SHREVEPORT, LA – Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) is taking healthcare on the road. With the ribbon cutting of its brand-new Mobile Health Unit (MHU), SUSLA is launching an innovative initiative to reimagine community care—bringing essential health services directly to underserved populations while offering students invaluable hands-on experience.
The MHU ribbon cutting ceremony was celebrated by Dr. Aubra J. Gantt, Chancellor of SUSLA, alongside state and community leaders. Louisiana State Senator Sam Jenkins, who played a pivotal role in securing legislative funding for the project, joined the celebration. The unit will also operate in partnership with Ochsner LSU Health, which will help deliver community biometrics and healthcare services.
“This is more than a mobile unit—it’s a symbol of access, opportunity, and empowerment,” said Chancellor Gantt. “We’re not only serving our community’s health needs—we’re also training the next generation of healthcare professionals to lead with compassion and skill.”
A Healthcare Solution on Wheels
Under the direction of Dean Jo Ann Brown and SUSLA’s Division of Allied Health Sciences and Nursing, the Mobile Health Unit is designed to bring preventative care, screenings, dental services, and health education to populations who may face barriers to traditional care—such as rural residents, the unhoused, or those without insurance or reliable transportation.
The MHU will serve as a vital bridge between the healthcare system and vulnerable populations, offering pro bono services and helping coordinate care across providers.
“This unit will be a game-changer for so many people in our region,” said Senator Jenkins. “We need more solutions that meet people where they are—and this does just that.”
Education Meets Real-World Impact
The MHU isn’t just a healthcare initiative—it’s an educational engine. Students from SUSLA’s Allied Health and Nursing programs will participate directly in care delivery under licensed supervision, developing both technical expertise and cultural competence by working with a diverse range of patients.
The immersive, field-based training will not only prepare students for future careers, but also deepen their understanding of public health disparities and the importance of accessible care.
Elevating SUSLA’s Mission
As Louisiana’s only HBCU comprehensive community college, Southern University at Shreveport continues to lead with purpose, offering high-quality education, career pathways, and community-focused programs that make a tangible difference.
The Mobile Health Unit aligns closely with SUSLA’s long-standing mission to leave an “indelible footprint” on the local and global community, according to university leadership. It’s a living example of SUSLA’s commitment to innovation, equity, and service.
“The Mobile Health Unit is the perfect intersection of education and outreach,” said Dean Brown. “It reinforces everything we stand for at SUSLA—access, empowerment, and community wellness.”
About SUSLA
Southern University at Shreveport is part of the Southern University System, led by President Dennis J. Shields and Board Chairman Tony Clayton. SUSLA serves a growing population of full-time and part-time students and plays a key role in workforce training and higher education in the region.
To learn more about the Mobile Health Unit or SUSLA’s healthcare programs, visit www.susla.edu.