North Oaks Named Large Business of the Year by Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce

In recognition of outstanding engagement in the areas of economic development, community outreach and leadership, the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce recently honored North Oaks Health System as “2015 Large Business of the Year.”

North Oaks has offered health care services to the citizens of Livingston Parishin neighboring Tangipahoa Parish since 1960. But in 2004, a cooperative endeavor agreement with the local governing authority paved the way for the health system to establish a footprint in Livingston Parish. What started as a single Walk-In Clinic in Walker that year has expanded over the past 12 years to include North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex in Livingston offering not only diagnostic cardiology, radiology and laboratory testing, but also outpatient rehabilitation services, diabetes education and a weight loss management clinic. In addition, the North Oaks Physician Group’s network of primary and specialty providers now operates a total of 10 clinics spread across the Livingston Parish Medical Complex, Denham Springs and Walker. These clinics specialize in cardiology, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, orthopedics, otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat and allergies), rheumatology, surgery, urology and walk-in care.

“North Oaks Health System’s footprint has steadily grown to include multiple facilities with more than 125 health care professionals working in Livingston Parish reinforcing their business model and responsiveness to the health care needs of the area,” affirms April Wehrs, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce. “You'll hardly see an event or community opportunity where they are not listed as a sponsor or providing personnel to support the need.”

One of the trademarks of the North Oaks Health System brand is community outreach to improve quality of life and promote positive community changes, according to President and Chief Executive Officer James E. Cathey Jr.

To this end, North Oaks personnel are working with the Livingston Youth and Family Together Task Force to prevent underage drinking and prescription drug abuse, and in 2015, Community Health Educators have taught 104 classes to 3,304 participants in partnership with the Livingston Parish School System on a range of topics, including puberty. Nearly 30 free seminars were held for adults by North Oaks providers at the North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex Conference Center on topics such as the link between heart disease and stroke, the health risks of sitting and treatments for joint pain, to name only a few.

North Oaks personnel also are actively involved with the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce with representation on the Board of Directors and every Chamber committee, and often collaborate with area civic groups.

In the past year, the health system has sponsored the endeavors of more than 20 non-profit organizations in Livingston Parish, including but not limited to: the American Cancer Society, Denham Springs Kiwanis Club, Leadership Livingston, Livingston Parish Children’s Choirs, Livingston Economic Development Council, the Livingston Parish Board of Realtors, the Livingston Parish Soccer Association, the Livingston Parish Chamber/Junior Achievement “Connecting to Success” program and the Rotary Club of Livingston Parish.

Basic first aid coverage also was provided at community events like the Pilot Club “Pound the Pavement” 5K, Denham Springs Antique Village Fall Festival and March of Dimes March for Babies. Free screenings for blood pressure, balance and stroke risk were provided for hundreds of individuals during the year.

Through its Sports Medicine program, North Oaks promotes active lifestyles, safe sports participation, self-esteem and healthy choices among junior high and high school student-athletes. In 2015 alone, free physicals were provided to 519 student-athletes in May; continuing education was provided to 80 athletic directors and coaches in August; 18 student-athletes were recognized for excelling in academics, athletics and school/community involvement with monthly and annual awards; and certified athletic trainers kept a watchful eye over school-sanctioned practices and games at Albany, Springfield and Walker high schools.

“We are committed to caring for Livingston Parish families not only by providing local health care services, but also through community involvement, education and wellness,” Cathey asserts. “And we are honored to be recognized for our excellence in business and community engagement as the Livingston Parish Chamber’s 2015 Large Business of the Year.”

This marks the second time that North Oaks has been honored as Large Business of the Year by the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce. The health system first received the award in 2012.

To learn more about North Oaks Health System’s services in Livingston Parish, call (225) 686-4885.