The Hope Charities Advisory Council was established to serve the board of directors and the staff of the organization with specialized expertise in various areas of service. We value the advice and wisdom of our advisory members.
DR. DANA KUHNDana Kuhn, Ph.D. founded Patient Services, Inc (PSI) in 1988 and retired from PSI in 2018. Before the passage of important health care legislation, Dr. Kuhn created the model and program which addressed affordability of expensive prescription drugs to patients and families living with rare and chronic illnesses. His national model provided patients and families with financial premium and copayment assistance thus, helping them avoid financial devastation. Living with chronic illness himself and experiencing the death of his spouse who was unable to access a life-saving drug, was his motivation to create PSI. He serves people with his Master of Divinity and Ph.D. degrees. Dr. Kuhn was a key advocate for achieving national blood safety and “game-changing” legislation. He is very passionate about patient assistance programs and the safety-net they bring to patients and families in dire circumstances.
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DEBBIE DE LA RIVA, LPCDebbie de la Riva received a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Houston and became a licensed professional counselor in 1989. Her work experiences have included serving as a stress management therapist in a psychiatric hospital, managing a mental health resource department and was an Executive Director of an affiliate of Mental Health America.
When her son was born with severe hemophilia in 1994, the entire de la Riva family quickly became involved with the bleeding disorders community on a local and national level. Debbie is a former Executive Director of the Lone Star Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation. Debbie is a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and provides training to hemophilia treatment centers and chapters around the country. Debbie founded Mental Health Matters Too to help raise awareness and provide education around the issue of mental health. |
DAVID JAMESDavid is the Assistant Director for Employment Development Services, a non-profit that helps people with disabilities secure employment for the state of Louisiana. His passion for people living with disabilities started by raising a son with hemophilia and continues by serving the needs of people with all types of disabilities. David served as the president and chairman of the board of directors for hope charities until 2013 and continues to serve as an advisory member. He has 3 children, 8 grandchildren and is married to the love of his life of 48 years.
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STEPHEN LE PH.DStephen Le is a licensed Pharmacist in Louisiana and Texas with over 15 years of experience. He is a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, and has a passion for patient care. Stephen has severe hemophilia and understands the challenges of living with a bleeding disorder and its limitations. Stephen is driven to help people with hemophilia and various bleeding disorders by using his personal experience and professional knowledge.
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GILBERT RUSSELGilbert has a background in pharmacy management and works as a chaplain for various industries. He has a deep passion to help people with bleeding disorders and see people thrive. He is a kind and generous man who lives his life in faith. Gilbert possesses the courage of his convictions. He is devoted to his family. He and his exceptional wife Marie have been married for more than 35 years.
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LOUIS GENARDLouis M. Genard, DDS has over 40 years of experience in general practice. A New Orleans native, he graduated from Jesuit High School. From there, he went on to attend Loyola University. He graduated from LSU School of Dentistry in 1978. Dr. Genard has been serving the Slidell area since 1994. In 1998, Dr. Genard joined Northshore Family Dentistry as an Associate Dentist. Dr. Genard is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
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