SHREVEPORT, LA (May 13, 2024) – Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport now has a second vital piece of lifesaving technology thanks to a $25,000 grant from the American Electric Power Foundation (AEP Foundation).

The AEP Foundation, at the request of Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), recently provided LSU Health Sciences Foundation (LSUHS Foundation) with funding to purchase an ICU temperature regulator on behalf of Ochsner LSU Health. The device helps regulate the body temperature of comatose patients, which studies have shown helps them awaken and has the potential to enable patients to have better outcomes post-coma.

As a Level I Trauma Center, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – Academic Medical Center maintains resources needed to stabilize and treat the most complex traumatic injuries. The hospital serves as the acute emergency facility for the region and must be armed with the technology needed to treat a wide range of injuries and illnesses. The addition of the ICU temperature regulator will enhance the hospital’s ability to provide optimal care to patients in critical conditions.

“We are proud to support the LSU Health Sciences Foundation and help add life-saving equipment to Ochsner LSU Health,” said Michael Corbin, SWEPCO External Affairs manager in Shreveport. “SWEPCO and the AEP Foundation recognize the significance of investing in healthcare institutions like Ochsner LSU Health to promote healing, teaching, and innovative research. This partnership exemplifies the collective commitment to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing medical care in the community.”

This grant was initiated at An Evening for Healers 2023. The signature fundraiser for LSU Health Shreveport serves as a platform to honor and celebrate first responders, physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and other healthcare providers who each played a vital role in saving the lives of patients at Ochsner LSU Health while raising mission-critical funding for LSU Health Shreveport. The LSUHS Foundation used the opportunity to fundraise for a vital piece of equipment at Ochsner LSU Health’s Academic Medical Center.

SWEPCO leadership was so moved by the stories and opportunity, they connected the LSUHS Foundation with the AEP Foundation to further strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in northwest Louisiana.

“Ochsner LSU Health’s Academic Medical Center in Shreveport is the only Level I Trauma Center in north Louisiana. As such, we are tasked with providing the highest level of care to our patients who suffer traumatic injuries and acute illnesses,” said Corwin Harper, Chief Executive Officer of Ochsner LSU Health System. “We are grateful to SWEPCO and the AEP Foundation for choosing to invest in our mission to serve and heal the members of our community who need it most. It is through community partnerships like this one that our city and region will continue to make progress and thrive.”

In addition, the AEP Foundation, at the request of SWEPCO, also supported Life Savers 2024, an annual fundraiser for LSU Health Sciences Foundation and the Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, with a $10,000 gift. Proceeds from this year’s event will be used to create lodging opportunities for Feist-Weiller Cancer Center patients in treatment. This support will alleviate some of the burdens faced by patients and their families during their cancer journey.

About Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) 

We deliver safe, reliable and affordable power to more than half a million homes and businesses in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Our 1,400 employees power today’s necessities and inspire tomorrow’s possibilities. You’ll see us improving communities, promoting sustainability and building grid resiliency throughout our territory, spanning more than 25,000 distribution line miles. Our work in energy efficiency has been repeatedly recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy, which honored us as an ENERGY STAR® 2023 Partner of the Year for Sustained Excellence. We recognize that innovative approaches to workforce development are necessary to effectively recruit qualified, diverse talent in today’s competitive labor market and this includes a commitment to building a diverse and skilled workforce through partnerships to grow the talent pipeline. We’re proud to be named Texas Workforce Commission’s 2023 Employer of Excellence and to receive the 2023 Curt Eysink Excellence in Workplace Development award from the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. Because we produce and deliver one of the most powerful forces on earth, we keep the safety and well-being of our customers and employees at the forefront, always. We are proud of the Million Work Hours Safety Award from the Arkansas Department of Labor Licensing and Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission on behalf of our Flint Creek Power Plant for working 4 million hours without a lost-time accident. We believe we can deliver reliable electricity while protecting the environment. Our work to support habitat conservation was recently recognized by the Wildlife Habitat Council Conservation (WHC) who awarded us a Silver Certification for supporting sustainable ecosystems at our Eagle Watch Nature Trail. SWEPCO is an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, LA. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at SWEPCO.com. Connect with us by following Facebook.com/SWEPCO, Twitter.com/SWEPCOnews, Instagram.com/swepco, Youtube.com/SWEPCOtv and LinkedIn.com/company/swepco.  

About American Electric Power Foundation (AEP Foundation) 

The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) and its operating subsidiaries. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11- state service area.

The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math; by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger; and championing social justice. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage. 

About LSU Health Sciences Foundation

The LSU Health Sciences Foundation – Shreveport is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Foundation supports the development and growth of a world-class academic health center in North Louisiana by inspiring donors to invest in LSU Health Shreveport and Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. For more information and how to give, visit lsuhsfoundation.org.