Touro Infirmary - Community Health Education and Screenings

Overview

Residents of the Greater New Orleans area have access to monthly health seminars, screenings and support groups through a variety of comprehensive health and wellness programs offered as part of Touro Infirmary’s Community Outreach Program. Each year, Touro implements educational programs covering a variety of health topics to meet the needs of a diverse population. The programs are facilitated by the Marketing Department, which coordinates with physicians, nurses, and other Touro health experts on a variety of topics and health screenings throughout the year.

Impact

During 2011, 203 total outreach events were held that attracted 3,037 attendees. As a non-profit hospital, providing free health education programs and support to our community is a vital component of our commitment to provide our community with the highest quality medical care and support available. The community benefit value of Touro’s 2011 outreach programs totaled more $117,000.

Challenges/success factors

The hospital utilizes public relations efforts and strategic community partnerships, which enables it to minimize cost and maximize the number of outreach events held. Touro provides screenings and seminars to local not-for-profit organizations and employer groups, and for events sponsored by the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the American Diabetes Association. During October, National Breast Health Awareness Month, Touro also participates in a number of important outreach events to educate the community and help raise awareness for the importance of early detection in beating breast cancer.

To effectively promote the community events to New Orleans residents, Touro posts the events on its web site, features events in the monthly e-newsletter and quarterly print newsletter, via the hospital’s social media outlets (Facebook/Twitter) and by running advertisements for seminars in local media outlets or mailing direct mail postcards. Specific ads are created for events outlining what will be covered. Press releases and advisories may also be distributed to local print and broadcast outlets depending on the event.

Future direction/sustainability

The Community Outreach Programs at Touro are mutually beneficial for the hospital as well as the community and is one way the hospital continues its 160-year tradition of giving back to the community. By working with other community organizations, Touro establishes links with segments of the community it may not otherwise reach and fulfills its founder’s mission to help those in need of health services who otherwise might not receive this education or screening.

Advice to others

Touro is an active advocate for health care, demonstrated through its Community Outreach Program. We are focused on specific service lines for the hospital as well as disease topics that are prevalent in our community. The Community Outreach Program is a very positive health education piece for Touro and our community residents.

Contact: Kristen Robinson
Public Relations Manager
Telephone: 504-897-7013
E-mail: kristen.robinson@touro.com