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#LiftingUpLA | 4.10.2020 Update

In challenging times like these, it’s important to share some good news too. Across the state, we are seeing a tremendous number of Louisianans step up and lend a hand to those in need. Whether they are helping to provide personal protective equipment, feeding their communities, or offering financial support to neighbors currently out of work, Louisianans continue to lift each other up week after week. 

A shortage in personal protective equipment, or PPE, has inspired many to use the resources they have to help keep our health care workers safe. This Baton Rouge couple has teamed up to use their 3D printer to print face shields for local health care workers. With the help of a local boy scout troop, they’ve already distributed over 300 face shields to clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals across Baton Rouge. LSU School of Dentistry students are also stepping up to provide more PPE, as well. This week, with the help of their 3D printing equipment, these students began production of N95 masks and face shields which will be distributed at University Medical Center.

With many in the service industry out of a job right now, a group in Lafayette has started a “Lost my Tips” fund in order to provide financial assistance to these workers. In this week alone, the group has raised over $15K. 

School districts across the state are working hard to make sure they can feed their students. Public schools in Ouachita, Monroe City, Lincoln and East Carroll announce plans to provide meals to students during this pandemic. Schools in St. Tammany Parish Public School System have also resumed meal distribution services for their students. 

In a random act of kindness, New Orleans native and actor, Tyler Perry, paid for customers’ groceries during senior shopping hours at 29 Winn-Dixie locations across the state. Thousands of elderly and high-risk shoppers across Louisiana received free groceries this week with his help.

Our medical professionals, state officials, and community leaders continue to work hard to protect their communities and combat this public health crisis. We have secured resources in Congress to support their efforts as well as help individuals and small businesses through this tough time and will continue to work to deliver immediate solutions to the issues facing Louisiana families.

It remains important that we look out for one another and lift each other up during this time. I hope you’ll join me in continuing to share stories about Louisianans lifting each other up by using the hashtag #LiftingUpLA to share how you and others are helping spread positivity during this time. 

Finally, as a reminder, while the number of COVID-19 cases in Louisiana continues to rise, please be sure to do your part to slow the spread and protect yourself and your family from infection. Contact the Louisiana COVID-19 hotline if you have any questions or need more information:

Together, we will continue to fight back against COVID-19 and ensure Louisiana comes out strong once again.  

Thank you,
Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D.