The Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce hosted its second industry summit on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Louisiana Tech University’s Davison Athletics Complex. This industry summit focused on a discussion of healthcare-related challenges and opportunities in Ruston-Lincoln Parish.
Michael Bertaut, MBA, CHC, PAHM, healthcare economist and exchange coordinator for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana served as the keynote speaker and discussed the cost structure of healthcare and complexity employers and employees face when making critical health coverage decisions. The Healthcare Summit also featured two panels comprised of executives for major medical providers in Northeast Louisiana and community health providers.
“We appreciate the informative conversation with community partners on the state of healthcare in Ruston-Lincoln Parish,” said Elizabeth Turnley, chair of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber’s Board of Directors. “I’m encouraged by the attendance and support shown at today’s summit to discuss prioritizing and promoting investments in public health.”
The Healthcare Summit was attended by industry leaders and providers relating to the healthcare industry. This summit also provided the opportunity for healthcare businesses to reserve a booth and network with industry peers and engage local businesses. One outcome of the summit is the partnership of the Chamber with the Lincoln Health Foundation to facilitate a healthcare survey designed to provide high level data insight into how businesses are investing in healthcare and identify major gaps. This initiative will address the lack of data for Lincoln Parish businesses around healthcare and investments in public health.
“We’re committed to bringing together industry professionals and local business leaders and providing an opportunity for them to connect and collaborate about critical issues, including elevating the quality, access and affordability of healthcare in Ruston-Lincoln Parish,” said William Dearmon, President and CEO of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. “Thank you to everyone who participated in today’s engaging conversation on the direction of healthcare in our area.”
For more information about future Chamber events, visit www.rustonlincoln.org.
