United Way Collaborates to Help Working Uninsured
American Society for Clinical Pathology Donates to the Cause

Pictured, l to r, United Way's Vice President of Community Impact, Melisse Meza, Fred Rodriguez, M.D., FASCP, NOFHA Director Guy Fourier and United Way Campaign Manager Bill Campbell.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the need for quality health insurance in the New Orleans area has grown significantly among professionals including teachers, construction workers, and other working class members.  Thanks to the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the New Orleans Faith Health Alliance (NOFHA), United Way for the Greater New Orleans received a donation check for $14,500. The check, presented February 26 at the United Way Building located at 2515 Canal Street, will benefit the working uninsured. 

The American Society for Clinical Pathology partnered with United Way to facilitate a silent auction that will provide funds for uninsured residents of the city during the Society ’s 2007 annual meeting. New Orleans resident Fred Rodriguez, M.D., FASCP and former ASCP president, presented the check to NOFHA Director Guy Fournier and United Way’s Melisse Meza and Bill Campbell.“

The ASCP saw opportunities to give to many worthy projects to aid this city that welcomed us during our annual meeting,” said Rodriguez. “As an organization that is committed to providing healthcare safety, education and services to all people, we felt the draw to help those who are often overlooked.  Granted we enjoyed the silent auction, but the real joy for us is finding our own way to give to this rebuilding city.

”NOFHA’s mission is to provide affordable high-quality health care for uninsured workers and their families in the greater New Orleans area.  The goal is to create an inter-faith and multi-cultural community health center integrating physical, emotional and spiritual health services specific to the needs of each patient for optimum self-managed health and wellness.

NOFHA, formally the Worker’s Health Project, was developed by Catholic Charities (along with other non-profit and faith-based organizations) and is based off a similar project that’s been in effect in Memphis for 20 years. In addition to 13 other corporations, non-profit and faith-based organizations and medical providers, United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area serves on the advisory panel for NOFHA and specifically serves on the Business Plan Committee which assists in designing the project. 

The health center will look, feel and function like a private medical practice providing continuity of care and a comprehensive health care “home” for enrolled participants (members.)  Fees will be based on a sliding scale reflecting family income.  The targeted open date for NOFHA is in the last quarter of 2008.  For more information on the New Orleans Faith Health Alliance, please contact Melisse Meza at melissem@unitedwaynola.org or 827-6827.