SHREVEPORT, La. — The LSU Health Sciences Foundation and Ochsner LSU Health have launched a joint grateful patient philanthropy program aimed at creating a more streamlined way for patients and families to financially support the health system and its community initiatives in North Louisiana.
The Grateful Patient Giving program allows patients to make charitable contributions in appreciation of care they received. Donations will support Ochsner LSU Health operations, including patient care initiatives, technology investments and expanded community health programs.
“Grateful patient philanthropy is about more than just fundraising; it’s about providing a meaningful way for our patients and their families to heal while impacting the future of healthcare in our region,” said David Callecod, chief executive officer of Ochsner LSU Health. “This partnership exemplifies how our community benefits when organizations share a vision for healthier communities and a brighter future.”
Under the arrangement, the LSU Health Sciences Foundation will serve as the philanthropic arm supporting Ochsner LSU Health, managing donor relationships and directing funds to the health system. The foundation will also continue raising support for the research and academic missions of LSU Health Shreveport.
Foundation leadership said the program formalizes work it has carried out for decades.
“The Foundation has been working with grateful patients since our founding in 1997, and we’re excited to continue to support Ochsner LSU Health and the community through philanthropy,” said Kevin Flood, president and chief executive officer of the LSU Health Sciences Foundation. “This program strengthens the bridge between the world-class clinical care provided at Ochsner LSU Health and LSU Health Shreveport’s critical mission of health care education and medical research.”
Recent philanthropic funding through the foundation has supported equipment purchases for neonatal intensive care units at Ochsner LSU Health facilities in Shreveport and Monroe, as well as a transesophageal echocardiogram machine for trauma, burn and intensive care departments.
More information about the Grateful Patient Giving program is available at lsuhsfoundation.org/grateful-patient.