HJBR Jul/Aug 2025

58 JUL / AUG 2025  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE   Healthcare Briefs a tragedy, but the death of a pregnant woman or young mom doubles the tragedy, as the loss of the mother endangers her child.” One of three new key initiatives announced April 21 by new Secretary of Health Bruce D. Greenstein, Project M.O.M. aims to reduce preg- nancy-associated opioid overdose deaths by 80% within the next three years, while protecting infants from loss or foster care placement. Carrie Templeton, who joined LDH in Octo- ber, will lead the program. She previously held executive roles at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Lafayette General Surgical Hos- pital, Iberia Medical Center, and Lafayette Gen- eral Health. “This project is getting out of the gate and gaining momentum very quickly,” said Green- stein. “The hospitals and providers we’ve been talking to are excited about becoming part of this ambitious and necessary initiative. Carrie’s lead- ership in women and children’s health, together with her passion for improving care coordination, make her a great fit to lead Project M.O.M. She has the skill set and capabilities needed to bring together many existing efforts and align them in a way that improves access to care.” Over the next 90 days, Templeton will convene hospital and community partners to develop an implementation plan, including data collec- tion and performance tracking. Over the next six months, the group will align managed care and healthcare partners to improve access to care and coordination of treatment. LDHConfirms First Human West Nile Virus Case Of 2025 The Louisiana Department of Health has con- firmed Louisiana’s first human case of West Nile virus of the 2025 mosquito season and urges all Louisianans to protect themselves frommosquito bites. This case was confirmed in an individual from Livingston Parish who was hospitalized due to complications from the infection. To protect patient confidentiality, no further information about the patient will be released. About one in 150 people who are infected with WNV develop a severe illness that can affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, which may even cause paralysis or death. West Nile virus has been actively spreading throughout Louisiana since its first detection in the state in 2002. To date in 2025, WNV activity has been confirmed in 14 parishes. In 2024, there were 57 confirmed human cases of WNV in Loui- siana, including three deaths. DeAnna Pastorchik NamedMary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Gonzales ProgramManager Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center announced DeAnna Pastorchik as the new program manager for the Cancer Center’s Gonzales location. Pastorchik had previously served as practice manager at Mary Bird Perkins’ Baton Rouge Gen- eral location. Before arriving at Mary Bird Perkins, she worked at the American Oncology Network as their regional revenue cycle manager, oversee- ing the company’s regional revenue operations across 11 states. In her role as program manager, Pastorchik oversees the strategic and operational aspects of the Cancer Center’s Gonzales operations. “We are delighted to welcome DeAnna Pas- torchik as our Gonzales Cancer Center program manager,” said Jodi Conachen, chief operating officer, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Her extensive experience, and previous time spent with Mary Bird Perkins, will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and deliver exceptional cancer care to the Gonzales community and beyond.” Louisiana Healthcare Connections Encourages Moms to PrioritizeMental Health May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and Louisiana Healthcare Connections highlighted the importance of maternal mental health. As families across Louisiana celebrated Mother’s Day, the health plan reminded moms that their men- tal well-being is just as important as their physi- cal health. Being a mother is one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also bring stress, anxiety, and depression. Research shows that one in five women experi- ence a mental health condition, and many go untreated due to stigma, lack of time, or diffi- culty accessing care. Ways to support maternal mental health: • Encourage moms to take breaks and prac- tice self-care. • Support policies that improve access to mental health services for women. • Connect mothers with professional resources, support groups, and commu- nity networks. • Share personal stories to help break the stigma around maternal mental health. Louisiana Healthcare Connections is commit- ted to removing barriers to mental health care by offering: • Telehealth services for convenient, private mental health support • Behavioral health programs for anxiety, depression, and postpartum care • Community-based resources to help moms find local support networks Through these services, Louisiana Healthcare Connections help mothers—whether they are expecting, new moms, or seasoned parents— get the help they need. TeamGleason Names Blair Casey CEO, David Darragh Chief Strategy Officer Team Gleason Foundation announced that Blair Casey is named chief executive officer and David Darragh as chief strategy officer. Blair’s journey with Team Gleason began in 2012, when he became a caretaker for Steve Glea- son following Steve’s ALS diagnosis. What started as a deeply personal role quickly evolved into a lifelong mission. Over the past 13 years, Blair has grown alongside the foundation, beginning as a technology associate and steadily expanding his responsibilities. He has played a role in leading efforts in finance, program services, partnerships, DeAnna Pastorchik