Shreveport Marks 25 Years of Impact with Partners In Wellness Program

Shreveport Celebrates 25 Years of Partners In Wellness Program

Shreveport, LA – This past Thursday, October 10, the community came together to celebrate a remarkable milestone—the 25th anniversary of the Partners In Wellness Program at the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center. Since its inception in 1999, this program has been a beacon of hope, providing vital cancer screenings to individuals throughout north and central Louisiana, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Isn’t that fantastic?

A Mission to Reduce Cancer’s Impact

Dr. Richard Mansour, the interim director of the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, shared the vision behind the establishment of Partners In Wellness. He noted that the program was originally founded to “ease the burden of cancer in north Louisiana” by developing cutting-edge research programs aimed at enhancing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this devastating disease. In a state grappling with serious health challenges, this initiative stands out as particularly essential.

Confronting a Significant Challenge

Louisiana unfortunately ranks fifth in the nation for cancer mortality rates, with an alarming average of over 9,000 individuals succumbing to cancer each year. Dr. Mansour emphasized the importance of early detection, a core principle of the Partners In Wellness initiative. According to Dr. Deborah Gurgel Smith from the LSU Health Shreveport School of Allied Health Professions, “Early detection decreases the burden of the disease.” This proactive approach is key in combating cancer, and the program is deeply committed to ensuring that everyone is screened annually.

How It Works

The heart of the Partners In Wellness program is its mobile screening units, affectionately referred to as “screening vans.” These specially-equipped vehicles venture into underserved communities across north and central Louisiana, bringing services directly to those who need it most. With more than 39,000 screenings conducted since 2009—including breast, colon, prostate, and cervical screenings—the impact is profound. The program has engaged over 21,000 individuals in 30-plus communities, enriching lives and fostering community health. Isn’t it inspiring to think about how these vans put healthcare directly into the hands of those who might otherwise have limited access?

Services Offered

For those worried about healthcare costs, rest assured—services provided through the Partners In Wellness Program are completely free of charge, no matter your insurance situation. This inclusivity is what makes the program truly remarkable. Interested individuals can easily make appointments by calling either (318) 813-4020 or (800) 582-4523. The team is eager and ready to help tackle cancer before it can affect lives significantly.

A Call to Action

The mission of the Partners In Wellness Program is clear: they are not just looking to find those who are already sick. Instead, they actively seek to screen everyone yearly to catch any potential issues early and allow for better treatment options. This strategy not only saves lives but also eases the emotional and financial burdens on individuals, families, and the healthcare system at large.

So, to everyone living in and around Shreveport, remember that help is available. The Partners In Wellness Program has dedicated itself to making a difference in our community for the last 25 years, and with the continued support and participation from locals, it can keep doing this vital work for many more years to come.

In a world where cancer remains one of our toughest battles, community efforts like these remind us that when we come together, we can make a huge difference. Here’s to health, awareness, and many more years of successful screenings!