BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The Big Health Event kicked off at the Raising Canes River Center. The Urban League of Louisiana and Ochsner Health teamed up with one goal in mind, improving wellness.
“Anything and everything that you need in order to prioritize your health and wellness you can find right here,” said Judy Morse, President and CEO of the Urban League of Louisiana.
In 2021, 7.65% of Louisiana’s residents weren’t covered by health insurance. The state was also ranked No. 42 for healthcare quality. The Big Health Event helped change that dynamic by providing free screenings, like blood pressure checks, prostate cancer tests, HIV testing and more.
“We can get you the flu vaccine here and other vaccines to diminish the effects of viruses like the flu or even COVID because we know that the vaccinations are very effective,” said Dr. Aldo Russo, Regional Medical Director at Ochsner Baton Rouge.
It wouldn’t be a healthy event without a good sweat and a workout. Kids were also able to learn more about their health and enjoy themselves with STEM activities. Organizers said events like this have made a difference and helped promote health consciousness, a subject easily overlooked by many.
“One of the big challenges has been access and affordability as it relates to healthcare for communities of color. And that’s what the ‘Big Health Event’ was designed to do. The Urban League of Louisiana prioritizes solving problems for the African American community and other communities of color,” said Morse.
Organizers said they plan on taking this statewide. It started in New Orleans, Baton Rouge was the second location and they’ll be somewhere else in just a couple of days.
