Rapides Regional Medical Center

06/12/2026

Brent Arnold, M.D., Medical Director of our Emergency Department, recently spoke to KALB News Channel 5 about signs and symptoms to look for when working or playing in the Louisiana summer heat, as well as when you should seek medical assistance.

Outdoor workers share tips as summer temperatures rise in central Louisiana

06/09/2026

Eighty years ago, Christine Lea of Dry Prong graduated from the Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. Upon graduating, she became a surgical nurse at Baptist Hospital, which is now known as Rapides Regional Medical Center.
Her nursing career was cut short so she could be a stay-at-home mom after marrying Sidney Chicola and becoming a mom to Wanda, Judy and Sidney Michael. Christine died at the age of 75 in 2000.

Surviving children, Judy Grozier and Mickey Chicola, recently contacted Rapides Regional Medical Center to donate Christine’s navy nursing cape to the hospital. Here you can see their presentation to Vernon Jones, CEO, Charla Ducote, VP and Shelly Wanjura, Nursing Administrator. The cape and other mementos from Christine’s nursing school days will be encased and put on display. You can find a picture of Christine Lea Chicola among the RRMC history boards on display in the hallway between Day Surgery and the Surgery Suite.

06/08/2026

🩺 Preventive care can help you stay on top of your health — even when you feel fine. This Men’s Health Month, consider making routine screenings part of your regular health routine. Screenings can help detect potential health issues early, when they may be easier to treat.

Not sure which screenings may be right for you? Explore five types of preventive health screenings and talk with your doctor about what’s recommended for your age, health history and needs: https://bit.ly/43nissv.

06/07/2026

On National Cancer Survivor Day, Dr. Menache and the team at Rapides Cancer Center proudly honor and celebrate all cancer survivors. We also recognize the strength, courage, and resilience of those currently on their cancer journey, as well as the family members and caregivers who stand beside them every step of the way.

Today, we celebrate hope, perseverance, and the lives touched by survival. 💜

06/04/2026

We celebrated an exciting milestone with the grand opening of the new Rapides Heart & Vascular Specialists clinic at Rapides Regional Medical Center! ♥

This $3 million investment expands access to advanced cardiovascular care right here in Central Louisiana, featuring 19 new exam rooms and enhanced services including echocardiograms, stress testing, in-office procedures, and advanced heart and vascular diagnostics.

We are grateful to our Drs. Karsan, Posina and Robbins, board members, project partners, and team members whose dedication made this vision a reality. Together, we are bringing innovative, high-quality heart care closer to home for the patients and families we proudly serve.

05/29/2026

We are inspired and proud to share that three Rapides Regional Medical Center Surgery Department colleagues recently took part in a medical missionary trip to Nepal.

(Front row, from left) Kalli Crutchfield, BSN, RN, Sinae Baek, BSN, RN, and Lacey Simmering, BSN, RN, perioperative services manager, joined the team headed by Orthopedic Surgeon Timmothy Randell, M.D. Also taking part were Cole Rutherford, CRNA, and James Thomas, FNP.

In all, 13 medical professionals took part, spending six days in Nepal, performing 10 total knee replacements, 1 tibial plateau fracture repair and one excision of a cyst. Additional patients were treated with non-surgical procedures.

05/27/2026

May is National STOP THE BLEED® Month as knowing how to control bleeding from a serious injury is important for everyone as bleeding is the most common cause of preventable death following an injury. Rapides Regional Trauma Center offers free Stop The Bleed training for organizations in our community. If you would like more information about scheduling Stop The Bleed training for your organizations, please contact Trauma Program Director Shawn Moreau, DNP, TCRN, CEN, CNEcl, at (318) 769-3747.

05/26/2026

☀️ As outdoor activity picks up in springtime, so does the risk of injuries like falls – especially for older adults.

➡️Get tips to help you stay active and prevent common spring injuries: https://bit.ly/3PMSxqV

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to pause and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We also remember the families who carry their legacy forward and reflect on the profound impact of their courage and selflessness.
As we care for patients and support one another each day at Rapides Regional Medical Center, we are guided by that same spirit of service and commitment to others. In memory of those who gave their all, let’s continue our commitment to serve with purpose and put people first in all that we do.

05/22/2026

Today is Don't Fry Day 🌞, and even though rain 🌧 is forecast for this weekend here in Central Louisiana, it is always a good time to remember the importance of protecting your skin in Sportsman's Paradise.
Friday, we held our annual Don't Fry Day informational table for colleagues and visitors as a reminder to take precautions when out in the sun this summer.
Reports show one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, but there is a rather (or slather 😎) way to help you from becoming part of this statistic.
Remember the 5 S:
-SLIP on long-sleeved shirts and pants
-SLATHER sunscreen (SPF 15+) on an exposed skin
-SLAP on wide-brimmed hat
-SEEK shade during peak sunlight (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
-SLIDE on sunglasses