With accommodations for safety amid the presence of COVID-19 in the community, 25 local leaders gathered via Zoom and in person at LOPA alongside I-12 this week to launch the Stronger Together Advisory Council, focused on preventative health, early detection through screening, and connecting patients with resources.
Spearheaded by St. Tammany Health System and Ochsner Health, the council coalesces leaders from the two partners and a host of local government, civic, and health organizations to engage in measurable change in the health and lives of Northshore residents. The council is chaired by Joan Coffman, president/CEO, St. Tammany Health System, and John Herman, CEO— Northshore region, Ochsner Health. Its members are Michael Hill, MD, STHS medical director; Tim Riddell, MD, OHNS medical director; Gina Lagarde, MD, Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health–Region 9; Casey Guidry, START Community Health Center; Mike Perfinksi, Louisiana Veterans Administration for St. Tammany Parish, supervisor; Richard Kramer, Florida Parish Human Services; Nick Richard, NAMI St. Tammany; Julie Agan, COAST; Terri TurnerMarse, Northshore Food Bank; Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish president; Ned Thomas, Washington Parish president; Mark Johnson, Mayor of Covington; Clay Madden, Mayor of Mandeville; Greg Cromer, Mayor of Slidell; Jean Pelloat, Mayor of Madisonville; Lance Willie, Mayor of Folsom; Dan Curtis, Mayor of Abita Springs; Patrick McMath, LA Sen. Dist. 11; Beth Mizell, LA Sen. Dist. 12; Sharon Hewitt, LA Sen. Dist. 1; Larry Frieman, LA Rep. Dist. 74; Malinda White, LA Rep. Dist. 75; Bob Owen, LA Rep. Dist. 76; Mark Wright, LA Rep. Dist. 77; Richard Nelson, LA Rep. Dist. 89; Paul Hollis, LA Rep. Dist. 104; Kathy Stuart, Sen. Bill Cassidy’s office; Pete Jabbia, int.-superintendent, STPPS; Ron Smith, Boys and Girls Club St. Tammany; Joey Roberts, West St. Tammany YMCA; Chris Masingill, St. Tammany Corporation; Lacey Osborne, St. Tammany Chamber ; Bonnie Eades, Northshore Business Council; Nicole Suhre, STH Foundation; Susan Bourgeois, NS Community Foundation; Kevin Gardner, HUB International.
“In a state ranked 44th for overall health, in a region with higher cancer rates than Louisiana’s average, and the state’s highest prostate cancer mortality rate, our community’s health directly impacts our success and quality of life,” STHS CEO Joan Coffman explained. “Poor health outcomes do not have to define our region,” added Ochsner Northshore CEO John Herman. “This advisory council will elevate the overall health of our population and improve the quality of life for those who live here, by raising awareness, addressing barriers to good community health and wellness, delivering screenings, connecting patients to care, and measuring outcomes for learning opportunities.” Coffman said, “We are grateful to lead this charge in our community because we are the heartbeat of our community, caring for our patients and their families with excellence, compassion, and teamwork. This advisory council is living those values and fulfilling that mission.”