Tag: Houma

Combining Traditions: A Bigger, Better Houma Festival

In a remarkable display of community spirit, two annual events in Mechanicville, Louisiana, merged to create a larger and more vibrant Houma festival. Local residents Rashad Rainey and Chris Johnson decided to bring together their individual celebrations, culminating in a significant event at the Mechanicville Gym, as per this article from Houma Today. This combined festival, featuring the Big Business Basketball Tournament – Business Expo and the Mechanicville Reunion, took place on June 15, from 9:30 a.m. to around 6 or 7 p.m.

Open to the public, the Houma festival of gatherings offered free food and entertainment, ensuring a day filled with enjoyment and community engagement. This year marked the third occurrence of Rainey’s basketball tournament and business expo, while Johnson’s reunion picnic was in its second year. The synchrony of their events was initially serendipitous, but both organizers expressed a strong intention to maintain this joint effort in the future.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Chris Johnson emphasized its role in fostering community connections. He described it as “a community day,” likening it to a large picnic where attendees could reconnect with old friends and acquaintances. The reunion, which first took place in 2022, had skipped a year before making a comeback. This was Johnson’s first time organizing it again, motivated by a desire to uplift a community still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The storm had left both the population and the morale of the community in decline, and Johnson aimed to create an event that would provide a reason for everyone to come together.

Johnson explained that the Houma festival fostered unity among the residents and boosted the community’s morale. He believed that events like these were crucial for revitalizing the neighborhood and rebuilding a sense of togetherness.

The basketball tournament took place in the gym, with the business expo set up around the court. Eight local teams, each sponsored by a business, competed for the tournament’s trophy, T-shirts, and, of course, bragging rights. Rashad Rainey, who initiated the tournament three years ago, aimed to create a networking opportunity for business owners and community members. His goal was to facilitate connections that could help organize future community events more effectively.

Rainey highlighted the importance of meeting people within their community, especially those who rarely venture outside of it. He believed that by interacting with local companies, residents could better understand which businesses were there to support them. Beyond networking, Rainey emphasized the availability of resources to assist the public with business creation and development. The expo featured voter registration booths, military recruiters, and health resources, offering a comprehensive support system for attendees.

“Meeting people where they are is important, especially for those who spend their entire lives within our community,” Rainey noted. “Seeing local businesses interact with residents helps everyone understand who is genuinely there for them.”

Johnson noted the irony in the simultaneous timing of the events, asserting that it ultimately worked out for the best. He pointed out that having business people witness the community’s efforts to rebuild and thrive was beneficial. It demonstrated that the community was resilient and eager to move forward. “The timing of our events turned out to be perfect,” Johnson remarked. “Having business professionals see our community’s resilience and efforts to stand back up is incredibly encouraging.”

The success of the combined festival underscored the strength and resilience of the Mechanicville community. By merging their events, Rashad Rainey and Chris Johnson not only created a day of enjoyment but also laid the foundation for future collaborations, fostering unity, support, and growth within the community for years to come.

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Terrebonne General and CIS Lead with Innovative Artery Disease Treatment

On May 16, a groundbreaking procedure took place at Terrebonne General Health System (Terrebonne General), marking a significant milestone in the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLI) in the Gulf South. Terrebonne General and the Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) became the first institutions in this region, and one of only five in the entire United States, to employ the newly FDA-approved Esprit™ BTK (Below the Knee) Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System. This innovative dissolvable stent, designed to treat artery disease in the lower legs, represents a pioneering step forward in vascular intervention, as per this article from The Houma Times.

The landmark procedure was conducted by CIS interventional cardiologist Dr. Pradeep Nair in the cath lab at Terrebonne General. The Esprit™ BTK System, developed by Abbott, was implanted through a minimally invasive process. This system works by keeping the arteries open while administering the drug Everolimus, which promotes vessel healing and helps prevent future blockages. Remarkably, the scaffold provides structural support for about three years before it gradually dissolves, much like the material used in sutures or stitches.

Before the introduction of the Esprit™ BTK System, the treatment options for blockages below the knee were limited and less effective. The traditional approach involved balloon angioplasty, where a small balloon is inserted via a catheter to open the vessel and restore blood flow. Unfortunately, this method often yielded inconsistent results both in the short term and long term, with a significant risk of re-blockage over time. The advent of the Esprit™ BTK System, therefore, represents a significant advancement in providing lasting relief for patients suffering from chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

Dr. Pradeep Nair, who played a pivotal role in the research trial that led to the device’s FDA approval, elaborated on the significance of this development. He pointed out that patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia are perpetually at risk of losing their legs, with many experiencing blockages in the tibial arteries below the knee. Dr. Nair emphasized the revolutionary nature of the new system, highlighting its dual benefits of drug elution and vessel scaffolding, which not only keep the vessels open longer but also completely resorb into the body over time. He regarded this technology as transformative for patients suffering from chronic limb ischemia.

Phyllis Peoples, President and CEO of Terrebonne General, expressed immense pride and excitement about offering this cutting-edge technology to their patients. She underscored the long-standing partnership of 41 years with CIS, which has been instrumental in bringing advanced cardiology services to the community. Peoples reaffirmed the health system’s commitment to high-quality care and its continuous efforts to adopt the most advanced procedures to better serve their patients and community.

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia is a severe stage of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which affects the blood vessels in the legs. This condition can lead to symptoms such as painful cramping during physical activity, persistent sores, numbness, coldness, discoloration, or a weak pulse in the foot or leg. These symptoms indicate a critical need for medical intervention to prevent severe complications, including limb loss. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek prompt consultation with their cardiologist.

The introduction of the Esprit™ BTK System at Terrebonne General marks a transformative advancement in the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia. By utilizing this innovative dissolvable stent, patients in the Gulf South now have access to cutting-edge technology that significantly improves long-term outcomes. Terrebonne General and CIS continue to lead the way in providing high-quality, advanced care, underscoring their commitment to enhancing patient health and well-being in the community.

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Rougarou Fest Unleashed Howls of Fun, Hot Air Balloons, and Trick-or-Treating

Houma, Louisiana recently witnessed a howling good time as the 12th annual Rougarou Fest took center stage, offering a captivating blend of tricks, treats, and high-flying adventure. The festival spanned an entire weekend, captivating attendees from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. This enchanting event unfolded in the vicinity of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, The Courtyard Marriot, and the Terrebonne Parish Library Main Branch. According to this article from Houma Today, Rougarou Fest is a unique celebration that has become a hallmark of the Houma community and a key fundraiser for the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center.

The notion of a howl-off, a contest where participants unleash their most spine-tingling howls, was sparked by the festival’s poster art, according to Jonathan Foret, the festival’s founder. He revealed, “The Rougarou howling is sort of the inspiration of, ‘Let’s do a howling contest.’ I can’t believe it took me 12 years to come to that one.” The howl-off took place on Friday evening at 8 p.m., with participants vying for the coveted first, second, and third-place titles in both the adult and children’s categories, each receiving a prestigious medal.

Adding to the festive ambiance, trick-or-treating was scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, offering kids a chance to don their spookiest costumes and collect delectable goodies. But that’s not all. The event also promised an exhilarating adventure with hot air balloon rides available on both Friday and Saturday, running from 5 to 9 p.m. on both days. The festival’s diverse array of events and their respective timings can be found in detail on the official Rougarou Fest website, offering visitors a comprehensive schedule to plan their visit accordingly.

Rougarou Fest began its journey in 2012, serving as the primary annual fundraiser for the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center in Houma. Named after the legendary bayou werewolf, the festival is an ode to the rich folklore that thrives along the bayous of Southeast Louisiana. Over the years, it has evolved into a grand celebration, featuring a mesmerizing parade, a highly competitive costume contest, Cajun culinary delights, and enlightening discussions on local folklore, all accompanied by fascinating exhibits.

The South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, the beneficiary of the festival’s proceeds, is a non-profit organization dedicated to revolutionizing how we perceive, educate, and learn about the disappearing coastal regions of Louisiana. It stands as a testament to the collective efforts of the community to conserve and protect these precious wetlands.

Rougarou Fest’s outstanding contributions to the local culture and its commitment to environmental awareness have earned it recognition on various platforms. In 2014, USA Today ranked it as one of the Top 10 Costume Parties in the United States. In 2015 and 2019, the Southeast Tourism Society acknowledged it as one of the Top 20 Events among 11 states for the month of October. Further, the festival received the title of Best New Event in the state of Louisiana in 2015, as awarded by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals. And most recently, in 2020 and 2023, the Louisiana Travel Association bestowed upon it the esteemed honor of being the Festival of the Year.

In summary, Rougarou Fest is an enchanting celebration that brings the vibrant folklore of Louisiana’s bayous to life. With thrilling howl-offs, hot air balloon rides, and delightful trick-or-treating, this event is a true testament to the region’s cultural richness and its dedication to preserving the invaluable wetlands. It’s no wonder that Rougarou Fest has garnered accolades and has become a beloved tradition in the hearts of the Houma community.

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The Houma Language Project Works to Study and Revitalize Indigenous Houma Language

Started after co-founders Hali Dardar and Colleen Billiot heard a 1970’s audiotape of two women singing the “Alligator Song” in a native Houma language. The Houma Language Project is a collaborative effort that has worked to both study and revitalize the indigenous Houma language of “Uma,” according to this Houmatoday feature article.

Before the state of Louisiana was colonized and named, there were various languages spoken in the region by the natives who lived here. There were so many languages that the area was known as “Bulbancha,” which is Choctawfor “place of many tongues.” The Houma Language Project aims to make more Louisiana residents aware of the fact that a variety of native tongues existed in Louisiana well before colonization.

As of 2022, the Uma language of Houma, Louisiana has no active speakers, meaning that the Houma Language Project has very limited information to work with. In fact, most of their information comes from the 16th and 17th centuries. Luckily, the team members’ research has helped them to develop open resources like Anũpa’ Estwasúhah(which the Houmatoday article refers to as the Uma version of Wordle), a dictionary app, keyboard and pronunciation guides.

Colleen Billiot, a co-founder of the Houma Language Project, was originally inspired to learn more after hearing her own great grandmother, Elvira Billiot, sing on that 1970’s audiotape. She spoke about the project to WWNO Radio’s Kezia Setyawan, saying that team members have worked to reconstruct the Uma language in order to reflect what their ancestors would have actually said to one another. Billiot said, “it’s all done with so much on your mind about culture, heritage, and ancestral teachings. We always are looking forward and back for several generations and just trying to make sure that we’re doing the best we can in the space and time we have.”

In reanalyzing and essentially recrafting the Uma language, Billiot referred to her work as quite insightful, as it has given her a deeper understanding and insight into what Louisiana society was like when the language was actively utilized. She said, “we also put a great deal of thought into every word that we create. Even the rebuilding and reclaiming, you’re piecing together the language and the very rules and premises we follow for it. Muskogee languages, including Uma, are very verb-focused. It’s very intentional that the action is sort of more important than the who and the noun or what’s being acted upon.”

The Houma Language Project has recently had its first set of interns complete their Youth Language Internships, an opportunity that sprouted from an $84,000 federal grant for the United Houma Nation and the Houma Language Project. This grant was originally sourced from the Administration for Native Americans as part of the American Rescue Plan, the Congressional bill that was passed in March as a way of stimulating the United States economy to help it recover from the pandemic. The $84,000 federal grant focused on helping to both develop and save indigenous language efforts across the country.

Most of the volunteers for the Houma Language Project and all of the interns are Houma tribe members. Houma Language Project team member Brittany Verdin Jimenez spoke about how the internship has been an opportunity to create much-needed Native representation, which is something that she relayed isn’t available to them in a traditional school setting. Jiminenz said, “we’re still here, we still have stuff to share with our people. We are still doing everything we can to make sure that the next generation thrives.”

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Terrebonne General Health System Receives Recognition for Leading Tech

It was recently announced by the Terrebonne General Health System that for the second year in a row, they have earned the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition by The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), according to this article from the HoumaTimes.

For the second consecutive year, Terrebonne General Health System was awarded the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition, and this year they were additionally recognized as being a certified level eight out of ten in two separate categories: acute and ambulatory care. Furthermore, Terrebonne General Health System is the only health system in the region to receive this designation two years in a row.

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) recognized Terrebonne General for innovations like their top-rated EPIC medical records system and their MyChart patient portal, which provides patients with instant access to medical records. They were also recognized for their Terrebonne Connect Bar, a system that pairs patients with technology so they can manage their health on the go.

Terrebonne General Health System’s President and CEO, Phyllis Peoples, commented on the recognition by saying, “it is an honor to be recognized with the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired Award for the second consecutive year. This acknowledgment is a true testament to Terrebonne General’s unwavering commitment to offering the latest innovations and technologies to serve our community better.”

Amidst the 38,000 organizations that were surveyed by CHIME, Terrebonne General Health System ranked above its peers in categories such as population health, analytics and data management, infrastructure, and patient engagement. The survey assessed the adoption, integration, and overall impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development. These healthcare organizations can be in various stages from early development to industry-leading health systems.

To help organizations improve their performance in eight different aspects (infrastructure; security; business/disaster recovery; administrative/supply chain; analytics/data management; interoperability/population health; patient engagement; and clinical quality), CHIME provided each participating organization with a customized benchmarking report that detailed their strengths and opportunities for improvement via an overall score and scored of the previously listed aspects. Participating organizations are then able to use the scores to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.

What factors into the quality of patient care? Being mindful of the customer experience and embracing digital innovation are two good answers. The Digital Health Most Wired survey honors healthcare providers who are best at keeping up with digital changes to deliver the best quality healthcare.

CHIME’s Digital Health Most Wired survey and its accompanying recognition program serve as a “comprehensive Digital Health Check-up” to be used by healthcare organizations worldwide. Increasingly, the quality of patient care is determined by success in digital health. The larger scope of the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired survey is meant to reflect the progress that leading healthcare providers are making as they reinvent how healthcare operates for a new century.

CHIME, the care integration alliance member organization, has been conducting the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired survey and overseeing it for five years. In every successive year, they’ve expanded the study to capture more types of organizations that serve patients across all different levels of care. They also promote this program internationally to give a global overview of digital health advances.

CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell addressed Terrebonne General Health System’s recognition by saying, “we are proud to honor your team’s exceptional dedication to excellence in digital health. Your pioneering performance in the industry inspires other organizations by example. Patients worldwide receive better care when you drive change through digital transformation, as you have proven through your success in this rigorous program.”

Due to their achievement, Terrebonne General Health System will be recognized at CHIME 22 in San Antonio, Texas this fall.

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A New Board is Hoping to Revitalize Downtown Houma

Recently, a new nine-member board created by the Terrebonne Parish Council has begun its mission to revive and revitalize downtown Houma, according to this article from Houmatoday.

 Created earlier this year by the Louisiana State Legislature as a result of a bill introduced by Rep. Tanner Magee, R-Houma, this board has begun to appoint new members, such as Houma’s Kevin Champagne, in its effort to bring more shops, restaurants, and foot traffic to Houma’s potentially vibrant downtown scene. The board, which has yet to have all 9 of its members appointed for their 6-year terms, has a starting budget of about $1 million, and it holds the authority to purchase, repair, and sell property and buildings in downtown Houma in its efforts to inject life into its culture and economy. This board would also have authority within the Houma Restoration District, which is defined by the law as Main and Park avenues from Morgan Street to Grand Caillou Road.

Members of this board will each serve a six-year term without being paid, and these members will be appointed by the Terrebonne Parish Council, Terrebonne Parish President, state lawmakers representing the area, the Chamber of Commerce, the Houma Downtown Development Corporation, and the Houma Historic Preservation District.

In order for Houma’s downtown area to build back up to its full potential after suffering various degrees of detrimental loss from recent Hurricanes, members of the board will have to be determined, spirited, and supplied with an enthusiastic vision of what Main Street could look like in its full economic glory. Luckily, one such advocate for this future was recently appointed by the Terrebonne Parish Council to this cause after he volunteered. Kevin Champagneis the head of MacDonnell Children’s Services, an organization that provides shelter and an array of other programs for youths who come from troubled homes.

Champagne voiced his support for revitalizing downtown Houma by saying, “t​​he whole purpose of the board is for historic preservation and economic development, and those are two things that are important to me. I’m on the chamber, I’m part of the Rotary Club and just invested in the community. I grew up here and I want to make sure we leave something for my children and the community.” When asked what sparked his interest in volunteering to be a member of the downtown revitalization board, Champagne attributed the reason to his being a resident of Houma’s east side, and he wanted to ensure that his portion of the town was represented.

One potentially key milestone in the effort to reshape downtown Houma is the potential deal between the State of Louisiana and Terrebonne Parish to swap Main Street for another road, which would allow the present Main Street to no longer be plagued by heavy amounts of traffic, which according to business owners has dissuaded patrons and shoppers from the area.

The creator of House Bill 780, Rep. Tanner Magee, is an advocate for this approach since it redesigns the traffic and flow of downtown Houma, potentially setting the stage for a comeback. When speaking on this vision, Magee said, “I’m not slouching on what we currently have — I mean, Ida took a toll, but it probably wasn’t all that great before, so I think we need to get it going again. That’s kind of the dream here, to have a vibrant downtown with lots of buildings, lots of diversity, and kind of the people who work and live down here. The idea is to get all these [derelict properties] back into private hands and back into commerce, but if there’s something that’s being stuck, that this entity can buy it, maybe renovate it or even do some innovative ideas like some sort of business incubator.”

Another stakeholder in the future of downtown Houma is Parish Councilwoman Jessica Domangue, who is from Houma. Councilwoman Domangue expressed her excitement by saying, “for us as a government, Terrebonne Parishis so big and Main Street is one little piece of that, and so the focus of government cannot always be on Main Street. It’s going to bring a freshness, a new perspective because let’s be honest with ourselves, we’ve been trying to do the same thing over and over and over for many years and it just hasn’t worked.”

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