OGHS September 2021 Newsletter

OGHS September 2021 Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 2021 EMPLOYEE MAGAZINE NEWS IN GENERAL

I’m sure most of you, like myself, assumed we would have seen decreased positivity rates with respect to COVID-19. Being 18 months into the pandemic, the reality is that we will likely be dealing with COVID for many months and even years to come. We have witnessed a great deal of sickness, suffering and death in these last 18 months. The key to being successful in our fight against this virus is to remain diligent in the care we provide while keeping ourselves, our patients and our guests safe. A WORD FROM OUR CEO Kenneth Cochran, DSc, FACHE President & CEO

I cannot express enough gratitude to each of you for your dedication to your profession and to our health system. I could not be prouder of the compassion, perseverance and determination that has been shown by each and every staff member. We will come out of this, but it will take all of us working together as you have profoundly demonstrated since we first began this battle. We are doing everything within our power to provide the best care and treatment for every patient. Let me know if I, or a member of our administrative team, can do anything to help you. Please encourage vaccination and stay safe. Please continue to pray for those who have been affected by the catastrophic path of Hurricane Ida.

NEWSLETTER SURVEY

Below is the link to this month’s survey. All employees w ho fill it out correctly will be entered into a drawing to win money in the OGHS online store. Be sure to fill out the survey each month to get more chances to win. The next drawing will be in October! https://bit.ly/2US88sS

COVID-19 Vaccine Locations

WellSmart Health of LSUE Appointments are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. (337) 678-4749 wellsmarthealth.com/lsue WellSmart Health Pharmacy of Opelousas Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00AM-4:30PM (337) 943-7102 wellsmarthealth.com/pharmacy WellSmart Health of Carencro Appointments are available on Thursdays from 10:00AM-2:00PM (337) 896-9355 wellsmarthealth.com/carencro COVID-19 vaccines are available at the following locations:

PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT SEPTEMBER 2021 Dr. Jason Fontenot Anesthesiology excellent care from everyone who works here and the medical staff who practice medicine here. There is excellent camaraderie between all the OGHS staff and the physicians. I feel lucky that the hospital I was born in still has an excellent reputation and that I get to practice medicine here. I have had the opportunity to work in many hospitals and by far OGHS is the most pleasant place to work. I’m very proud to state that I was born at OGHS and have had the privilege of spending the majority of my medical career, thus far, practicing within its walls. What do you enjoy most about being a physician? I enjoy many things about being a physician. At an early age, I knew I wanted to do something in the science field. I also like to interact with people. One would say that I am a “people person.” It truly is an honor to have patients entrust their very lives to me and I strive always to treat my patients like family. In my specialty of Anesthesiology, I typically have less time to talk to patients, to establish trust and a rapport, before beginning their care which is different that most other medical specialties. The majority of patients coming for surgery are extremely nervous. I do my best to make them feel comfortable with what is going to happen to them and reassure them that I have their best interest at heart. I really feel that God has blessed me with the desire to become a doctor plus the ability to be a competent one.

Where are you originally from? I was born at OGHS. I grew up in a tiny area called Waxia, some 20 miles from Opelousas and 9 miles from Port Barre. I went to Port Barre for elementary, junior high, and high school. For all practical purposes I state that I’m from Port Barre. I grew up on a farm and worked very hard from a young age helping my uncle, my father and brother who worked together. I give credit to God and my late father for instilling a good work ethic. Why did you choose OGHS? The U.S. Army paid for my medical education at LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport. I spent the majority of my time in the military in Texas. Upon completion of my “payback” time in the military, I stayed in Texas in private practice for approximately 2 years. In 2001, Drs. David Pearce and Stephen Wyble, Anesthesiologists at OGHS invited me for an interview. I was very impressed with OGHS for not only the physical facility but also the quality of medicine that was practiced here. I was offered and accepted a position and have been at OGHS since. Obviously, this area is home for me with the majority of my family still living here. My father’s health was rapidly declining at that time and I was blessed to be in the area during the last year of his life. What is your favorite thing about working at OGHS? My favorite thing about working at OGHS is that everyday I know that patients will be getting

What would you like everyone to know about you? What do you like to do in your free time? Besides work, like may other South Louisiana boys, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and occasionally cooking, mainly grilling. I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I enjoy LSU football and have been a season ticket holder since returning to Louisiana. Believe it or not, I find relaxation in yard work, especially mowing and trimming my lawn, which I still do myself. Finally, I enjoy traveling and seeing other parts of our nation and the world.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT SEPTEMBER 2021 Ashley Lavergne What Ashley would like everyone to know about her? Ashley has been married to her husband Blake for the past 11 years and together is raising 2 beautiful children, Easton and Ember, with an additional baby in Heaven. She counts it a privilege to wake up every day and serve the Lord! She is very involved in her local church and loves the Lord with everything in her. Ashley is most THANKFUL for her salvation found in Jesus Christ her Savior. She would like to share one of her favorite scriptures in hopes that it may encourage someone during their walk: “Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9”

Ashley Lavergne is being ACKNOWLEDGED as the spotlight employee for September 2021. We would like to INTRODUCE Ashley, who has been a member of our OGHS family for the DURATION of 15 years. She is an Office Coordinator in the Sleep Clinic. Ashley’s EXPLANATION of her various duties: Ashley helps manage a busy clinic by multi-tasking between her front office duties as well as completing sleep study pre certifications. She also completes insurance verifications, orders office supplies and helps with certain payroll duties. What Ashley likes about working at OGHS: Ashley enjoys working at OGHS because of the relationships she has built over the past 15 years. She has had the privilege of working in many different departments throughout her tenure here at Opelousas General and no matter the department she has worked in, she always seems to walk away with a lifelong friend.

Opelousas General Health System Foundation wants to recog�ize, celebrate, and spotlight the work of exemplar� individuals whose cont�ibutions have a lasting impact on the hospital, the communit�, and the patients we ser�e. Hall of Fame Gala Nominate someone today! The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 17, 2021. Visit www.opelousasgeneral.com to nominate. For more information, call 337-678-4266.

LSUE CONVOCATION

Shelly Fontenot, Physician Liaison and Ciara Fontenot, WellnessWorks Corporate Health Consultant, participated in the Teacher Convocation at LSUE. They promoted services at WellSmart Health of LSUE, shared information about the Delta Variant, and provided information regarding vaccine availability and locations.

Breast Cancer Awareness 2021 This year’s theme is:

Monday, August 2 – Friday September 10, 2021 Paint the Town Pink Pre-Order T-shirt Sales Begin *Pre-orders will be available for 10 shirts or more. Deadline for all pre-order sales is Friday, September 10th. You can now pre-order online at www.opelousasgeneral.com. Wednesday, September 22, 2021 Paint the Town Pink T-shirts go on sale to the public from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the OGHS Main Campus. Cost is $6.00 (S–XL), $8.00 (2XL) & $10 (3XL.) This year the shirts are red. Friday, October 1, 2021 “Be My Support” Bra Decorating Contest (Pre-registration required) 4:00 pm deadline to drop off your entry to the OGHS Main Campus Gift Shop. First place is $100 chamber cash. First place for the “People’s Choice” award is $75 chamber cash.

Friday, October 15, 2021 “Pinkest Business and School” Contest

Judging of the “Pinkest” Business and Schools in St. Landry Parish. (Pre-registration is required). More information available upon registration. Winners will be posted on the Opelousas General Health System Foundation Facebook Page.

For additional information on Paint the Town Pink, please call 943-7143 or visit our website at www.opelousasgeneral.com. Follow us on Facebook as we “Paint the Town Pink!” “Paint the Town Pink” is a breast cancer initiative of Opelousas General Health System Foundation. We apologize for having to cancel the Pink Bag Luncheon, golf tournament, and painting event due to increased cases of COVID-19.

CONGRATS TO ANNA ACCLIS AND JACKIE HARBOUR ON RETIRING

Congratulations to Anna Acclis and Jackie Harbour on their retirement! Anna worked as a Centralized Scheduler and has been employed for the past 45 years. Pictured with her is Jared Lormand, Chief Transformation Officer/ CIO, (left) and Derrick Armand, Medical Imaging Manager (right). Jackie worked as the Clinical Director of ICU/PCU for most of her career at OGHS, most recently serving as Clinical Initiatives Coordinator. Jackie has been employed for the past 46 years. Pictured with her from left is Tim Marks, Chief Population Health Officer, Jared Lormand, CHief Information Officer and Ken Cochran, President/CEO. We would like to congratulate Anna and Jackie and send them both best wishes.

SAFESITTER CLASS GRADUATES

Congratulations to the graduates of the July Safesitter class! These students learned valuable information about staying safe when they are home alone, watching younger siblings, and babysitting. The class is designed for 6-8 grade students. OGHS plans to host more classes in the summer of 2022.

5Reasons ToAddColor Colorful, delicious and nutritious foods help keep our bodies and minds healthier, longer. Lotsof theGood Fruits and vegetables provide many beneficial nutrients. Add fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks for a nutritional power boost. Lessof theBad Fruits and vegetables are typically free of trans fat, saturated fat and sodium. Load up!

Won'tWeighYouDown

Fruits and vegetables are low in calories. They fill you up thanks to the fiber and water they contain, which can help manage your weight.

Super FlexibleSuper Foods

All forms of fruits and vegetables-fresh, frozen, canned and dried-can be part of a healthy diet. They are among the most versatile,convenient and affordable foods you can eat. Choose those with little or no added salt or sugar.

AWholeBodyHealthBoost

A healthy eating plan full of fruits and vegetables can help lower your risk of many serious and chronic health conditions, including heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and some types of cancer. They’re also essential to your everyday health. ShopSmart&Save Smart shopping on a budget means knowing what to buy and when. Signup for a rewardcard

Plan mealseachweek Keep recipes, grocery lists, receipts and coupons in one place to make planning easier.

Sign up for a reward card (loyalty program) with your grocery store(s). Scan the card as you check out to receive deals automatically. Usecouponsandcouponapps Collect coupons. With a reward card, you will get email coupons and can download online coupons. Use coupon apps. Compareprices Store-brand products may be more affordable.

Save receipts For each week, compare what you spent to what you budgeted. Adjust your meal planning and budgeting if neccessary. Makeashopping list Be specific with descriptions. Note the quantity needed.

OGHS WELCOMES DR. JOSEPH LAMAR, PULMONOLOGY/CRITICAL CARE SPECIALIST

Opelousas General Health System is pleased to welcome Dr. Joseph Lamar to our medical staff. Dr. Lamar has joined WellSmart Health Pulmonology Clinic, an OGHS affiliate, with providers Dr. Amer Raza, Susan Gallien, FNP and Rebecca Tate-Richard, PA-C. He received his medical degree from University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Western Michigan University School of Medicine in Kalamazoo, MI, and his Fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care from University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE. Dr. Lamar’s office is located on the Main Campus of Opelousas General Health System in the Medical North Complex at 1270 Atakapas Drive, Suite 404. His office number is 337-943-7186. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Lamar to our medical staff and to our community.

OGHS WELCOMES DR. STEVE REES, PHYSIATRY SPECIALIST

Opelousas General Health System is pleased to welcome Dr. Steve Rees, Physiatrist, to our medical staff. Dr. Rees will serve as co-medical director of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, located at our South Campus with Dr. Fernando Alemany, Internal Medicine specialist. Dr. Rees received his medical degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans, LA and completed his Internship at Bayfront Medical Center is St. Petersburg, FL. He completed his Residency at Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans, LA. Dr. Rees is Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He has been practicing Physiatry in the Acadiana region for over 28 years, most recently in Lafayette. Prior to moving to Lafayette, Dr. Rees served as the medical director of Doctors’ Hospital Rehabilitation Unit for 12 years. The Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit is located at OGHS South Campus, 3983 I-49 South Service Road, Opelousas. The phone number is 337-948-2186. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Rees to our medical staff and to our community.

VIRTUAL COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER

The Women Services Department hosted a virtual community baby shower August 1-5, in celebration and recognition of National Breastfeeding Month. The event was on the OGHS Facebook page. Over 53 expecting moms claimed a swag bag and approximately 25 door prizes were given away in the drive- thru pick-up. The virtual event reached over 11,000 viewers.

“ The staff (WSH Carencro) was beyond helpful & reassuring” -Paula P.

ONLINE COMMENTS

“I love that he prays over us and his attending staff before surgery.He is a fantastic surgeon!” - Wendy S. (about Dr. George Ray Williams, WSHOrthopaedic Spine Clinic) “Being pregnant and nervous about Covid testing, the staff was beyond helpful and very reassuring. Unfortunately my blood pressure dropped very low and I had to go to the hospital. Only having one way there, they were prepared to call an ambulance if needed. They were calling my husband with the details and even walked me to my car to be certain I was fine. They even asked me to call just to make sure I got home safely. This was the most care I’ve experienced even while being pregnant anywhere (except my actual obgyn). - Paula P. (about WSH Carencro Clinic)

“After over amonth in the hospital, I amfinally home. I have learned through occupational therapy how to do everything with one hand and from physical therapy how to stand and walk with a cane (for now)! Many thanks for a wonderful hospital and an extraordinary staff! They were professional and showed compassion. I give the in-patient rehab 5 stars!!!” – Jean O. (about OGHS South Campus)

The following employees and physicians were recognized by the patients in January 2019 Patient Satisfaction Surveys. Congratulations to each of you and keep up the good work. The following employees and physicians were recognized by the patients in the month of JULY in our Pati nt Satisfaction Surveys. Congratulations to each of you and keep up the good work!

Physicians Dr. Gerard Ballanco Dr. Mia Ben Dr. Christopher Matt Dr. Stephen Resnick

Brittany Arnold , 4 North Lori Benoit , ED Audrey Collins , 4 North Angel Dupre, 4 North Judy Fontenot , 4 North Miranda Freeman, 4 North Clarissa Jackson, 4 North Shenella Laws , 4 North Falon Lee , Nursery Admit ED ED

Luke Leonards , Medical Home Amanda Mayeaux , Medical Home Tobi Potier, ED Stephen Romero , ED Mary Soileau, 4 North Shelly Stelly , 4 North Ekhara Sturkey, 4 North Bethany Vazquez, Medical Home Stephanie White, OR Dr. Guy Goudeaux Dr. Derek Metoyer

PHYSICIANS

Jennifer Arnold

Labor & Delivery

Dr. Rachael Tate Dr. Jason Trahan

Vivian Bias

Angel Bowman Nicky Cormier Melissa Deshotels Rochelle Disotell Monica Fruge Saronia Manuel Andrea Philippi Sandrae Richard Paula Taylor X 2 Devon Thibodeaux Jamie Porter

Labor & Delivery Labor & Delivery

Dr. Amer Raza Dr. Sal Vazquez Dr. George “Ray” Williams Dr. Supraja Yeturi

Admit

4N CONGRATULATIONS TO LAURYN ALLGOOD & GINGER MOUTON Practice Management Lab

Admit Admit

4N

Lauryn Allgood

Stella Turner

Lab

Admit Congratulations to Lauryn Allgood. She serves as the EOC & Life Safety Coordinator & Emergency Department Education Coordinator. Laurynwas recentlyelected to the 2022-23 Louisiana Emergency Nurses Association State Board of Directors. She is among 20 board members throughout the state representing emergency care nurses. In this role, she will work with other board emb rs to unite emergency nurses, set standards, and work toward improving methods of emergency nursing practice. Lauryn has worked at OGHS for the past 10 years.

Louise Washington

FIRST BABY OF THE DECADE

We welcomed the first baby of 2020 on January 2nd and presented her parents with a New Year gift. Amora Rose Edmond was born at 3:44 a.m. weighing in at 7 lbs. , 5 oz. She was welcomed by her parents Rachael Ricker and Daniel Edmond. Dr. Thomas Jarnagin delivered Baby Edmond and her pediatrician is Dr. Carmen Koubicek. Pictured with the family from left: Dr. Carmen Koubicek, Rochelle Disotell, RN, Dr. Thomas Jarnagin and Vickie Couvillion, Director of Women’s Services. Ginger Mouton

Congratulations to Ginger Mouton, Chief Compliance & Privacy Officer. She recently received her certification in Healthcare Compliance (CHC), administered by the Compliance Certification Board. Individuals with this certification have knowledge of relevant regulations and expertise in compliance processes to assist the healthcare organization in understanding and addressing legal obligations, and promote organizational integrity through the operation of an effective compliance program. Ginger has worked at OGHS since January of 2020, and is a member of the Health Care Compliance Association, (HCCA).

Diversity Equity Inclusion

September is National Guide Dog Month…let’s make it ServiceAnimal Month! I’m sure we have all seen a guide dog leading someone who may be visually impaired. Let’s take a peek inside the world of guide dogs and service animals, in general. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, or calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack. There are many breeds recognized and trained as service animals but some are more talented than others: Labradors, golden retrievers, and German shepherds, border collies and boxers. A service animal must have a harness, leash or other tether, unless the handler is unable to use a tether because of a disability or the use of a tether would interfere with the service animal’s ability to safely perform its work or tasks. In these cases, the service animal must be under the handler’s control through voice commands, hand signals, or other effective means. Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go. For example, in a hospital it usually would be inappropriate to exclude a service animal from areas such as patient rooms, clinics, cafeterias, or examination rooms. However, it may be appropriate to exclude a service animal from operating rooms or burn units where the animal’s presence may compromise a sterile environment. In addition to the provisions about service dogs, ADA regulations have a separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds. An organization can consider whether the facility can accommodate the miniature based on the horse’s type, size, and weight. The rules that apply to service dogs also apply to miniature horses. https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm We celebrate the amazing and unique work of our service animals. They are a part of our families and create a sense of comfort and protection in so many ways. For more information about service animal laws and policies and how your animal may qualify as a service animal, please visit the following website for questions and registration: https://usaservicedogregistration.com/statelaws/louisiana-service-dog-laws/

FOUNDATION

SPICE Gift Pick Up

There is still time to claim your gifts when you sign up for the 6th SPICE Campaign! Check out our new video, GREASE, with our talented actors and actresses. Sign up today to support our selected local non-profits, hospital project and employees in need. We apologize for not being able to present our SPICE campaign in the traditional method due to COVID, but certainly hope that you will continue to support SPICE and the work it does for our hospital and community. You can view the video and sign up on-line using this link, (link here) or visit one of the remaining South Campus gift pick up sessions listed below to fill our your pledge card and receive your gifts. If you miss the South Campus dates, simply fill out the form online and we will contact you to get your gifts to you or call Ext. 7143 to request a pledge card. Together we have raised over $1.2 million dollars in the past 15 years and have made a huge impact on our community thanks to all of you. Come on gang, let’s get signed up for SPICE!

SouthCampus

Thursday, September 2nd 7:30am, 2:00pm

Friday, September 3rd 7:30am, 10:00am

Employee Assistance Program

As a benefit to our employees, OGHS offers counseling services through Employee Assistance Program. Each employee is eligible for 8 sessions of counseling free of charge. When calling for an appointment, please inform them that you are an OGHS employee seeking counseling through OGHS.

Katrina Prejean, Licensed Counselor Call ext. 5069. In-house counseling services in the office on 3rd floor by Elevator B.

Harmony House in Eunice, LA (337) 466-3530

www.harmonyhousecounseling.com

A Place for Me in Carencro, LA (337) 565-0908 www.aplace4me.net Several counselors available. Offers virtual counseling services now due to COVID-19.

Education Course Offerings DUCATION OURSE FFERINGS

AUGUST 2021

CPR

ACLS - RENEWAL

PALS - INITIAL

PALS - RENEWAL

8:00 am 1:00 pm 8:00 am 1:00 pm 8:00 am 1:00 pm

Aug. 5

Aug. 3

Aug. 30 & 31 2 - Day Course

Aug. 4

8:00 am

8:00 am

8:00 am

Aug. 10 & 11

Aug. 24

Aug. 25

8:00 am

8:00 am

Aug. 18

Aug. 26

1:00 pm

Aug. 26

8:00 am (Beginner)

SEPTEMBER 2021

CPR

ACLS - RENEWAL

ACLS - INITIAL

PALS - RENEWAL

Sept. 9

Sept. 8

Sept. 1 & 2 2 - Day Course

Sept. 7

8:00 am 1:00 pm 8:00 am 1:00 pm 8:00 am 1:00 pm

8:00 am

8:00 am

8:00 am

Sept. 16

Sept. 14 & 15

Sept. 27

8:00 am

8:00 am

8:00 am

8:00 am

Sept. 28

Sept. 22

Sept. 29

Sept. 30

1:00 am

8:00 am (Beginner )

Sept. 30

CPR, ACLS & PALS classes will be held at South Campus, 2nd Floor, in Room 280.

To register, contact [email protected] or call the Education Dept. at Ext. 3801.

Physician Practices Newsletter September 2021

Quote of the Month Make it a September to Remember Top News in Physician Practices

Birthdays

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Maygan Deville 9/3

Janet Stelly 9/3

Lisa Thibodeaux 9/4 Rhonda Lazard 9/4 Jeanella Williams 9/4

Olivia Hebert 9/5

Racquel Gradney 9/9

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