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Bayou Boogie: H4M now on the Web
The Daily Advertiser Article-originally published September 15, 2006
 |  | | L-R: Craig Cordell with Systems of Logic and H4M webmaster sits in front of the H4M website home page with Kathy Richard, H4M Coordinator. Both are happy to announce the launch of the H4M website as an important tool to keeping musicians informed about th | | | Herman Fuselier
hfuselier@theadvertiser.com
Remember this abbreviation — H4M. You should especially keep that acronym in mind if you’re a musician in need of medical help or know a music maker who could use some health assistance.
H4M has become the symbol of Healthcare for Musicians, an effort to provide south Louisiana musicians with health care that is affordable and accessible. Once a pipe dream, H4M is now a reality and has helped more than 275 musicians with doctors, dentists, prescriptions, health screenings and more, even hurricane relief.
Just ask Bob Robira, a musician who was going down fast due to high blood pressure. H4M quickly got him to a doctor who prescribed life-saving medicine. He now regularly visits that doctor and has a supply of medicine that doesn’t break the bank, thanks to H4M.
Interested persons can now get more information on this great initiative 24/7. Healthcare for Musicians has a Web site at H4M.org.
On the site, you can read how the program works, how to sign up, frequently asked questions, directions to clinics, news updates and more. There are links for sponsors, volunteers and donors, which are always needed.
Any musician who makes at least one-third of his or her income from performing is eligible to take advantage of H4M. Musicians who live in Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Martin and Vermilion parishes are eligible.
Retired musicians, who met eligibility requirements while they were performing, can also participate.
H4M referral services are free. Clinics in Abbeville, Lake Charles, New Iberia and Opelousas are used.
If a musician chooses to visit a doctor at one of the clinics, he will be charged based on their income and ability to pay. Specialized treatment and testing is done at LSU/UMC in Lafayette, an area specialist or the New Orleans Musicians Clinic.
Those charges will also be based on income and ability to pay.
But to take part in this wonderful service, you have to be registered. Visit h4m.org on the Web for more information.
You can also contact them the old fashioned way at (337) 988-1583.
Musicians are one of this area’s most important assets. Healthcare for Musicians makes sure these treasures are playing for a long time to come.
(Listen to Herman Fuselier’s radio show at 10 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday on KRVS 88.7 FM. His TV show airs at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on Cox Cable Ch. 9.)
Originally published September 15, 2006
| | | |  | | Eric Taylor, CEO from Southwest La. Center for Health Services signs MOA with Kathy Richard, Program Coordinator for Healthcare for Musicians | | | American Press, Lake Charles (June 18, 2006)
HEALTHCARE FOR MUSICIANS PARTNERS WITH SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA CENTER FOR HEALTH SERVICES
LAKE CHARLES, LA -- Healthcare for Musicians (H4M) is partnering with the Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services (address) and expanding its efforts to keep musicians healthy and performing in the Southwest Louisiana area.
H4M is an initiative of the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center (SWLAHEC) whose mission is to provide affordable, accessible and preventative healthcare services to musicians in south Louisiana.
Those who qualify for the free referral services must make at least 1/3 of their income as musicians. Information may be taken in person or over the phone and H4M will help the client with their clinic options.
"Music is a big part of what makes life in southwest Louisiana so appealing. Musicians are our cultural ambassadors. Most are self employed and uninsured or underinsured. When you add occupational and environmental hazards deeply rooted in the music profession, their health risks increase," said Kathy Richard, Healthcare for Musicians Program Coordinator.
The H4M project originated in Lafayette and was modeled after the New Orleans Musicians Clinic. Healthcare for Musicians has successfully served over 400 musicians and their families.
SWLAHEC is a non-profit agency dedicated to improving health status through access to information, education and health services. Its service area covers thirteen parishes in southwest Louisiana.
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| | | |  | | Healthcare for Musicians adds Holistic healing to referral network. Becca Begnaud , pictutrd left, signs letter of agreement with H4M Program Coordinator Kathy Richard to solidify her committment of Holistic healing services to musicians. | | | HEALTHCARE FOR MUSICIANS ADDS HOLISTIC HEALING TO REFERRAL NETWORK
Lafayette, La July 26, 2006
Healthcare for Musicians is partnering with Holistic Healer Becca Begnaud to keep musicians healthy and playing in the south Louisiana area.
In addition to offering referral to network clinical partners, H4M is pleased to add alternative medicine in the area of holistic healing to its referral services. "Many people look to enlist complimentary remedies for health solutions. We welcome the opportunity to offer this referral to our musicians." said Kathy Richard, H4M Program Coordinator.
"I received my training at workshops presented by certified Healing Touch practitioners, Reiki Masters and through a prayer passed down by a local traiteur" said Begnaud.
Her holistic education began in 1989 when she was first diagnosed with cancer and has been studying and giving healing comfort for the last 17 years. In addition she has recently graduated from UL with a degree in Anthropology, focusing on the cultural aspects of healing.
"It is important to not only increase the number of H4M referral providers but broaden our perspective on what integrative medicine has to offer for the health and wellbeing of our musicians.", said Richard
To receive Begnauds' services, musicians must first register with the H4M program. Call 337-988-1583 and H4M will take information over the phone and verify that they are a working musician. Complete confidentiality is observed concerning information given to the program.
Healthcare for Musicians (H4M) is a non profit initiative of the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center. Its mission is to provide affordable, accessible and preventative health services to musicians.
For more information or to get involved, contact Kathy Richard at 337-988-1583 or Belinda Keddy at 337-497-0127 ext 12. To see more about the Healthcare for Musicians program go online at www.swlahec.com
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| | | |  | | Pictured L-R Tanya James H4M Program Director, Davell Crawford, Performing Musician and Kathy Richard, H4M Program Coordinator enjoy a moment backstage at the Apollo Theatre. | | | HEALTHCARE FOR MUSICIANS HONORED IN NEW YORK FOR HURRICANE RELEIF EFFORTS.
Lafayette, La. May 3, 2006
Healthcare for Musicians (H4M) was recently honored at the Apollo Theater in New York City for relief efforts provided to musicians during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The honorarium was given by the Jazz Foundation of America during its annual "Great Night in Harlem" concert fundraiser held on May 3, 2006. Accepting the honorarium on behalf of H4M was Tanya James, H4M Director and Kathy Richard, H4M Program Coordinator.
The night was hosted by Bill Cosby, Danny Glover, and Dr. Billy Taylor. The concert had a predominately New Orleans flavor with the New Birth Brass Band, Dr. Michael White and the Original Liberty Jazz Band, Davell Crawford, and Henry Butler among the performers.
"It was truly an amazing act of kindness and generosity to witness New Orleans musicians donating their time and talent to support efforts that would bring hope, help, and healing to many of their own. It was a pleasure to be apart of this effort to sustain Louisiana's cultural treasures-Musician", said James.
"We were honored to have the Healthcare for Musicians program nationally acknowledged for our hurricane relief efforts. It really is all about helping musicians both during a crisis and in their everyday needs. It was a great feeling to be surrounded by such noted musicians and guests and know the music of Louisiana is revered all across the country.", said Richard.
Healthcare for Musicians (H4M) is a non profit initiative of the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center. Its mission is to provide affordable, accessible and preventative health services to musicians.
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| | | |  | | Jimmy Bollero is happy to receive a guitar as part of the H4M hurricane efforts | | | MUSICIANS HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS
In the midst of the shockwaves brought to the state of Louisiana by hurricanes Katrina and Rita came the efforts of the Healthcare for Musicians Program (H4M) and the New Orleans Musicians Clinic (NOMC) to sustain and mend the musicians scattered to the four winds of the country.
Days after Katrina hit, H4M and the NOMC gathered over 100 musicians to a local Lafayette club, Grant Street Dancehall, to collect needs assessments, supply support ,and lend an open mic and forum for musicians to ask questions and share thoughts.
Partnering with the Lafayette Music Alliance, MusiCares (a program of the Grammy Foundation) and other local resources, the requests of musicians from all across the country began to be answered.
To date, the combined efforts of Helathcare for Musicians and the New Orleans Musicians clinic have served over 400 musicians and their families in the areas of living allowances, employment, rent, health services, instrument repair and replacement, and gift cards for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
With the NOMC moving back to the New Orleans area, H4M has begun to refocus its efforts from Hurricane relief to areas of injury prevention workshops, establishing a clinical site and outreach to musicians in Region 5 ( Cameron, Calcasieu, Beauregard and Allen Parishes) | | | Success Stories
My name is Bob Robira and I have been asked to write a column on musician's stories about how their lives have been successfully impacted by Healthcare for Musicians.
I have been an on and off songwriter/musician since my high school days (over 40 years).
This has required significant sacrifices, many of which are financial. No health insurance, little in the way of monetary resources and at this stage of my life, increasing health issues.
A couple of years ago my health deteriorated due to a blood pressure issue.
I tried to wait it out....not a good idea. I tried the middle of the night visit to the University Medical Center....some immediate relief, but not a solution.
Finally after several days without sleep and with my health sliding downhill, a friend and fellow musician gave me Healthcare for Musicians phone number.
As I was not a full-time musician and was skeptical of another "free or almost free" resource, but I was desperate and made the call.
Boy was I surprised. I was informed that the only requirements were that I couldn't have insurance and that I received at least 30% of my income from the music business.
Yo! I qualified. My first visits were to the New Iberia Community Health Center where the charges were appropriate and based on my income.
I had an appointment the day after I called and was treated with respect and actually saw a physician within 30 minutes of my appointment time (I can't remember that kind of service when I had insurance).
I see the same doctor (at the Abbeville Community Health Center) and have continuing regular medical access. I receive affordable blood pressure medication and my doctor schedules me for regular updates to monitor my health.
I am glad I made the call and it may be the reason I am able to write this column.
Any future success stories I might write will feature the stories of my fellow brothers and sister in music.
Not every success story involves life threatening issues and if you have a story you would like to relate, please drop a line to this website
(we want to know of all success stories..."they are all important" and I will contact you to get your SUCCESS STORY.
If you know of a musician who needs medical help, please pass on the tip that may have saved my life.... "call Healthcare for Musicians".
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT HEALTHCARE FOR MUSICIANS GAUGES OUR SUCCESS ON YOUR SUCCESS.
IT IS OUR MISSION TO KEEP YOU IN GOOD HEALTH AND PLAYING FOR YEARS TO COME!
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