Community Champions: How West Feliciana Parish Hospital Is Improving Community Health

TruBridge is proud to recognize West Feliciana Parish Hospital as a community champion, a distinction they have earned through their efforts to improve community health in St. Francisville, Louisiana. From thoughtful planning and strategic partnerships to innovative healthcare initiatives, West Feliciana Parish Hospital has demonstrated what it means to go above and beyond for the residents they serve.

One of the defining features of West Feliciana Parish Hospital’s approach to community health is their methodical strategy for collaboration. The hospital has identified and established community partners, creating a framework that includes healthcare providers, local organizations, and state-level collaborators.

This partnership approach was formalized through a step-by-step tactical guide developed by the hospital’s leadership. The guide not only fosters collaboration but also ensures that initiatives are effectively planned, developed, and sustained over time. By working closely with these community partners, the hospital has successfully connected residents to much-needed healthcare services and resources.

One example of this collaborative effort was the “Together in Solitude” event, a health and resource fair organized by West Feliciana Parish Hospital and its community partners. This event brought more than 40 organizations together to provide valuable health screenings and resources to the residents of the Solitude community — a particularly important initiative for a parish where access to healthcare can be limited by geography. More than 300 residents received free health screenings from hospital staff, along with educational resources on nutrition, safety, and wellness from other participating organizations.

West Feliciana Parish Hospital also takes an evidence-based approach to identify pressing health issues in the community. After reviewing the Community Health Status Report, which highlights the role of social, economic, and environmental factors in shaping health outcomes, the hospital and its partners recognized the urgent need for enhanced behavioral health services.

In response, West Feliciana Parish Hospital undertook a major project to remodel its clinical space and offer dedicated behavioral health services. The hospital’s leadership understood that untreated mental health conditions can exacerbate other health issues, driving up personal and public health costs. With the addition of these services, the hospital addressed a gap in care and took a crucial step toward improving the long-term health of the community.

West Feliciana Parish Hospital has made community engagement a cornerstone of its strategy. By participating in local events like Christmas in the Country, the Yellow Leaf Festival, and the Paint the Town Pink campaign for breast cancer awareness, the hospital has consistently worked to raise awareness about available services and preventive care.

For example, Paint the Town Pink is more than just an annual breast cancer awareness event. Partnering with community organizations has enabled the hospital to extend its outreach efforts to previously underserved areas, helping to educate women about breast cancer prevention and encouraging early detection via cancer screenings.

West Feliciana Parish Hospital also promotes overall wellness with events like the “Fall in Love With Your Health” wellness fair. This event featured free health screenings, along with resources from various parish-wide organizations, and drew more than 250 participants. The inclusion of initiatives like the True Mission Matters (TMM) Project, which focuses on empowering youth through the arts, reflects the hospital’s commitment to addressing physical and mental well-being.

Beyond direct healthcare services, West Feliciana Parish Hospital offers educational and safety programs for residents. For instance, the hospital serves as a certified car seat safety installation site, where trained employees provide free car seat installation and safety checks. They also offer critical programs such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Stop the Bleed training, ensuring healthcare professionals and community members are equipped to respond to medical emergencies. In addition, the hospital’s Safe Sitter classes help educate the next generation on how to care for younger children safely.

West Feliciana Parish Hospital has set an exceptional standard for what can be achieved when a healthcare organization places community collaboration at the forefront of its mission. Through thoughtful partnerships, innovative events, and a commitment to addressing immediate and long-term health needs, the hospital is making a tangible difference in the lives of its residents.