HJBR Jul/Aug 2022

38 JUL / AUG 2022  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE   Healthcare Briefs in Waco, Texas, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. She obtained a Doctor of Medicine at Texas A&M Health Sci- ence Center in Temple, Texas. In 2018, she com- pleted a hematology and oncology fellowship at LSU Health Science Center. She is licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Blunt to our growing team of premier oncologists, accom- plished researchers, and dedicated profession- als who are 100% focused on meeting the needs of cancer patients,” said Jonas Fontenot, PhD, MBA, chief operating officer, and Charles M. Smith, MD, chief of physics, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. She was previously with Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group. Ochsner Health Center – Gonzales NewOpen Ochsner Baton Rouge opened its fourth facil- ity in Ascension Parish, Ochsner Health Center – Gonzales, located at 2400 S. Burnside Ave. (La. 44), near the intersection of La. 30. The $25 mil- lion center offers both primary and specialty care. The two-story building comprises a total of 51,600 square feet of space. The first floor includes 18 exam rooms, a laboratory, and a full radiology suite with MRI and mammography. The second floor is built for future growth. The large property has access from both La. 30 and La. 44, and it has ample space for additional future construction. OHC-Gonzales also complements Ochsner’s three other Ascension Parish facilities: Ochsner Health Center – Prairieville, Ochsner Urgent Care – Lagniappe Center, and Ochsner Therapy & Wellness – Gonzales. “OHC-Gonzales demonstrates Ochsner’s commitment to providing access for patients in Ascension Parish and throughout the Greater Baton Rouge area,” said Chuck Daigle, CEO, Ochsner Baton Rouge. “Gonzales is a major pop- ulation center with a growing need for the pri- mary and specialty care we offer.” Baton Rouge Ranks Poorly in Biking Cities List Cycling is kicking back into high gear amid rising gas prices, but which U.S. cities are most ideal for Americans who prefer to pedal their way around town? To mark World Bicycle Day on June 3, Lawn- Starter ranked 2022’s Best Biking Cities in the U.S. How does Baton Rouge stack up? Baton Rouge’s Rank in some key metrics (1st = best): • Friendliness of state bike laws - 169th. • Bike score - 121st. • Natural hazards index - 157th. • Historical average monthly inches of pre- cipitation - 189th. • Number of bike meetups - 121st. • Number of cycling races and events - 98th. To come up with the ranking, LawnStarter com- pared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on 24 key indicators of a cyclist-friendly lifestyle. Among the factors considered are access to bike lanes and bike rentals, the share of bike com- muters, the presence of cycling clubs, and the number of bike races and tours. The full ranking and analysis can be found at https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/ best-biking-cities/. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center-Gonzales Offering Infusion Services Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales is offering infusion services for Ascension Parish residents. Gonzales-area patients now have con- venient access to infusion services at the Cancer Center, located at 1104 La. 30 W. Infusion therapy is a key component of many cancer treatment plans. It typically involves the administration of medication through a needle or catheter. Until now, Ascension Parish residents in need of infusion were often referred to facilities in Baton Rouge or New Orleans. Patients requiring infusion services can now contact their Mary Bird Perkins physician to dis- cuss receiving care at the Gonzales location. The clinic will house special recliners for patients to comfortably receive treatment, warm blankets, snacks, and a private treatment room for those who may need a quiet environment or specialized care. In addition, each patient receives one-on- one counseling on their specific cancer therapy regimen, instructions on managing side effects, and education. “The Gonzales facility has always offered the community access to quality cancer care close to home,” said Ryan Houston, program manager, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales. “It allows those receiving cancer treatment to be closer to their support systems and make their journey easier. With the addition of infusion ser- vices, we continue to expand treatment options and strengthen our commitment to providing quality cancer care in the community.” Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center opened its Gonzales location 15 years ago, offering radia- tion oncology services. Over the years, thanks to major support from the Gonzales Area Foun- dation and community stakeholders from across Ascension Parish, Mary Bird Perkins has served thousands of residents. The center offers patients access to high-quality treatment and technology without having to leave their community. “Since 2009, Mary Bird Perkins has enjoyed a special partnership with the Gonzales commu- nity,” said Todd Stevens, president and chief executive officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Cen- ter. “We are careful and very deliberate when determining where to expand our services, which is based on the need for services and only after receiving an invitation from stakeholders within the community. The Gonzales Cancer Center is a shining example of what can be accomplished when we all work together toward a common goal. As Gonzales celebrates 100 years, I am incredibly proud of the role Mary Bird Perkins has played and will continue to play in the health and well-being of the community. Together, we are triumphing over cancer.” Constance Blunt, MD