HJBR Sep/Oct 2020

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  SEP / OCT 2020 29 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com “Social distancing has been one of the most effective mitigation measures in helping Louisiana slow the spread of the coronavirus, but that phys- ical distance brings with it its own stressors,” said Karen Stubbs, assistant secretary of the Office of Behavioral Health. “When you aren’t able to hug or be close with your loved ones, it takes a toll on your mental health. Some individuals may think about filling that void with other means of self-comfort such as gambling or substance use. That’s when we went you to call this hotline — before the crisis occurs.” However, Stubbs said, those with no prior his- tory of substance use or mental illness also can access this line to receive these services any day, any time. “It’s important for us to be good neighbors and watch out for one another. If you or some- one you know is headed toward a crisis, please call 1 (833) 333-1132. Someone is always on the other end of the line, ready to listen and to direct you to the appropriate behavioral health provider if needed,” said Kenneth Saucier, program man- ager for the hotline. The Behavioral Health Recovery Outreach Line is funded through the Behavioral Health Emer- gency COVID-19 Grant. North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology Graduates 51stClass The 51st graduating class of the North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology recently held a commencement program, which was socially dis- tanced due to COVID-19. Graduates included Thomas Luc Badon of Lor- anger, Melissa Mizell Besse of Bush, Kayla Enola Ann Braud St. Amant, Thomas Gerard Cooke of Metairie, Rebecca Rose Davis of Amite, Kelly Rose Fontenot of Ponchatoula, Raymond Louis Holt of Hammond, Mallory Nicole Magliolo of Ponchatoula, Lindsay Carol Ruggles of Luling, and Elizabeth Catherine Schenck of Chalmette. Commencement was held at the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center with social distanc- ing measures in place. North Oaks Health Sys- tem’s Pastoral Care Director Keith Kincaid deliv- ered the invocation. The health system’s Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau presided over the ceremony that concluded two years of study for the stu- dents, involving 2,000 clinical hours and more than 1,200 classroom hours and 400 exams and quizzes. The commencement address was delivered by Melissa Ridgedell, who is radiology supervisor for North Oaks Health System and a 1993 graduate of North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology. Before the presentation of diplomas by Pro- gram Director Heather Koepp, outstanding achievement awards were given. Ben Raney, didactic instructor for the school, presented the Academic Achievement Award to Badon for obtaining the highest overall scholastic average. The Performance and Attitude Award for excep- tional performance in the clinical setting was pre- sented to Braud by Heath Bailey, the school’s clin- ical coordinator. North Oaks Radiology Support Supervisor Ken- neth Travis presented the Dannye Young Taylor Always Remembering Others Award, named in honor of the health system’s patient representa- tive, to Badon in recognition of his outstanding patient care skills. Radiology Associates Hires JohnMichael Barraza, Jr., MD Radiology Associates announced the hiring of John Michael Barraza, Jr., MD. He is a fellowship- trained radiologist, who completed an interven- tional radiology fellowship at The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa. “We at Radiology Associates are proud to The 51st graduating class of the North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology included Thomas Luc Badon of Loranger, Melissa Mizell Besse of Bush, Kayla Enola Ann Braud St. Amant, Thomas Gerard Cooke of Metairie, Rebecca Rose Davis of Amite, Kelly Rose Fontenot of Ponchatoula, Raymond Louis Holt of Hammond, Mallory Nicole Magliolo of Ponchatoula, Lindsay Carol Ruggles of Luling, and Elizabeth Catherine Schenck of Chalmette.