Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) marked a transformative moment in community healthcare on Wednesday, April 9 with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Mobile Health Unit. The state-of-the-art vehicle, a partnership between SUSLA’s Allied Health and Nursing program and Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, will provide pro bono and low-cost preventative care, screenings, dental services, and health education to underserved neighborhoods. State funded with the driving support of Louisiana Senator Sam Jenkins, the initiative bridges gaps in healthcare access while creating real-world training opportunities for SUSLA students.
The event drew notable attendees. SUSLA Chancellor Dr. Aubra J. Gantt welcomed Louisiana Senator Sam Jenkins, Southern University and A&M College Chancellor John Pierre, SU Board of Supervisors Members The Honorable Zazell Dudley and The Honorable Samuel C. Tolbert Jr., Pastor Dennis R. Everett Sr., Bonnie Hughes with Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese Jr., Shreveport City Council Chair Tabatha Taylor, SU System representatives, other distinguished members of the community, students, faculty, and staff.
“We’re so grateful to be able to bring preventive care, screening, dental services, and health education to a population who face barriers in our community. We say thank you to everyone responsible for making this day a reality,” said Dr. Gantt.
Senator Jenkins echoed the sentiment, stating, “Good healthcare should not just be a privilege-it should be a right,” while praising SUSLA’s leadership for turning vision into reality.
The Mobile Health Unit will deploy across northwest Louisiana. For SUSLA’s Allied Health and Nursing students, it provides hands-on experience in delivering compassionate and equitable care. The SUSLA Mobile Health Unit exemplifies how education and healthcare innovation can work hand-in-hand to empower communities- one neighborhood at a time.