Community HealthCorps “Kickin’ Butts” across the state of Louisiana

LPCA Community HealthCorps Program receives funding to support tobacco prevention and control efforts

The Louisiana Primary Care Association’s Community HealthCorps Program was recently awarded funding from the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living to support tobacco prevention and control efforts in East Baton Rouge parish. Through this partnership, LPCA will work with clients at the BREC Senior Center to host the “Breathe Easy: Health and Wellness Series” where local healthcare providers will facilitate discussions about various health topics; specifically, those exacerbated by tobacco usage. LPCA will also motivate senior citizens participating in this project in activities facilitated by the Louisiana Cancer Control Partnership.

LPCA will also coordinate activities for the Regional Community Capacity Building Project funded by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Tobacco Control Program. This project will utilize Community HealthCorps members, and community volunteers to counter pro tobacco influences toward 18-24 year olds straight-to-work in Region 2 of Louisiana.

Since the program’s inception, LPCA has worked with both the Louisiana Tobacco Control Program and the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living through their Community Partnership Grant Programs. LPCA is also a participant in a pilot project with the National Association of Community Health Centers and the American Legacy Foundation to further tobacco prevention and control efforts within Louisiana. LPCA’s HealthCorps Program is one of 5 sites nationwide chosen to participate in this project. Through these collaborations, members engage and empower youth to proactively reject tobacco and provide support and guidance to local agencies in helping Louisiana residents to quit. Members are determined to clear the air, one butt at a time.

Community HealthCorps Program Coordinator