Team Building: Louisiana Healthcare Connections Joins Forces with Habitat for Humanity to Foster Health and Wellness in Louisiana Communities
Date: 12/15/23
Baton Rouge, La.
Louisiana Healthcare Connections, a leading managed care organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Louisiana residents and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, is taking team-building literally, partnering with Habitat for Humanity and Catholic Charities of Acadiana in a series of volunteer initiatives aimed at strengthening communities and addressing social determinants of health.
In line with its commitment to overcoming barriers to good health with sustainable solutions that reduce health disparities and create health equity, Louisiana Healthcare Connections employees gave back to the community with a recent “WEServe,” participating in Habitat for Humanity projects taking place in St. Tammany and East Baton Rouge parishes, with a third planned for Terrebonne Parish, as well as various projects in Lafayette parish.
“This partnership between Louisiana Healthcare Connections and Habitat for Humanity exemplifies the commitment to address the root causes of health disparities and create healthier, more vibrant communities,” said Louisiana Healthcare Connections Supervisor of Community Engagement, Evelyn Foster. “By actively participating in these volunteer projects, we are working together to build a brighter future for Louisiana residents.”
The group, including team members from all sectors of Louisiana Healthcare Connections, participated in these building projects as well as serving in different capacities over several days at St. Joseph Diner in Lafayette, all designed to create positive changes in these communities and promote a holistic approach to healthcare.
“Habitat for Humanity has a long-standing reputation for its dedication to providing affordable housing and improving the living conditions for those in need,” stated Louisiana Healthcare Connections Plan President and CEO Jamie Schlottman. “By volunteering with this renowned organization, Louisiana Healthcare Connections seeks to address the social determinants of health, recognizing that safe, stable housing plays a crucial role in overall well-being.”
Volunteer efforts like those with area Habitat for Humanity and St. Joseph Diner are crucial for the organization to serve in the capacity that they do. Habitat for Humanity operates around the globe and has helped build, renovate, and repair more than 600,000 affordable houses, sheltering more than 3 million people worldwide. In just the three Louisiana project areas, this amounts to approximately 1,000 homes. St. Joseph Diner, established by Catholic Charities of Acadiana, has been serving meals in the Lafayette area for 40 years, with additional programs to care for the area’s homeless population.
“Meeting people and serving meals at St. Joseph’s Diner in Lafayette was an inspiring experience for our management team,” noted Joe Tidwell, Vice President of Network Development & Engagement for Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “In this season of giving, we are reminded to be grateful for all we have and care for those experiencing need.”
RN and Clinical Process Improvement Specialist at Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Maria Olivier, reiterated what a special time serving in Lafayette was for everyone involved, noting, “one of our members noticed our team and was so excited that HIS health plan was there to show hands-on love and care in his community. He shared how important our services are to him, and my heart was happy to be there for this gentleman. He offered validation as to why I come back for every workday: transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time.”
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About Louisiana Healthcare Connections
A Medicaid health plan 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 wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, 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 with Medicaid Made Personal.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward this vision by building strength, stability, and self-reliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing.