Medical students at LSU Health Shreveport soon will have an improved clinical skills lab, and underinsured and uninsured adults with chronic conditions will continue to have access to primary care and pharmacy services thanks in part to the American Electric Power Foundation.
The AEP Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and its utility operating units, including Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO).
Recently, SWEPCO presented five area organizations — each improving the lives of area residents through education, healthcare, community programs or the elimination of hunger — with AEP Foundation grants totaling nearly $200,000.
In August, Community Renewal received a $20,000 donation for its Friendship House programs. The organization operates 10 Friendship Houses within five Shreveport-Bossier City neighborhoods. Each house offers after-school education, character building, service projects, GED courses, tutoring, computer training, art and music lessons, as well as family nights.
“For nearly two decades, SWEPCO has partnered with Community Renewal because we share a common mission to help those most in need within our community," said Brian Bond, VP of external affairs. "I cannot tell you how rewarding it is to see the youth grow up in the positive culture fostered by the dedicated Community Renewal team."
That same month, Shriners Hospital for Children and LSU Health Sciences Foundation each received $50,000. Shriners Hospital's grant will go toward pediatric orthotic and prosthetic services. LSU Health Shreveport plans to use the funds for its Center for Medical Education and Wellness.
The Center for Medical Education and Wellness will name one of its new labs the AEP SWEPCO Clinical Skills Lab. These labs will play a vital role in the clinical training and medical education of its students. By serving as a connector between classroom learning and real-life clinical experience, it helps students build confidence as they learn to interview, diagnose and treat patients.
"This is a big deal for us," said Dr. G.E. Ghali, chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport, of receiving the grant.
In September, nearby MLK Health Center & Pharmacy received a $50,000 grant in two $25,000 annual installments for Healthy Communities; Healthy Tomorrows. The program works to promote health in Shreveport through primary care and pharmacy services, preventative screenings and health education.
"The support from the AEP Foundation of Healthy Communities; Healthy Tomorrows is a natural intersection with the work of MLK Health to provide healthcare to the uninsured and underinsured," said MLK Health Center & Pharmacy Associate Director Jordan Ring.
The next month, Surfari Pals received a $25,000 grant to expand its programming to additional schools. The organization teaches elementary-age children manners, social etiquette, life skills and service toward others.
The AEP Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving high dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP's 11-state service area. To find out more about the application process, visit aep.com/community/givingback.
This Article was published in the November 22nd issue of The Inquisitor.