The James M. Cox Foundation Announces $250,000 Grant to Lafayette General Foundation

LAFAYETTE, La. June 19, 2017 /3BL Media/ ‐ The James M. Cox Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to Lafayette General Foundation that
will be used to further expand telemedicine in St. Martin Parish public schools. Through Project Health, Education
and Technology (HEAT), a partnership between Lafayette General Health, St. Martin Parish Schools and Cox
Communications, as many as 8,000 students in the parish will have access to healthcare by harnessing the
technologies of telecommunications, high‐definition cameras and viewing monitors, enterprise health records and
cloud‐based software.

The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital
campaigns and special projects in communities where Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group
operate.

Telemedicine visits cover non‐emergency needs, such as sinus infections, cold and flu symptoms, cough, rash, etc.,
as well as ongoing chronic condition management, such as diabetes and asthma. As leaders in the fields of
healthcare, education and technology, the local partners understand the impact access to healthcare has on overall
health and educational outcomes for children, and are committed to serving those populations.

"The power of technology, significant investments in our robust fiber network and funds generously donated by the
James M. Cox Foundation have enabled the expansion of telemedicine, which is an innovative solution to limited
access to healthcare. We know that children who are healthy are more ready to learn. Through telemedicine,
students receive virtual medical attention, allowing them to stay in school,” said Julie Dronet, Vice President for Cox
in Acadiana. "Parents also benefit because it enables them to stay at work, boosting their earnings and productivity,
and decreasing their time out of the office. By increasing access to healthcare, the lives of children and their families
are improved,” Dronet continued.

The infrastructure to pilot telemedicine between Stephensville Elementary, the most remote elementary school in
lower St. Martin Parish, and a school‐based health center at St. Martinville Primary was established in 2015. It has
proved very successful; students had higher attendance and better academic performance. In its first year at
Stephensville Elementary, 87 percent of students enrolled in the telemedicine program.

“Being a not‐for‐profit regional healthcare system means we strive to give everyone access to quality care,” said
Cian Robinson, Executive Director of Lafayette General Foundation. “Enrollment in the program at Stephensville
Elementary is now up to 94 percent. Connecting more St. Martin Parish schools will provide immense benefits to the
students and their parents, and allow us to further our mission to restore, maintain and improve health.”

Cox Business delivers one gigabit speeds to all St. Martin Parish schools and is currently upgrading each school to a
10‐gig connection to enable more productivity among students, teachers and administrators “Through the
technology Cox Business provides at both the schools and to Lafayette General Health, telemedicine fills a primary
need to increase access to healthcare services, and it eliminates transportation and financial barriers,” said Cox
Business Louisiana Vice President Leigh King.

About the James M. Cox Foundation
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital
campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio's first threeterm
governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States.
The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including: conservation and environment;
early childhood education; empowering families and individuals for success; and health.

About Lafayette General Foundation
Lafayette General Foundation’s mission is to link investors’ passion to the mission of Lafayette General Health,
Acadiana’s only community‐owned, non‐profit health system. As the philanthropic arm of the health system, LGF
raises funds to supplement the resources of LGH and provide services, equipment and technology to further the
progress of healthcare.

By supporting innovations that transform how healthcare is delivered, LGF enhances the health system’s ability to
treat patients, leading to improved outcomes, satisfaction and financial stability. We empower the people of
Acadiana to invest in creating a healthier future for all.

LGF has developed four different avenues for gifts of all sizes: 1) Traditional Hospital Philanthropic Fund, 2)
Innovation Fund, 3) Real Estate Fund, 4) Research Fund. For more information, call the Foundation at 337‐289‐
8950 or email foundation@lgh.org

Media Contacts
For Cox Communications:
Patricia Thompson
337‐456‐4343
Patricia.Thompson@cox.com

For Lafayette General Health:
Daryl Cetnar
337‐289‐8600
djcetnar@lgh.org