Highway Transport, a chemical trucking company, launched a new health program for truck drivers in honor of a Picayune resident.

On February 13, Highway Transport, in a partnership with Rolling Strong, launched “The Dale Ducote Rolling Strong Program.”

In June of 2017, Ducote, of Picayune, passed away due to a heart attack. He was found inside his parked truck, according to a release from the trucking company.

“Everyone was devastated. We all knew his wife and his family personally, it was a tough moment for all of us,” Highway Transport Communications Specialist Wendy Drummer said.

She said Ducote worked for Highway Transport for 22 years.

The passing of Ducote led Highway Transport to tackle the problem of truck driver health and reach out to Rolling Strong.

Drummer said Rolling Strong is a company that encourages and helps truck drivers live a healthier lifestyle, pass their Department of Transportation exams and most importantly, be able to return home to loved ones.

“From drivers suffering from dehydration, eating unhealthy fast food meals and making other unhealthy lifestyle choices, driver health is an industry wide problem,” Drummer said.

The health program provides Highway Transport drivers access to a coach via phone to help them make healthy choices.

“Highway Transport will pay for the subscription fee for all drivers and all they have to do is either download the free application onto their phones or call the toll-free number,” Drummer said. “We want to make it quick and easy for drivers to be able to speak with someone about making healthier life choices.”

Kitty Ducote, Dale’s wife, said she was pleased and honored that the new program was named after her husband.

“I hope this new program will be able to help many drivers out there,” Kitty said. “I want to thank Highway Transport and all the drivers that participate in the health program for all of their support.”