It’s no secret. Louisiana isn’t the healthiest U.S. state.
Recently, it was ranked 49th among all 50 states for overall health. In South Louisiana specifically, cancer rates are higher than Louisiana’s average, with the prostate cancer mortality rate among the highest in the state.
But just because it’s always been that way doesn’t mean it isn’t worth trying to remedy.
That brings us to today’s installment in our “70 for 70” history series.
Installment No. 10: The keys to a healthier Northshore.
Today’s artifact: The keys to the Be Well Bus, St. Tammany Health System’s 40-foot mobile medical clinic, equipped with all manner of health screening equipment.
Why they are significant: In May 2021, St. Tammany Health System leadership took delivery on its Be Well Bus, which has been hitting the roads of the Northshore ever since in a twin mission to combat stubborn local health metrics and to address barriers to quality healthcare in many parts of the region.
The bus is perhaps most visible during the health system’s United in Pink breast cancer awareness campaign every October, but it is active all year-round, visiting fairs, festivals and other events, and offering screenings for everything from breast cancer and skin cancer to carotid artery blockages and any number of chronic conditions prevalent in the region.
“All major cancers as well as diabetes, heart disease, nicotine addiction and sleep disorders are better treated with early diagnoses. Carrying such screenings and health education into the neighborhoods of our Northshore community helps our local families with early detection and improved access to care pathways once diagnosed,” STHS President and CEO Joan Coffman said in March 2022 upon announcing that U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise had secured $1 million in federal funding to help pay for the bus and its operation.
In its relatively short time on the road, the bus has been an unqualified success, helping to detect eight cancers and logged nearly 7,500 miles – and counting.
So, the next time you see it driving around the parish, follow it and then hop on board whenever it gets to wherever its going.
Chances are, you’ll be healthier for it.
Do you have a St. Tammany Parish Hospital story or item to share? We’d love to hear about it! Email us at CommDept@stph.org.
Next week – Installment No. 11: Signs of the times
Last week – Installment No. 9: A cut above