April 2018 - 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:

CMAP OFFERS FREE MEDICATIONS, CANCER SCREENS 
Cenla residents may be eligible for programs
An initiative of The Rapides Foundation provides eligible residents with free prescription medications and cancer screens, and it has expanded to reach more people.  

The Cenla Medication Access Program, created by The Rapides Foundation in 2001 to address quality healthcare in Central Louisiana, is now enrolling Medicare patients and recently raised its income-level requirements so more people can take advantage of this free service. The CMAP Cancer Screening Project, another program under the Foundation's Healthcare Access Initiative, provides free screenings for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers for residents throughout Central Louisiana.

THE CANCER SCREENING VAN IS TRAVELING TO YOUR PARISH
See the 2018 schedule, call today for an appointment
The CMAP Cancer Screening Project's mobile unit travels to nine Central Louisiana parishes throughout the year for two-day clinics to offer eligible residents free breast, colon and cervical cancer screenings. 
 
These services are free of charge for Central Louisiana residents who have no medical insurance and who meet the following age requirements: breast and cervical screenings are recommended for women ages 40-64; and colorectal screenings for men and women ages 50-64.
 
Interested residents should contact the Cancer Screening Project to see if they meet income and insurance qualifications. Appointments are required. To request a patient appointment, call CMAP toll-free at 855-767-3027.
 
 
The screening van is a partnership between The Rapides Foundation, CMAP and the Fesit-Weiller Cancer Center's Partners in Wellness Program at LSU Health Shreveport. 
APPLY TODAY FOR 2018 CENLA BOARDBUILDERS PROGRAM
Application deadline is Friday, June 15
CDW is accepting applications for Cenla Boardbuilders, a program aimed at developing emerging leaders through service on the boards of directors of local nonprofit organizations.  The deadline to apply for the 2018 program is Friday, June 15. 

The program is open to: professionals identified by their employer as "up and coming" with a desire for greater community involvement; nonprofit board members wanting an orientation to their new role on a board; or interested individuals who may be retired, self-employed, or looking for higher-level volunteer opportunities. 

Two learning tracks are available: Track I is for currently seated board members who are only seeking governance training; Track II is for individuals with no previous board service who are seeking governance training in preparation for nonprofit board service and assistance with identifying a nonprofit match. 

CDW is also accepting applications for nonprofit partners who are interested in recruiting new members to their boards of directors. 

To learn more about joining the 2018 program either as a participant, nonprofit partner or employer partner, call CDW toll-free at 800-803-8075 or click the link below.


MAY CALENDAR PROVIDES FITNESS AND NUTRITION CHALLENGES
Download the calendar to take the Get Healthy Cenla challenge!
Join The Rapides Foundation's Get Healthy Cenla Challenge, a daily challenge designed to encourage people to improve their nutrition and physical activity.

The May Challenge Calendar is filled with fitness and nutrition tips to help you work toward your health goals. 

Our goal is for everyone to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, five days a week.


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.