HJBR May/Jun 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  MAY / JUN 2025 41 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com Kyle Viator making, the $33 million renovation and reloca- tion project marks a new chapter for the historic state hospital. Operating under LDH’s Office of Behavioral Health, the new mental health facility offers enhanced safety, security, and a more effective therapeutic environment. New interior spaces feature a feeling of openness, with emphasis on natural light and exterior views, seen through tall ceilings and windows in each room. The project placed a high priority on creating an environment that ensures patient privacy and safety. Certified by the Centers for Medicare and Med- icaid Services (CMS) and accredited by The Joint Commission, the hospital’s primary focus is to provide intermediate inpatient psychiatric care to adult Louisiana residents. Treatment services include individual, group, and family therapy; rec- reational and occupational therapy; pharmaco- therapy; speech and hearing therapy; nutritional counseling; dental services; pastoral care services; and limited diagnostic medical services. CLSH also supports patients with mental health conditions by reducing healthcare barriers they may face upon discharge, such as safe housing, educational resources, and food and income securities. Newly constructed buildings at the facility include two patient care buildings and a util- ity plant. Three existing buildings, previously owned by Pinecrest Supports and Services Cen- ter (PSSC), received extensive renovation to sup- port hospital operations, including occupational and therapeutic services, medical staff, and a cen- tral pharmacy. Other site improvements include utility infrastructure, site work, parking, plumbing, and landscaping. CLSH has been a mainstay for mental health in Louisiana since its founding in 1906. In June 2024, CLSH employees moved all patients from the 118-year-old original site on Shamrock Street to the current location on Esler Field Road in one day. Kyle Viator to Lead the 2025 Capital Area HeartWalk Kyle Viator, market president of AmeriHealth Caritas of Louisiana, will lead the charge as the 2025 Capital Area American Heart Associ- ation Heart Walk chairperson. Under Viator’s leadership, executives from 10 companies will raise $600,000 for the American Heart Associ- ation and will play a crucial role in the associa- tion’s Nation of Lifesavers initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling the cardiac arrest sur- vival rate by 2030. Funds raised will reduce cardiovascular dis- ease while equipping people with the education, knowledge, and resources to act in the face of a cardiac emergency by learning CPR. The Amer- ican Heart Association has been saving lives for more than 100 years and is spotlighting CPR education as a critical element of the Heart Walk campaign. “The Heart Walk gives Capital Area residents and employees an extraordinary opportunity to address a critical issue in our community,” said Kerin Spears, executive director, American Heart Association, Greater Louisiana. “Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and the difference between life and death often hinges on the quick actions of a bystander. Through the Heart Walk, we are not just raising funds; we are raising aware- ness, enhancing CPR training, and building a net- work of lifesavers. With Kyle at the helm, we are confident this year’s campaign will have an even greater impact in saving lives.” “We envision a future where at least one per- son in every household knows CPR,” said Viator. “CPR education and community preparedness are fundamental in building a community of life- savers because they empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond in life- threatening situations. By joining the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk, companies are helping to turn our community from bystanders into lifesavers, ensuring that when a cardiac emer- gency occurs, there is someone ready to step in and make a difference.” In addition to raising funds, Viator and the exec- utive committee will lead action-oriented con- versations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health, and transforma- tion. The executive committee members include: Matt Valliere, Patton Brantley, Susan Eccle, Hunter Kinchen, Kristy McKearn, Barrye Miyagi, Lauren Strange, Rebecca Vance, Ryan Landry, Kim San- gari, and Michaelle Carnaggio. The year-round Heart Walk campaign will cul- minate on April 12th at Rhorer Plaza where thou- sands of participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increase CPR education and training, and drive equitable health for all people. The 2025 Capital Area Heart Walk is locally spon- sored by Live Fierce Capital Area Sponsor Car- dio Health Solutions and Live Fierce Be Relentless Sponsor Our Lady of the Lake Heart and Vascu- lar Institute. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Awarded Elite Accreditation The American College of Surgeons’ Commis- sion on Cancer (CoC) is a gold standard accred- itation that recognizes comprehensive, high- quality, and multidisciplinary patient-centered cancer care. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center was recently accredited by the CoC. The accreditation covers all Mary Bird Perkins locations in southwest Louisiana and Natchez, Mississippi. To gain accreditation, cancer centers undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure they comply with CoC guidelines. The CoC only recognizes leading cancer centers that provide across-the-board care, from prevention to survi- vorship and beyond. To earn CoC accreditation, cancer programs must meet a wide range of CoC quality care stan- dards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care. Patients must be offered a full range of diag- nostic, treatment, and supportive services. Being a CoC-accredited cancer center demonstrates Mary Bird Perkins’ use of a multidisciplinary approach in treating cancer,