Ochsner Lafayette General Foundation Fund Initiatives

As a nonprofit organization, Ochsner Lafayette General relies on the generosity of its donors to advance our mission – to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. When you donate to Ochsner Lafayette General Foundation, 100% of your gift stays here in Acadiana to drive life-changing advances in technology and innovation, patient care, medical education and research to meet the needs of our patients, and medical education to train the healthcare workforce of tomorrow. Discover the many ways you can support a cause close to your heart.

Make a Gift to the Foundation

Area of Greatest Need

The Area of Greatest Need at Ochsner Lafayette General is an unrestricted fund that is supported entirely by the generosity of donors. It funds improvements and innovations in patient care that are changing and saving lives every day.

Bariatrics Fund

The Bariatrics Fund supports the care of patients and innovations in the field of bariatrics.

Behavioral Health Fund

The Behavioral Health Fund provides educational materials, training programs and support services to address the needs of children with serious emotional challenges and adults challenged by depression, anxiety, substance use, addiction, bipolar and other mental health disorders, and other serious mental illnesses.

Breast Care Fund

Breast care plays an important role in helping women of all ages stay healthy. The Breast Care Fund supports the latest technology in breast imaging and diagnostics and helps fund mammography and imaging services screenings for women in need.

Camp Bon Coeur

Each year over 40,000 children in the U.S. are born with a congenital heart defect. For one in every four children, those defects are critical. In 1985, Camp Bon Coeur was created to give these children a safe, fun camp program where they can “just be a kid.” It is the only program like this in the state of Louisiana and is one of a small handful of heart camps in the nation. Campers come from throughout Louisiana and range from ages 7 to 16. For them, Camp Bon Coeur is a second family, a home away from home where they get to be with, often for the first time in their lives, other children who know what it is like to have a heart that needs mending. Most campers will have multiple surgeries before adulthood, countless heart-related surgeries and doctor visits. Being at camp allows these kids the chance to participate in typical summer activities such as swimming, sports, canoeing, art, archery and more, all under the watchful eyes of our trained staff and medical team. Donations help send children to summer camp and provide for much-needed camp supplies.

Cardiology Innovation Fund

Gifts to the Cardiology Innovation Fund support cardiology patient care, education, training, equipment and technology. 

Community Mobile Health Clinic Fund

The Community Mobile Health Clinic Fund travels to underserved areas of our community to bring essential primary care services, dental care and prevention and wellness programs to residents who do not have access to traditional healthcare. While the Mobile Health Clinic serves the entire community, it is part of a broader effort by Ochsner Lafayette General to shift the focus from “sick care” to “healthcare” where the long-term strategy is to provide education, outreach and support to help people stay healthy, reducing the onset of disease and helping those with chronic illnesses manage them more effectively.

Disaster Relief Emergency Response Fund

During times of crisis, the Disaster Relief Emergency Response Fund stands at the ready to offer crucial financial support to employees in need. In the past, this fund has supported employees impacted by natural disasters, fires, the COVID-19 pandemic and medical emergencies. The wellbeing of our employees is crucial to the communities we serve.

Employee Assistance Fund

The Employee Assistance Fund is used to support employees across Ochsner Lafayette General during times of intense need. The Employee Assistance Fund is a confidential process, and the funds are disbursed to employees for personal hardships which can include loss of a spouse’s job, home disasters, unexpected medical bills, death of family members or unexpected home expenses that can prevent employees from paying rent/mortgage, utilities and basic necessities.

Employee Scholarship Fund

The Employee Scholarship Fund provides employees financial support to obtain a degree or improve a targeted skillset through courses from an accredited institution. Recipients must be employed for 6 months; in good standing (not on disciplinary probation); keep a “B” average in courses taken; and have received a minimum rating of “Valued Contributor” on the most recent Annual Performance Evaluation.

• Regular full-time employees and managers: $3,000 max per year for undergraduate/graduate degree
• Regular part-time employees (24+ hours per week): $2,000 max per year for undergraduate/graduate degree
• Managers and above: $3,000 max per year for undergraduate/graduate degree.

Fellows Travel & Education Fund

The Fellows Travel & Education Fund helps cover travel expenses and provide educational opportunities and resources to fellows attending the Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Teaching Hospital. Your generosity ensures the next generation of specialists is armed with the most up-to-date knowledge of treatment options, research and resources for their patients.

Ochsner Lafayette General Foundation Fund

The Ochsner Lafayette General Foundation serves as the fundraising arm of Ochsner Lafayette General. Funds raised by the Foundation are used to expand our community’s access to state-of-the-art medical services, equipment and patient care, close to home. The Foundation Fund is a critical stream of unrestricted funds that Ochsner Lafayette General Foundation relies on to meet its fiscal responsibilities.

Level II Trauma Center Fund

The Level II Trauma Center at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center provides immediate, life-saving care for all critically injured patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our team of critical care specialists delivers the highest level of trauma care through compassion and excellence and requires a major commitment in hospital personnel and resources. Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center is the region’s most prepared destination for trauma, as it provides the resources and staffing needed to handle major emergencies. In addition to care for medical emergencies, such as a stroke or heart attack, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center's Level II Trauma Center provides multidisciplinary, comprehensive services for critically injured patients, including those from events such as falls, motor vehicle crashes and physical assaults.

Maternal, Newborn & Pediatrics Fund

Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center has a dedicated and experienced staff of nurses, physicians, and childbirth educators that many mothers have come to love and trust. The Maternal, Newborn & Pediatric Fund supports care for the health of the mother and baby before, during and after pregnancy. Gifts to this fund ensure continued excellence in patient care, research, education, and important projects in the community — and Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center is still the only hospital in the Acadiana region to provide intensive care services to mother and baby under one roof, with an adult ICU and a Level III NICU. Additionally, funds are raised for the Developing Minds Initiative, which is an early literacy gift bag given to each person who gives birth at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center. Prior to discharge, parents also view video resources that underscore the importance of language and the critical role it plays in a child’s development. The estimated cost of each bag is $45. Supporting childhood development is an investment in our community’s future.

Neurology Fund

The Neurology Fund supports care for patients with neurological disorders. Patients’ conditions often onset suddenly, leaving their families little time to prepare for the long road ahead. Thanks to philanthropic gifts from people like you, the Neurology Fund supports the most critically ill neuroscience patients so that they can focus on their care, and their family can focus on offering the best support possible.

NICU Fund

The NICU Fund helps the neonatal intensive care unit provide care to our youngest patients. This support means a lot, especially to the physicians and nurses who work with these patients every day. This fund not only ensures that families have the help they need, but also ensures that their healthcare teams are highly trained in the newest technologies and methods of care. By giving to this fund, you are supporting our smallest patients and their families during their time of need.

Nursing Education Fund

You can make an impact on the future of healthcare in the Acadiana region by supporting the Nursing Education Fund. This fund provides professional development opportunities to those interested in pursuing or advancing their nursing careers, including:

• Nurse Apprenticeship Program: Students pursuing their Medical Assistant (MA) to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) degrees may apply for a paid apprenticeship with Ochsner Lafayette General.
• Master of Nursing Scholarship: This is awarded to current Ochsner Lafayette General nurses interested in earning their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

Your gift to the Nursing Education Fund helps accelerate the education and professional skills of those who dedicate their lives to serve others.

Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital Fund

There are many ways for you to support the Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital Fund while leaving a legacy for generations to come. With support from our generous donors, you can make a significant impact on critical medical services, patient assistance, technology and equipment, and facility improvements.

Ochsner Acadia General Hospital Fund

There are many ways to support the Ochsner Acadia General Hospital Fund while leaving a legacy for generations to come. With support from our generous donors, you can make a significant impact on critical medical services, patient assistance, scholarships, technology and equipment, and facility improvements.

Ochsner Cancer Center of Acadiana Fund

When you are diagnosed with cancer, you need experts and advanced treatment options. Today, we’re home to more than 100 subspecialists and provide comprehensive cancer care including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, clinical trials and support services to diagnose and treat cancers of the blood, brain, breast, liver, lung and more. The Ochsner Cancer Center of Acadiana Fund supports all needs of cancer care including research, patient assistance and chemotherapy at Ochsner Cancer Center of Acadiana.

Ochsner Lafayette General Community Health Center Fund

Providing and promoting health equity for all, the Ochsner Lafayette General Community Health Center, located at 1317 Jefferson Street in Lafayette, is designed to deliver primary care as well as behavioral health and social services. Over time, smoking cessation and diabetes education classes will be added.

Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center Fund

There are many ways for you to support the Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center Fund while leaving a legacy for generations to come. With support from our generous donors, you can make a significant impact on critical medical services, patient assistance, technology and equipment, and facility improvements.

Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital Fund

There are many ways for you to support the Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital Fund while leaving a legacy for generations to come. With support from our generous donors, you can make a significant impact on critical medical services, patient assistance, technology and equipment, and facility improvements.

Ochsner St. Martin Hospital Fund

There are many ways for you to support the Ochsner St. Martin Hospital Fund while leaving a legacy for generations to come. With support from our generous donors, you can make a significant impact on critical medical services, patient assistance, technology and equipment, and facility improvements.

Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics

There are many ways for you to support the Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics Fund while leaving a legacy for generations to come. With support from our generous donors, you can make a significant impact on critical medical services, patient assistance, technology and equipment, and facility improvements.

Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Fund

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Fund supports and enhances the medical education of our sports medicine teams, who perform injury checks, athletic care and subsidized physicals for high school and youth athletes in our community.

Patient Assistance Fund

The Patient Assistance Fund helps to reduce the concern that comes from the unforeseen costs of a hospital stay. Things like communication, transportation, lodging and meals can become overwhelming for patients and their families. Thanks to philanthropic gifts from people like you, patients assisted by this fund can focus on healing, and their family can focus on offering the best support possible.

Stroke Center Fund

Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center is an advanced certified primary stroke center that is recognized for excellence in stroke care. The Stroke Center Fund supports education, stroke rehabilitation and survivors’ program, patient care and the purchase of medical equipment to better serve patients at the Stroke Center.