HJBR Sep/Oct 2022

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  SEP / OCT 2022 33 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com syndrome in children (MIS-C). “The COVID-19 vaccines have saved thousands of lives in Louisiana. Many parents are eager to extend this protection to their younger children and we are pleased they now have the oppor- tunity to do so,” said LDH State Health Officer Joseph Kanter, MD. “With the addition of this younger age group, we recommend everyone in the family ages six months and up receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Studies have shown vaccina- tion confers additional protection even for those who have previously been infected. While most children experience only mild symptoms from COVID-19, unfortunately some do get quite ill. As it has for adults and older children, vaccina- tion of younger children will save lives.” LDH has notified all providers that this guidance is effective immediately. LDH has published a list of all providers who have ordered initial allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine for under-five-year-olds on its website: ldh.la.gov/kidsvax. FranUHosts More than 30 Students for Clover College Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University hosted more than 30 students from Clover Col- lege June 21-22. The participants were high school students who attended 4-H University at LSU. As part of the pro- gram, a student can opt to participate in Clover College and spend a day and a half doing vari- ous activities. Students were given a packet with information on the different experiences offered, and they ranked them according to which pro- gram they wanted to attend; then Clover College matched students with their top choices. Students experienced a wide variety of differ- ent career opportunities within health profes- sions while visiting FranU. They worked together to solve a crime with the biology program, got firsthand nursing experience that included plac- ing IVs and administering vaccines, and took part in live simulations that included delivering a baby using high-fidelity manikins in the Simulated Envi- ronment Teaching Hospital. The radiologic tech- nology program showed participants FranU’s two fully functional X-Ray machines. Students also had a unique opportunity to learn about anat- omy using an anatomage table, and the business program had an activity that highlighted career opportunities within healthcare administration. Our Lady of the Lake Ascension Blood Donor Center Reopens The newly remodeled blood donor center at Our Lady of the Lake Ascension is now open for both appointments and walk-in donations. Located behind the hospital at 1404 W. St. Clare Boulevard in Gonzales, the updated space is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The center had been operating out of a mobile donation bus since the primary facility flooded during Hurricane Ida in September 2021. “We’re excited to reopen the blood donor center and expand our donation hours back to five days a week,” said Jay Thomas, Our Lady of the Lake Blood Donor Center manager. “Blood donations are currently in short supply, and we encourage everyone who is eligible to donate. Every donation saves up to three lives.” Those looking to donate can make an appoint- ment by calling (225) 743-2405. Walk-ins are also welcome. The Ascension Blood Donor Center is one of three blood donation facilities at Our Lady of the Lake, with centers also located at the main Our Lady of the Lake hospital and the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Cancer Services Hosts Celebration of Life Event Cancer Services held its annual Celebration of Life event at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in honor of National Cancer Survivors Day, held each year on the first Sunday in June. Event attendees included cancer survivors and their families from throughout the Greater Baton Rouge area. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, cancer survivors were excited to gather for food, fellow- ship, and fun. In addition, attendees participated in art activities, door prizes, and more. “While we promote and celebrate cancer survi- vors every day, I’m so glad we were able to come together, once again, to recognize them for their perseverance,” said Nancy Gosserand, director, Cancer Services. The purpose of the event was to honor and show support for cancer survivors, which is defined as anyone living with a history of can- cer, while also drawing attention to the ongo- ing challenges of cancer survivorship in order to promote more resources, research, and survivor- friendly legislation to improve survivors’ quality of life. The afternoon also allowed attendees to acknowledge those who make up a cancer sur- vivor’s support system, including family, friends, and caretakers. Nancy Gosserand, director, Cancer Services, and Shawnda Barrow, client services liaison, Cancer Services recognize and honor survivors during Cancer Services’ annual Celebration of Life event.