Staff report

The Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” program will meet with key Port Arthur leaders this week to determine what health needs are most pressing in at-risk areas.

Gift of Life spokeswoman Holli Peterson said Monday the Port Arthur consortium will take place at the Port Arthur Health Department conference room, 449 Austin Ave., starting at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

“We want to know what is going on,” Peterson said. Did — or how did — Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey affect the healthcare needs of at-risk populations?

Peterson said Gift of Life will continue to increase awareness of health needs through programs such as the Men’s Health Month screenings — it includes prostate health tests scheduled for June — but the consortium will seek additional ways the Gift of Life program can improve the health of Port Arthur area residents.

“Since inception, the Gift of Life has helped extend the lives of nearly 300 Southeast Texans who have been diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer and treated through its efforts,” the organization said in a prepared statement.

To learn more, call 409-833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.