Ruston, LA – Longtime Ruston anesthesiologist, Dr. Ben Haley, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Lincoln Health Foundation (LHF). Dr. Haley was recommended as an LHF Board member by the Lincoln Parish Police Jury in 2007. Prior to establishing a successful practice in anesthesiology, Dr. Haley served as a flight medical officer in the United States Air Force. He maintained his practice of anesthesiology for 34 years before retiring in 2004. Dr. Haley succeeds Dr. Shirley Reagan who has served as LHF’s Board Chair since 2007. Dr. Reagan will continue her membership on the Board through September 30, 2013. Other Board members are John Belton, James Davison, Wilbert Ellis, Benny Denny, Dr. Allen Herbert, Fredric Hoogland, and Jo Tatum.
“Lincoln Health Foundation is delighted that Dr. Haley has agreed to accept this role and excited for the Foundation to have such an experienced and dedicated steward as its Chair” says Norman Hanes, LHF CEO. “Since his appointment, Dr. Haley’s dedication and leadership on the Board have enabled the Foundation to fulfill its mission of improving healthcare and outcomes for residents of Lincoln Parish by funding initiatives and programs that address health-related needs in the Parish,” he says.
As a member of LHF’s Grant Review Committee since 2007, Dr. Haley has been actively involved in the Foundation’s grant review process which ensures that all grant applications are thoroughly assessed and that Foundation funds are utilized effectively to address Lincoln Parish’s health needs as defined in LHF’s strategic plan.
I am honored to be chosen for this role at a time when Lincoln Health Foundation is focusing attention on development of its new strategic plan,” says Dr. Haley. “Lincoln Health Foundation realizes the importance of its role of providing resources that address the health-related challenges in Lincoln Parish, and I consider it a privilege to be involved with a group of other dedicated board members who are equally committed to the fulfillment the Foundation’s mission and purpose,” he says.
Since 2007, LHF has funded over $3.8 million in health-related initiatives in Lincoln Parish that address health needs related to infant mortality and low birth weights, childhood obesity, nutrition and exercise, dental and medical healthcare in Lincoln Parish Schools, and access to mental health and mobile medical clinic services.