AGH designated ‘Level 2 WellSpot’

June marks the first anniversary since Acadia General Hospital became a part of the Lafayette General Health system.
Since the hospital, formerly American Legion Hospital, became a part of the LGH system, the improvements made have been obvious to both patients and employees.
According to AGH CEO Heather Harper, becoming part of a bigger system has allowed the hospital access to “resources for the public that would otherwise be unavailable.”
During an interview with the Post-Signal last month, Harper touched on some of the initiatives she and her staff started to make the hospital’s campus a healthier, safer and more positive place to work and receive medical services.
And it appears that their efforts are being noticed by people outside Acadia Parish as well.
A group called Well-Ahead Louisiana officially designated Acadia General Hospital a Level 2 WellSpot. Well-Ahead Louisiana is an initiative started by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals aimed at improving the health and wellness of Louisiana citizens.
Acadia General received the Level 2 designation after meeting Well-Ahead initiative requirements, such as having healthy dining options available and a tobacco-free campus.
“I’m proud that our efforts in working to keep our community healthy are being recognized through this tremendous achievement,” said Harper. “We’ve worked so hard, not just as a hospital treating patients, but as a responsible community member educating residents and keeping them healthier.
“We continue to offer free seminars on various health topics; we’ve brought cancer services to the area, along with other specialities to the hospital’s campus.”
And as far as the future of Acadia General, the upgrades have only just begun.
Harper mentioned several upcoming projects, include a new emergency room. She said that one of her goals was to create a facility that would keep Acadia residents from having to travel outside the parish for medical services.
There will be an anniversary celebration on June 5 at the hospital from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
“The theme of the public celebration is ‘All in Good Health’ which speaks of our universal goal of keeping Acadia Parish healthier,” added Harper. “All residents of Acadia Parish are invited.”
Free health screenings will be offered to those in attendance.
Well-Ahead Louisiana promotes voluntary changes without imposing new taxes or creating new rules.
The initiative is designed to help Louisiana’s people, leaders, businesses and organizations take action because it is the right — and healthy — thing to do.