In recognition of outstanding engagement in the areas of economic development,
community outreach and leadership, the
Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce recently honored North Oaks Health System as “2015 Large Business
of the Year.”
North Oaks has offered health care services to the citizens of
Livingston Parishin neighboring Tangipahoa Parish since 1960. But in 2004, a cooperative
endeavor agreement with the local governing authority paved the way for
the health system to establish a footprint in Livingston Parish. What
started as a single Walk-In Clinic in Walker that year has expanded over
the past 12 years to include North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex
in Livingston offering not only
diagnostic cardiology,
radiology and
laboratory testing, but also
outpatient rehabilitation services,
diabetes education and a
weight loss management clinic. In addition, the North Oaks Physician Group’s network of primary
and specialty providers now operates a total of 10 clinics spread across
the Livingston Parish Medical Complex, Denham Springs and Walker. These
clinics specialize in
cardiology,
family medicine, internal medicine,
obstetrics & gynecology,
orthopaedics,
otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat and allergies),
rheumatology,
surgery,
urology and
walk-in care.
“North Oaks Health System’s footprint has steadily grown to
include multiple facilities with more than 125 health care professionals
working in Livingston Parish reinforcing their business model and responsiveness
to the health care needs of the area,” affirms April Wehrs, President
and Chief Executive Officer of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce.
“You'll hardly see an event or community opportunity where they
are not listed as a sponsor or providing personnel to support the need.”
One of the trademarks of the North Oaks Health System brand is community
outreach to improve quality of life and promote positive community changes,
according to President and Chief Executive Officer James E. Cathey Jr.
To this end, North Oaks personnel are working with the Livingston Youth
and Family Together Task Force to prevent underage drinking and prescription
drug abuse, and in 2015, Community Health Educators have taught 104 classes
to 3,304 participants in partnership with the Livingston Parish School
System on a range of topics, including puberty. Nearly 30 free seminars
were held for adults by North Oaks providers at the North Oaks-Livingston
Parish Medical Complex Conference Center on topics such as the link between
heart disease and stroke, the health risks of sitting and treatments for
joint pain, to name only a few.
North Oaks personnel also are actively involved with the Livingston Parish
Chamber of Commerce with representation on the Board of Directors and
every Chamber committee, and often collaborate with area civic groups.
In the past year, the health system has sponsored the endeavors of more
than 20 non-profit organizations in Livingston Parish, including but not
limited to: the American Cancer Society, Denham Springs Kiwanis Club,
Leadership Livingston, Livingston Parish Children’s Choirs, Livingston
Economic Development Council, the Livingston Parish Board of Realtors,
the Livingston Parish Soccer Association, the Livingston Parish Chamber/Junior
Achievement “Connecting to Success” program and the Rotary
Club of Livingston Parish.
Basic first aid coverage also was provided at community events like the
Pilot Club “Pound the Pavement” 5K, Denham Springs Antique
Village Fall Festival and March of Dimes March for Babies. Free screenings
for blood pressure, balance and stroke risk were provided for hundreds
of individuals during the year.
Through its
Sports Medicine program, North Oaks promotes active lifestyles, safe sports participation, self-esteem
and healthy choices among junior high and high school student-athletes.
In 2015 alone, free physicals were provided to 519 student-athletes in
May; continuing education was provided to 80 athletic directors and coaches
in August; 18 student-athletes were recognized for excelling in academics,
athletics and school/community involvement with monthly and annual awards;
and certified athletic trainers kept a watchful eye over school-sanctioned
practices and games at Albany, Springfield and Walker high schools.
“We are committed to caring for Livingston Parish families not only
by providing local health care services, but also through community involvement,
education and wellness,” Cathey asserts. “And we are honored
to be recognized for our excellence in business and community engagement
as the Livingston Parish Chamber’s 2015 Large Business of the Year.”
This marks the second time that North Oaks has been honored as Large Business
of the Year by the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce. The health system
first received the award in 2012.
To learn more about North Oaks Health System’s services in Livingston
Parish, call (225) 686-4885.