PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Nearly 275 Southeast Texas men took an important step toward protecting their future by participating in Gift of Life's FREE Men's Health & Prostate Cancer Screening on Saturday, June 27 at the Port Arthur Health Department, where healthcare professionals, civic leaders, volunteers, and community partners united to expand access to lifesaving preventive healthcare.
Approximately 272 men received comprehensive health screenings, including nearly 50 walk-in participants, demonstrating the growing awareness of the importance of preventive care and early detection among Southeast Texas men. Participants received free prostate cancer (PSA) testing, blood pressure screenings, cholesterol and glucose testing, A1C testing, physician consultations, referrals for follow-up care when indicated, and complimentary eye examinations provided by Dr. Janet Baker and Texas State Optical–Port Arthur.
The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Gift of Life, the Port Arthur Health Department, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, the Baptist Internal Medicine Residency Program, dedicated healthcare professionals, more than 125 volunteers, generous community partners, and local businesses committed to improving the health and wellness of Southeast Texas families.
Gift of Life extends special appreciation to Judith Smith and the outstanding Port Arthur Health Department team, whose exceptional leadership and commitment to serving their community helped create an environment where every participant was welcomed with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Medical leadership for the screening was provided through the collaborative efforts of Dr. Gwendolyn Lavalais, Gift of Life Medical Director; Baptist Internal Medicine Residency Program physicians, Dr. Kristopher Dela Cruz, Medical Director for the Port Arthur Health Department; Dr. Derick Young, and Shawn Allison, NP, whose expertise and compassionate care ensured participants received comprehensive physician consultations and appropriate follow-up recommendations.
The event was also honored by the attendance of Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte Moses, her husband, Council Member Taylor Getwood, and Police Chief Tim Duriso, whose presence demonstrated the City's commitment to encouraging men to prioritize their health and take advantage of preventive healthcare opportunities. Special gratitude to Liberty Golf Car for essential client transportation and to the Southeast Texas Food Bank for fresh produce enjoyed by each client.
"Every screening represents far more than a medical appointment," said Norma Sampson, Executive Director of Gift of Life. "It represents a husband who may be there for his family, a father who chooses to protect his future, and a community that believes every man deserves access to preventive healthcare regardless of his circumstances. That is the power of partnership."
The screening reflects Gift of Life's ongoing mission to eliminate barriers to healthcare by providing no-cost preventive services for medically underserved Southeast Texans while encouraging early detection of prostate cancer and chronic disease.
Gift of Life's 2026 Men's Health & Prostate Cancer Screening Initiative continues with upcoming screenings:
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Baptist Campus Hospital Lobby
608 Strickland Drive / Orange
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Lamar Institute of Technology Multi Purpose Center
802 East Lavaca / Beaumont
Men are encouraged to register by calling 409-833-3663 or
visiting www.giftoflifebmt.org. Walk-ins are welcome.
Together, Gift of Life and its community partners are helping build a
healthier, stronger, and more resilient Southeast Texas, one screening, one family, and one life at a time.