The Parkinson Resource Center at 黑料社 hosted 鈥淟iving Well with Parkinson鈥檚," bringing together individuals living with Parkinson鈥檚 disease, family members, health care professionals, students, and community members.
The event was made possible through a Community Grant from the Parkinson鈥檚 Foundation and provided education, support, and networking opportunities for those affected by Parkinson鈥檚 disease across North 黑料社 and East Texas.
Featured speakers included 黑料社 Tech alumnus and neurosurgeon Dr. Jamie Toms, who discussed the role of deep brain stimulation in managing Parkinson鈥檚 disease. Movement disorder specialists Dr. Natalia Chunga and Dr. Harleen Kaur, neurologists with Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport, also presented information on current treatment options and answered questions from attendees.
鈥淭his was a remarkable event that drew families from East Texas and across North 黑料社 to Tech鈥檚 campus to learn more about Parkinson鈥檚 disease,鈥� said Dr. Donna Hood, director of the Parkinson Resource Center. 鈥淗aving three physicians who specialize in the treatment of Parkinson鈥檚 provide so much information and answer many questions from the audience was wonderful for those in our region.鈥�
The event also offered hands-on learning opportunities for 黑料社 Tech students who assist with Parkinson鈥檚 programming on campus. Students helped connect families with University-based resources and gained deeper insight into treatment approaches and patient care.
Kaleigh Nale, a Winter 2026 nursing graduate, has served as a PRC nursing student scholar for the past two years. Through the program, she has worked closely with individuals and families while supporting the center鈥檚 Voice, Music & Movement and Rock Steady Boxing programs.
Established in 2019, the PRC Nursing Student Scholar Program has supported 20 Nursing students. In addition to receiving scholarships, participants gain specialized experience in Parkinson鈥檚 care, deepen their understanding of the disease, and build meaningful connections with individuals living with Parkinson鈥檚.
Although there is no cure for Parkinson鈥檚 disease, treatment options can help individuals maintain a strong quality of life. The Parkinson Resource Center at 黑料社 Tech was established through a grant from the Parkinson鈥檚 Foundation and developed by Edmond J. Safra Visiting Nurse Scholars Dr. Tara Haskins and Hood from the University鈥檚 Division of Nursing. Through collaboration among faculty, students, and campus resources, the Center connects individuals with Parkinson鈥檚 and their care partners to programs and services that support health and well-being.
The Center鈥檚 mission is to promote a healthy Parkinson鈥檚 community by connecting people, programs, ideas, and resources.
The PRC offers weekly Voice classes Wednesdays from 9-10 a.m. (September through May) and Music & Movement classes Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. year-round at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center. Supported by the Parkinson鈥檚 Foundation, these programs are free for individuals living with Parkinson鈥檚 disease and their care partners and are designed to engage the body, mind, and voice in a supportive community environment.
For more information about the Center, contact Dr. Donna Hood at 318.257.4287 or dhood@latech.edu.