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NEW ORLEANS, LA (November 9, 2026) – As thousands of fans gather in New Orleans for one of the nation’s most celebrated Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football traditions, the National Medical Association (NMA) Region V will bring health equity, community wellness, and healthcare workforce development to the forefront of Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Weekend, November 26–28, 2026.
Under the theme “Same Legacy. Bigger Impact.”, NMA Region V is transforming the excitement and cultural pride of the Grambling State University and Southern University rivalry into a platform for health education, community engagement, and the development of future healthcare professionals.
Biogen is supporting NMA Region V’s Bayou Classic community health and wellness engagement for the third consecutive year, including serving as presenting sponsor of the Wellness Yard at Fan Fest. Separately, NMA Region V will host its HBCU Healthcare Workforce Leadership Luncheon in partnership with Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. The luncheon is a distinct workforce-development convening and is not presented or sponsored by Biogen.
Across these activities, Region V will bring together physicians, healthcare leaders, students, community organizations, and Bayou Classic fans around a shared vision: Healthier People. Stronger Communities. Stronger HBCUs. Brighter Tomorrows.
A Legacy of Leadership. A Mission with Greater Impact.
“Bayou Classic represents far more than a football game. It is a powerful celebration of HBCU excellence, cultural heritage, community pride, and the generations who have paved the way for those who follow. We have an extraordinary opportunity to build on that legacy by making health equity a visible and lasting part of the Bayou Classic experience,” said Dr. Derick Young, Chair of NMA Region V.
“With Biogen’s support for our community health and wellness engagement, we can connect physicians, healthcare professionals, and community partners with families and fans. Our separate partnership with Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine creates a leadership forum to explore stronger HBCU-to-healthcare career pathways. Together, these efforts reflect Region V’s commitment to community wellness and the
future of healthcare—through distinct initiatives with clear purposes.”
Biogen’s Continued Commitment to Community Health and Wellness.
For the third consecutive year, Biogen is supporting NMA Region V’s Bayou Classic community health and wellness outreach. As presenting sponsor of the Wellness Yard, Biogen’s support helps bring health awareness, education, and engagement opportunities to fans and families. The HBCU Healthcare Workforce Leadership Luncheon is held separately in partnership with Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine and is not a Biogen-sponsored activity.
At Biogen, we believe advancing health equity requires listening to communities, building trusted partnerships, and helping connect people with the trusted health information and resources they need,” said Dr. Lauren Powell, Head of Health Equity at Biogen. “We are proud to support NMA Region V for the third consecutive year and bring physicians, patients, students, and community leaders together during Bayou Classic weekend. By elevating patient voices and strengthening pathways for the next generation of healthcare professionals, we can help drive meaningful, lasting progress in the communities we serve.”
Three Days. One Community. A Bigger Impact.
NMA Region V will engage Bayou Classic attendees through a series of activities connecting the excitement of Thanksgiving weekend with opportunities to promote health, foster partnerships, and strengthen the healthcare workforce.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2026 | 3:00 P.M.
Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade | New Orleans, Louisiana
NMA Region V physicians and members will join the iconic Bayou Classic Parade, bringing a message of community wellness and health equity to the streets of New Orleans. Through parade participation, community visibility, and throws for paradegoers, Region V will celebrate the cultural energy of the weekend while encouraging families and fans to make health and wellness a priority.
The parade will connect the celebration of HBCU heritage with a broader message of healthy communities, demonstrating that health equity can be part of traditions that bring people together.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2026 | 12:30–2:00 P.M.
NMA Region V HBCU Healthcare Workforce Leadership Luncheon
In partnership with Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine
Center for Medical Education | 1400 Poydras Street | New Orleans, Louisiana
Doors open at noon for networking lunch.
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