Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System Purchases Undeveloped Land in Covington

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System has purchased 12.94 undeveloped acres at the intersection of I-12 and Highway 21, located in the Nor Du Lac Shopping Center in Covington.

“We are extremely pleased to take this important step in expanding faith-based healthcare to families on the Northshore. We’ve been intentionally building with the vision to offer more comprehensive physician access, outpatient diagnostic and imaging services as well as expanded outpatient surgery. While the COVID-19 pandemic has required everyone’s full attention in recent months, we are confident in the good progress Louisiana is making and the certainty of healthcare needs well-beyond the pandemic. We are fully committed to our strategic growth plan and have been working on this property acquisition for more than a year,” confirmed Rene Ragas, president of the health system’s Northshore region.

The new facility will join the Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group clinics throughout St. Tammany and Washington parishes, Our Lady of the Lake Surgery Center - Pontchartrain in Covington, Our Lady of the Lake Surgical Hospital Slidell, and Our Lady of the Angels in Bogalusa as the Northshore complement of services. Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health currently operates a satellite clinic in Bogalusa. All of the sites, adult and pediatric, are linked through an integrated medical record allowing real-time care management and delivery across primary care, specialists, diagnostic, and procedural providers. The electronic record also allows optimal personalization, patient participation, and convenience through virtual visits and secure messaging.

“This expansion by Our Lady of the Lake will enhance the high-quality and specialized healthcare services we are known for in St. Tammany. We are excited to welcome this important investment from such a familiar and trusted health care provider as Our Lady of the Lake,” said Mike Cooper, St. Tammany Parish president.

"Healthcare comprises a significant and growing component of our St. Tammany economy. The health and well-being of our residents is paramount, and we appreciate the essential healthcare workers that provide quality care to our community," Chris Masingill, chief executive officer, St. Tammany Corporation. "We welcome the announcement of the new ambulatory facility in St. Tammany and look forward to continuing to work with Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System as they expand healthcare services in our parish."

Construction of the facility is expected to begin in 2021. Terms of the purchase will remain private.

“The support and enthusiasm of Parish President Mike Cooper and his administration have reinforced our desire to invest in Louisiana. We have been welcomed and encouraged to bring our faith-based healthcare mission to the Northshore and are looking forward to supporting the health needs of the region,” added Ragas.

02/11/2021