Transfer becomes official

At a press conference at American Legion Hospital Tuesday, Lafayette General Health (LGH) formally announced the acquisition of the longtime Crowley hospital.

The facility will be renamed Acadia General Hospital.

“This agreement aims to preserve Acadia Post 15’s legendary commitment to providing the best possible care to the community,” said LGH President/CEO David L. Callecod. “Together we can offer an exciting new future for health care to the people of this area and I would like to thank American Legion for their cooperation in creating this fantastic partnership.” 

LGH will assume control on June 1. There will be an unveiling of Acadia General Hospital’s new sign on June 2. 

In a press release, LGH stated that they were changing the name of the hospital “to reflect its intention of growing the Crowley hospital into a regional full-service care facility serving all of Acadia Parish and beyond.”

The hospital, which was established by members of American Legion Acadia Post 15 in 1929 as Legion Memorial Hospital, has been known as American Legion Hospital since 1950. American Legion Corporation will still own the facility located on the Crowley-Rayne Highway.

“The goal of this relationship is to help Acadia General Hospital thrive by keeping residents closer to home while receiving high quality medical services,” said Callecod. “Lafayette General Health will provide expanded resources, technology, purchasing power and clinical protocol alignment. This will enable Acadia General Hospital to better deliver care efficiently and cost-effectively, leading to enhanced patient outcomes, financial stability and long-term viability.”

Steve Stefanski, representing the American Legion board of directors, signed the agreement with Callecod to the applause of those in attendance. 

“I would like to thank the board of directors for their leadership and vision,” said Callecod.