The American Red Cross of Louisiana announced a new partnership with Terrebonne General Health System and Terrebonne Churches United Foodbank to help people in Houma cope with the increasing frequency and intensity of climate disasters.
This partnership aims to expand and enhance Terrebonne Churches United Foodbank's services to patients discharged from Terrebonne General Health System. This includes improving access to healthy food for patients and their families, including home deliveries. Taken further, this partnership will also help residents remain safely in their homes after disasters and be better equipped to begin and sustain their recovery.
“It’s a team effort to help our community become better prepared for and more resilient after disasters, especially as the climate crisis worsens existing societal inequities such as access to nutritious food, health and mental health care, and housing resources,” said Dr. Gilda Ebanks, manager of disaster risk reduction with the Louisiana Red Cross. “By joining together with hospitals, food banks, and other local organizations at work in Houma, we can make a greater difference in the lives of those we jointly serve.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the American Red Cross and the TCU Foodbank to provide our patients much-needed access to healthy food once discharged from the hospital,” said Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO of Terrebonne General Health System. “Healthy food is an important part of the recovery process, and having these resources readily available will benefit those who need it the most.”
“For 35 years, the Terrebonne Churches United (TCU) Foodbank has been your hometown food bank serving this community in times of need,” said Lawrence DeHart, executive director of the TCU Foodbank. “We are proud to partner with two other amazing organizations that have provided great care and love for the citizens of our area on this groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind program.”
Pictured here are, left to right, Teresita McNabb, Terrebonne General Senior vice president of clinical services; Lawrence DeHart, Terrebonne Churches United Food Bank executive director; Dr. Gilda Ebanks, Louisiana Red Cross CAP team; Daisy Cheramie, Terrebonne Churches United Food Bank; and Joy Martinez, Terrebonne General director of care management.