Federal grant brings over $1 million to projects across the Arklamiss

Congressman Ralph Abraham announced that eight projects in Louisiana’s 5th congressional district will receive more than $1.12 million from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), a federal economic development entity funded and authorized by congress.

St. Francis Medical Center will receive $150,000 to help build a brand new helipad. Doctors say it could make all the difference when saving lives. The faint cries in the St. Francis neonatal intensive care unit remind everyone how precious but fragile life can be.

"We take care of the sickest moms and the sickest babies in the region", said Christa Lewis, director of Women & Children's Services for the hospital. 

Families  from 17 parishes and three counties in Arkansas all come through these doors seeking help.

"That's usually about a four hour ambulance ride at a minimum", said Lewis. 

It's a huge range to reach out to and this will make such a difference", said Aimee Kane, president of the St. Francis foundation.

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