St. Charles Parish Hospital

06/17/2026

Matthew Lagarde, MD, specializes in psychiatry at St. Charles Parish Hospital' , where he provides compassionate, patient-centered behavioral health care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas McGovern Medical School and completed his psychiatry residency at Tulane University School of Medicine.
Dr. Lagarde is dedicated to supporting patients through a wide range of mental health needs and is committed to helping individuals improve their overall well-being through personalized psychiatric care.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Lagarde today
https://ow.ly/Yokz50Z5MHI

06/14/2026

One blood donation can help save multiple lives. This World Blood Donor Day, Ochsner Health thanks the generous donors who make a difference for patients in need every day. Consider donating blood and helping strengthen our community, one donation at a time.

06/10/2026

Meghan V. Louque, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician with Ochsner Children's Health Center in Luling , Louisiana. She provides comprehensive pediatric care for infants, children, and adolescents, including treatment of common illnesses, asthma, allergies, minor injuries and behavioral health conditions such as ADHD, anxiety and depression. She also has a strong interest in preventive care, including infant and toddler feeding, sleep concerns, and healthy weight management.

Dr. Louque earned her medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport and completed her pediatric residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. She is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Louque today: https://ow.ly/Xaqq50Z5MGS

06/09/2026

After smoking for approximately 47 years and making several attempts to quit, Shirley Collins found the support she needed through Ochsner’s Smoking Cessation Program. Her journey wasn’t quick or easy, but one built on patience, support and the freedom to move at her own pace.

Shirley started smoking at 16 to try to fit in while away at college and spent decades trying to stop. Over the years, she made several attempts, but nothing felt serious enough. Stress, significant personal events and difficult medical news made quitting feel out of reach, so she continued smoking until she found Ochsner’s Smoking Cessation Program.
What stood out to Shirley when she came to the program was what she learned along the way.

“One of the things that really intrigued me was the number of ingredients in ci******es. Having dealt with some of them when I was working it is a wonder the ci******es do not kill a person quicker,” Shirley said.

Shirley first began working one-on-one with her to***co cessation specialist, Wendy, in Nov. 2021. When group sessions became available again, she transitioned and found the extra support she needed. By Aug. 1, 2022, she had quit.

She found the program helpful because it combined education with practical support. As Shirley said, “The weekly lessons provided plenty of information about the mechanism of addiction. Wendy and the packets provided plenty of suggestions on what may help if an individual is stumbling and is unsure what to do.”

Wendy’s flexible and respectful approach made a difference, as Shirley said: “She did not insist on a quit date; she had each person go at their own pace.”

Today, Shirley has become an advocate for others beginning their quit journey, encouraging them to start for the right reason and in their own time. “My feeling is that an individual has to quit for themself and no other reason. Quitting an addiction for someone or any other reason is more likely to lead to failure.”

If you are thinking about taking the first step, let Shirley’s story encourage you. Learn more about Ochsner’s Smoking Cessation Program here: https://ow.ly/Qf5P50Z3oO8

06/08/2026

At Ochsner Health, care goes beyond treatment, it’s about making a difference in the lives of our patients and community every day. Join Mariah Magee, FNP-C, as she shares her passion for providing compassionate, personalized care and supporting patients through every step of their healthcare journey.

Mariah specializes in adult primary care and sees patients at St. Charles Parish Hospital, where she is dedicated to helping patients achieve their best health through personalized, patient-centered care.

06/07/2026

Check out what's on the menu at the Pearl this week.

06/04/2026

Meet Lauren Bartholomew, MD , a family medicine physician with Ochsner Health in Luling, Louisiana, dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care for patients and families at every stage of life.

Dr. Bartholomew earned her medical degree from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and completed residency training in Internal Medicine-Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, followed by a Family Medicine residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine – Peoria. She is board certified in Family Medicine and committed to helping her patients achieve long-term health and wellness close to home.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bartholomew today: https://ow.ly/hRkI50Z5MG1

06/03/2026

Our nurses did it again. 💙

Ochsner Health has been named a 2026 Top Workplaces for Nursing by https://ow.ly/bsFW50Z7l3R. This honor means even more because it came directly from the voices of our nursing team members.

Every day, our nurses build a culture rooted in:
🔵Professional growth and learning
🔵Well-being and support
🔵Compassion for patients and one another

To every nurse at Ochsner, thank you for leading with heart and making us stronger together.

See what makes Ochsner a top workplace for nurses: https://ow.ly/ZeXY50Z7l3Q

06/03/2026

This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Ochsner Health stands with patients, caregivers and families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. Early detection, education and support can make a meaningful difference. Together, we can raise awareness and support brain health at every stage of life.

Learn more and schedule an appointment at the link below.
https://ow.ly/IitA50Z5MEW

06/02/2026

The DAISY Award recognizes the kind of care that stays with people long after the moment has passed.

Brandi Passman, Anna Gilmer, Amie Chauvin, Renea Stevenson and Hattie Jones were recognized for the compassion they showed a patient who needed more than medical care. They created a moment of comfort, dignity and connection when it mattered most.

Their kindness is a beautiful reminder of the heart behind nursing and the impact one team can make.

Congratulations to our DAISY Team Award honorees.

06/02/2026

Immunotherapy is changing the way cancer is treated by helping the body’s own immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. During Cancer Immunotherapy Month, Ochsner Health recognizes the innovation, research and compassionate care helping patients every day.

Learn more about treatment options and support available at Ochsner using the link below.

https://ow.ly/2o9u50Z5MCy

06/01/2026

Your health matters at every stage of life. This Men’s Health Month, make time to check in on your well-being and stay proactive with the care you need. From routine screenings to expert guidance, Ochsner Health is here to help you build a healthier future.
Make your health a priority and schedule your wellness visit today at the link below.

https://ow.ly/5KYW50Z5MB6

06/01/2026

Do not wait until a storm is in the Gulf to start your hurricane preparation. 🌀

Today, June 1, marks the official start of Atlantic hurricane season. Ochsner Health is your trusted partner in care, giving you the knowledge and tools you need to stay safe.

Read this blog by emergency medicine expert Jeffrey Kuo, MD, to learn the steps you must take to prepare your household for an evacuation.

Get ready today: https://ow.ly/Ikrw50Z5XRG

Don't wait until a hurricane is in the Gulf to start making preparations. Follow these expert recommendations so that you're ready.

06/01/2026

As the tall ships of the world prepare to depart , we’d like to thank our multidisciplinary team that staffed two medical tents and partnered closely with New Orleans EMS to support attendees and visitors. 🏥

Staffing included physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, paramedics, medical assistants and medical students.

A major focus was preventive medicine. Our team distributed free water throughout the event to help prevent dehydration and heat-related illness before people required medical care.

06/01/2026

As the tall ships of the world prepare to depart Sail250 New Orleans, we’d like to thank our multidisciplinary team that staffed two medical tents and partnered closely with New Orleans EMS to support attendees and visitors. 🏥

Staffing included physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, paramedics, medical assistants and medical students.

A major focus was preventive medicine. Our team distributed free water throughout the event to help prevent dehydration and heat-related illness before people required medical care.

05/31/2026

Summer heat is here. ☀️ Ivy Cass, DO, shares a few steps that can keep you safe and well: Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, plan outdoor activity during cooler hours and listen to your body if you feel overheated. Small choices can make a big difference.

05/29/2026

Knowing your stroke risk factors is a smart step toward protecting your health.

Some risk factors, like age and family history, are not within your control. Others, like blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and cholesterol, can be managed with healthy choices and support from your care team.

Our quick quiz can help you learn more about what affects stroke risk and the steps you can take to make informed choices.

Take the quiz and learn more about your stroke risk today:
https://blog.ochsner.org/articles/know-your-stroke-risk/?x-craft-preview=fdd3d4d2258835a153d5e127361c4017c640427de73b86d241e5b3a3dcc00b80cxkukgbeky&token=ioMwrJH7ia8UJlz78_0oXgaDbrKHzO6o

Take this quiz to learn about stroke risk factors and the steps you can take to help protect your health.

05/28/2026

As the official healthcare provider for Sail250, Ochsner Health is onsite and ready to support you all weekend long. 💙

Heading to the riverfront? Our medical team is stationed at tents on the Great Lawn and near the Aquarium. Stop by anytime you need us - and come prepared for the weather!

Enjoy the celebration. We’ve got you covered.

05/27/2026

Ochsner Health is teaming up with Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club for the fifth annual men's health screening event this Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Too often, men wait until something is wrong before seeking care. This event changes that. It's free. It's local. And it could make a real difference in your own health or the health of someone you love.

Hear Yvens Laborde, MD, explain the importance of check ups and what to expect during the event: https://ow.ly/rggC50Z4UPh

Your health is worth showing up for. We'll be there.

05/27/2026

Stroke signs are not always the same for women.

Some symptoms can look different and be easy to miss, which is why awareness matters. When you know what to watch for, you can feel more informed, more confident and better prepared for yourself or someone you love.

Our latest blog breaks down the warning signs of stroke in women and explains why early action matters.

Learn stroke symptoms in women, warning signs, risk factors and when to seek emergency care fast.