Residents of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, flocked to the Lemann Memorial Community Center on Saturday, where the Love Impact Coalition provided free medical, vision, and dental services. Over the course of twelve hours, hundreds benefited from a range of healthcare offerings, including vision exams, dental cleanings, and medical screenings for infections and colon cancer.
The clinic operated on a first-come, first-served basis, eliminating the need for identification or insurance to access care. This initiative, organized by the nonprofit Love Impact Coalition, was supported by local sponsors, including the city of Donaldsonville and Louisiana Healthcare Connections.
Donna Collins-Lewis, a former Baton Rouge Metro Council member and founder of the Love Impact Coalition, envisioned this free clinic after visiting a similar event in Idaho in 2017. Since launching its first free medical event in 2018, the coalition has hosted numerous clinics across Louisiana, serving areas such as Baton Rouge, Opelousas, Alexandria, and Shreveport. According to Collins-Lewis, these events typically attract between 400 and 500 individuals.
“We have a goal of offering four free clinics per year, and this year, we’ve already had six,” Collins-Lewis noted. She commended the dedication of the many volunteers who have consistently contributed their expertise over the years.
Community Response and Future Initiatives
The event in Donaldsonville received positive feedback from both attendees and healthcare professionals. Anastasia Montgomery, Chief Nursing Officer at West Ascension Parish Hospital, emphasized the necessity of such services within the community. “A lot of people can’t afford medical care, and it’s been amazing to see so many volunteers join us,” Montgomery stated. “This confirms the need for services like these, and it’s rewarding to provide them through this free clinic.”
Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan expressed his hopes for a lasting partnership between the city, the Love Impact Coalition, and the West Ascension Parish Hospital. “This is truly amazing and overwhelming to have all of these volunteers and support here,” he remarked. Sullivan arrived at the center before 5:30 a.m. and was pleased to see people already lined up for the doors to open.
The turnout exceeded expectations, reflecting a strong interest in accessible healthcare among Ascension Parish residents. Shelton Anthony, Chief Executive Officer of West Ascension Parish Hospital, stated, “We were very surprised at the amount of people that attended. That shows there is a need in this community for medical services.”
The hospital, located on Memorial Drive in Donaldsonville, provides various healthcare services, including emergency care, cardiology, lab services, and imaging. Looking ahead, Anthony mentioned plans for events in October dedicated to breast cancer awareness.
For more information about the Love Impact Coalition and their future initiatives, interested individuals can visit their website at www.loveimpactcoalition.org.
