July 2016 - In This Issue:
WORKING TOGETHER FOR HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
Since its creation in 1994, The Rapides Foundation has sought to improve the health status of Central Louisiana by developing initiatives and strategies intended to impact our community for decades to come.  We invite you to learn more about our work by visiting our website.

The Rapides Foundation focuses its work in three strategic areas:

Healthy People, to improve access to healthcare and promote healthy behaviors.

Education, to increase the level of educational attainment and achievement as the primary path to improved economic, social and health status.

Healthy Communities, to improve economic opportunity and family income, and enhance civic and community opportunities for more effective leaders and organizations.

Contact Us

The Rapides Foundation
1101 Fourth Street, Suite 300
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
318-443-3394 or 800-994-3394

Visit our website:

GRANT PROGRAM INCREASING NURSE PRACTITIONERS IN CENLA
Graduates agree to work in Central Louisiana parishes
A grant program that offers stipends to nursing school graduate students who commit to work in Central Louisiana two years after receiving their master's degrees has increased the number of nurse practitioners in the region, giving residents better access to primary care services that are sometimes hard to find in rural areas. 

The Nurse Practitioner Program is a partnership between The Rapides Foundation and Northwestern State University's College of Nursing and Allied Health. It is designed to increase Cenla residents' access to quality primary healthcare by expanding the healthcare workforce.    


FOUNDATION ADDRESSES MEDICAL MANPOWER ISSUE THROUGH NEW STRATEGY
Healthcare Occupations Program to address healthcare worker shortage
The Rapides Foundation's ongoing Community Health Assessments have shown that many Cenla residents report difficulty in accessing healthcare services. One of the factors contributing to that difficulty is a shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in the rural parishes of Central Louisiana.   

In support of its mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana, the Foundation has addressed these healthcare provider issues over the years through a series of grants and partnerships. The Foundation is now adding a targeted strategy through its Healthcare Occupations Program, and will partner with invited postsecondary institutions located in Cenla to support projects aimed at increasing the number of graduates from healthcare programs, as well as addressing the gaps between healthcare workforce supply and demand.  
JULY CHALLENGE CALENDAR IS HERE
Ready for the Walking Challenge?
Join The Rapides Foundation Get Healthy Cenla Challenge, a daily challenge designed to encourage people to improve their nutrition and physical activity. 
 
The July Challenge Calendar features a walking challenge. Walking is fun, easy and free. Plus it helps improve your health. Challenge yourself and your friends and family to see who can walk the most miles this month!

Joe Rosier

Mission
The mission of The Rapides Foundation is to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. 

Vision
Our vision is to positively impact Central Louisiana by deploying resources to improve key factors of health status.