our collaboration with Louisiana Healthcare Connections has the potential to profoundly improve the health of our communities.
To impact equity in health outcomes, Xavier University will leverage Louisiana Healthcare Connections’ health data for academic research and pilot projects focused on health disparities such as maternal health, hypertension, and diabetes.
“Our mission at Louisiana Healthcare Connections is to transform Louisiana’s health and create health equity for our Medicaid population,” says Jamie Schlottman, chief executive officer. ”Sharing data to identify disparities, collaborating in our communities to address disparities, and investing in economic opportunities within the healthcare field will result in real-world improvements in health equity. Xavier University of Louisiana is a national leader in health sciences, specifically geared to educating future black doctors, pharmacists, and Ph.D. holders in STEM areas, so it was a natural partner for this initiative.”
Louisiana Healthcare Connections is partnering with higher education outlets across the state to fund a $1.5 million program to eliminate health disparities and create a more inclusive, representative healthcare system. The Equity in Health and Care initiative will implement coordinated strategies in partnership with Xavier University, Bossier Parish Community College, and Delgado Community College. The initiative will focus on four major areas: equity in health outcomes, diversity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce, economic social determinants of health, and community health.
In addition to research projects at Xavier University of Louisiana, scholarships will be endowed, and educational pipelines to higher education focusing on diversity in the data science and health informatics fields of STEM will be developed.
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About Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana, America’s only historically Black and Catholic University, is ranked among the top three HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in the nation. Recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences, Xavier produces more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is also among the top producers of African American pharmacists in the country.
Established in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament as a place for African Americans and Native Americans to receive quality education, Xavier has since expanded its programs in art, business, education, biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy and political science. More recent additions in robotics, bioinformatics, engineering, data science, neuroscience and genetics, in addition to new STEM-based master’s programs, have provided Xavier students (3,419 students) an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities and life experiences. Xavier students collaborate with world-renowned faculty, who are experts in their fields, to produce award-winning research and notable work. The winning Xavier formula provides students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls, thereby facilitating a more just and humane society for all. For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana, visit our website or contact Melissa Newell at (504) 520-5240 or XULANews@XULA.edu
About Louisiana Healthcare Connections
A Medicaid managed care organization serving the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Healthcare Connections was established in 2011 to provide the best benefits and programs possible in order to improve the overall health of the families and communities we serve. We are a healthcare company focused on identifying and removing institutional barriers to good health with sustainable solutions that reduce health disparities and create health equity. Through a family of engaged employees, dedicated providers and diverse community partners, we deliver care for the health of all. For more information, visit our website.