In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the St. Charles Community Health Center was established in Luling to provide affordable – and nearby – healthcare for local community families.
And now for two-plus decades, that’s exactly what it’s done. The Access Health Louisiana clinic has grown over the years and the number of services offered under one roof has reduced transportation and scheduling barriers for numerous local residents – one stop can address many needs.
“Having a comprehensive community health center in the parish is incredibly important because many families face challenges related to transportation, scheduling, or navigating multiple healthcare providers,” said Gencie White, Director of Operations at St. Charles Community Health Center. “By offering multiple services under one roof at our Luling and Norco locations, as well as through our school-based health centers, we can improve coordination between providers and make it easier for individuals and families to stay healthy.”
Recently, the health center launched a new program – a CDC recognized Diabetes Prevention program that focuses on healthy nutrition, physical activity and behavior change.
“It’s a proven lifestyle change program designed for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” said White. “Studies have shown it can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by up to 58 percent.”
The health center is also partnering with the American Heart Association. St. Charles Community Health Center was selected as one of only 10 community health centers nationwide to participate in a Lipoprotein(a) cohort focused on improving awareness and screening for an often overlooked cardiovascular risk factor.
Approximately one in five people have elevated Lp(a), a genetic risk factor that increases the likelihood of heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease.
“Because it typically has no symptoms, many people are unaware that they’re at increased risk,” White said.
The program gives local residents access to screening and early intervention opportunities that are available at only a handful of health centers nationwide.
Through those programs and others, White said it furthers the clinic’s commitment to improving the community’s health and well-being.
The center also recently had a meet and greet with District VII Councilwoman Michele deBruler to discuss the health needs, priorities and access to care of the community.
“She took the time to meet with members of our team, learn more about our programs and see firsthand how our health center works to improve access to care for individuals and families throughout the parish,” said Kaycee Donnaud, Assistant Vice President of Operations at the center. “We were honored to welcome her for a visit with our staff.”
Donnaud said the day brought valuable discourse about community health and the positive impact the center’s programs and services have for local residents.
And there are plenty. Patients are able to access a wide range of services that include adult primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, dental care, optometry, pharmacy, WIC, diabetes education, maternal care coordination, and school-based health services – all within one network. Access Health notes 13 different healthcare providers who provide services at the center.
With convenient hours of operation – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday – and same day appointments available, patients can schedule visits with doctors at times that work for them.
When patients arrive, they may sign in on an iPad to quickly deliver accurate information to the provider to increase efficiency and assist quality of care.
