St. James Parish Hospital is a community hospital.

We take this responsibility very seriously. We consistently work to not only expand our own services and help patients in need of quality care, but we also support the River Region through sponsorships, screenings and active involvement in health improvement organizations, committees and events.

I would like to take this opportunity to spread awareness about recent events and invite the community to participate in several wellness opportunities hosted, sponsored and/or offered by St. James Parish Hospital this summer.

Fighting for a Cure

St. James Parish Hospital was recently a platinum sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life held in St. James Parish on Saturday. The hospital not only supports the American Cancer Society with a sponsorship, but also through an active team of employees who work to raise money for the cause throughout the year.

In addition, hospital leadership volunteers time to serve on the Relay for Life Leadership Team that plans the event. In 2016, the hospital’s team surpassed its fundraising goal by working together to earn over $9,000. With our fundraising and the help of many other local organizations and volunteers, the St. James Parish Relay earned a record-breaking $250,000 in the fight against cancer.

Working toward Wellness

Annually, St. James Parish Hospital partners with St. James Parish Elderly services to host a community Health Fair and Senior Picnic. This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, May 11 at Lutcher Park. In addition to a delicious meal, attendees will be offered the opportunity to partake in free screenings and visit health and wellness-related vendor booths for educational information.

The hospital will be providing cholesterol, blood pressure, grip strength and bone density screenings at no charge to community members.

Affordable Screenings  

In celebration of National Hospital Week, St. James Parish Hospital is hosting a three-day screening event open to the community. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 through Friday, May 20 the community is invited to participate in our Cholesterol and Chem Profile Screenings at an affordable rate of $5.

These robust screenings, which require a recommended 12-hour fasting, include over 12 tests to help physicians discover possible health issues of participants. Attendees can register in the main hospital lobby on the day of their screenings. Payment will be accepted by cash or check.

Reaching Our Youth 

The hospital works hard to offer CPR and First Aid classes to other organizations such as schools and industries, but we also believe these skills are extremely important to even the average person. Anyone armed with the correct tools and education can save a life—including children.

St. James Parish Hospital will be hosting a Two-Day Safe Sitter Class on June 23 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Attendees learn not only CPR, First Aid and how to handle a choking emergency depending on the age of the child, but also how to run a safe and professional business.

Expanding Access 

St. James Parish Hospital also works diligently to keep grant money local through the support of organizations such as the Bayou Region Affiliate of the Komen for the Cure Foundation. St. James Parish Hospital was recently awarded grant funds to support breast health education and assist uninsured and underinsured women in the parish receive free breast screenings.

For more information and to determine if you or someone you know may qualify, call 225.258.5906.

We want to be there for you before you need us, when you need us and however you need us. We take pride in being large enough to serve you through new facilities, cutting-edge technology and expanded service options, but we never forget what makes us special — being small enough to care for every patient as if they were family. For more information on upcoming events or to RSVP for a certain class or event, visit sjph.org/events.

Kassie St. Pierre is director of marketing for St. James Parish Hospital. She can be reached at kstpierre@sjph.org or 225-258-5998.