Ochsner, NORD, The Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter of the Links, advance the promise of a healthier community

4th Annual Health & Wellness Family Expo in New Orleans East from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at the Joe W. Brown Rec Center

NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Health will host the fourth annual Health and Wellness Family Expo in New Orleans East from 9a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at Joe W. Brown Rec Center. A variety of free health screenings and educational services will be available, including dental, vision and pediatric hearing checks, onsite workforce education opportunities and fresh food giveaways.

“Ochsner Health is pleased to join NORD and the Pontchartrain Chapter of the Links Inc. and our community partners for this signature health and wellness family expo in New Orleans East. Together, we are supporting the greatest needs of our communities and neighborhoods by providing health screenings and information while also offering business, government, nonprofit, and community-based partner resources,” said Yvens Laborde, MD, chief community medical officer. “Our vision is to inspire healthier lives and stronger communities, and neighborhood engagement is a fundamental component of that effort.”

A multitude of community and civic organizations will be represented, offering information that fosters and promotes a healthy lifestyle for families. Parents will have access to STEM activities and programs, along with registration for summer camps offered by NORD, the New Orleans Recreation Department.

“NORD is proud to partner with Ochsner Health and The Pontchartrain Chapter of the Links Inc. to bring health resources directly to the families of New Orleans East,” said Larry Barabino Jr., CEO of NORD Commission. “This annual event aligns with our mission to provide accessible, community-driven programs that promote overall well-being. By offering free health screenings, summer camp registration and engaging activities, we are ensuring that residents have the tools they need to lead healthier, more active lives.”

The Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated President Shaniece Bickham says her organization is excited to promote health awareness as part of their health and human services facet within the New Orleans East community. “With resources and activities for all ages, the Health and Wellness Family Expo will be an event that entire families can enjoy while getting various free health screenings,” she said.

Screenings and services offered:

• Blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol testing

• Prostate specific antigen, or PSA, screenings

• BMI screening

• Vision screenings

• Pediatric hearing screening

• Family dentistry services

• NORD summer camp registration

• STEM activities

• Breast, lung, colorectal and prostate cancer information

• Medication review

• Women’s and maternal health education

• Ancestry and traits testing

• HIV and STI screening

• Nutrition and tobacco education

• Patient referrals

• Substance abuse and domestic violence intervention assistance

• Health insurance sign-up

• Top Box fresh food giveaway

• Workforce education opportunities

• Clinical trials information

• Organ donation education

Joining Ochsner in the event are its community partners:

• NORD

• The Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter of the Links Incorporated.

• Ochsner Community Health Brees Family Center

• Ochsner Health – Benson Cancer Center

• Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research at Xavier University

• Xavier University Health and Wellness Center

• LSU School of Medicine / Delta Research and Educational Foundation

• Excelth Health

• Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana

• Saul’s Light

• Brotherhood Inc.

• LOPA

• Primary Eye Care New Orleans

• Clover

• All of us Research

• Councilmember Oliver Thomas’ Office – New Orleans City Council District E

• New Orleans Health Department

• Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson

• New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated

• Humana

• Aetna Better Health

• Louisiana Healthcare Connections

• Healthy Blue

• United Healthcare

• JP Morgan Chase & Co.

• Goodwill Industries SELA

• Youth Empowerment Project

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About NORD Commission 

The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission provides safe, wholesome, educational, recreational, and culturally engaging opportunities to the residents of New Orleans. For more information about NORD, visit www.nordc.org.

About the Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter 

The Pontchartrain Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was chartered on May 28, 1994, with 26 members. It became the 254th chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the third chapter in New Orleans. Over thirty years later, Pontchartrain (LA) now boasts a membership of 65 women and continues its commitment to service by providing access to health screenings to communities, mentoring young people, supporting art and music programs across the greater New Orleans area, contributing scholarships to HBCU students, supporting a school in Kumasi, Ghana, and spearheading activities that impact the larger national community, among others.