Tag: louisiana

Acadian Ambulance Receives Industry’s Gold Standard Re-accreditation

Acadian Ambulance’s Louisiana and Mississippi operations recently achieved re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), earning a perfect score during the review. As per this article from The Advocate, This significant achievement highlights the company’s commitment to providing top-quality medical transportation services, exceeding many of the industry’s standards, and affirming its role as a leader in emergency medical care.

The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) was established to enhance, promote, and recognize excellence in patient care within America’s medical transportation system. Achieving CAAS accreditation signifies that an ambulance service has met the highest industry standards. It is not merely about meeting basic regulations; it often involves exceeding both state and local requirements. This level of accreditation serves as a mark of distinction within the field of emergency medical services (EMS) and reflects a company’s dedication to quality care.

The accreditation process is thorough and comparable to the rigorous evaluations used for hospitals and nursing homes. It occurs every three years and involves an intensive application phase followed by an on-site inspection lasting several days. During this inspection, a team of external experts evaluates the company’s operations. For Acadian Ambulance’s most recent reaccreditation, reviewers from across the country traveled to Louisiana and Mississippi to assess the company’s performance. This included visits to the company’s newest service area in Harrison County, Mississippi, as part of the evaluation.

Acadian Ambulance has held its CAAS accreditation since 1995, which emphasizes its long-standing commitment to high standards. It remains one of only two ambulance services in both Louisiana and Mississippi to have achieved this accreditation. The release noted that Acadian is also one of 12 accredited ambulance services in Texas and one of approximately 170 nationwide to earn this distinction. Acadian Ambulance’s Texas operations had previously been reaccredited by CAAS in 2022, further showcasing the company’s dedication to maintaining superior service across its service areas.

Justin Back, President of Acadian Ambulance, expressed that while the CAAS accreditation is not required for daily operations, the company sought it out because of its significance as the “gold standard” in EMS. According to Back, CAAS accreditation ensures accountability not only to patients but also to healthcare partners, which is a crucial aspect of their service model. He explained that the CAAS reviewers highlighted Acadian’s equipment, training, technology, and fleet as industry-leading and of exceptional quality, reflecting the company’s forward-thinking approach to EMS.

In addition to its outstanding service, Acadian Ambulance continues to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of the communities it serves. This includes the use of cutting-edge technology and continuous staff training to stay ahead in the field. The company has introduced modernized ambulances equipped with the latest medical devices, enhancing both patient care and overall response time. Furthermore, Acadian has invested heavily in training its personnel, ensuring that all staff members are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to provide optimal emergency medical care.

Acadian Ambulance has grown into one of the largest ambulance services in the country, providing medical transportation and services across multiple states, including Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This growth is rooted in the company’s mission to offer superior care, a goal that has been central to its operations since its founding in 1971.

Since its establishment, Acadian Companies has expanded beyond emergency medical transportation to include a wide range of services. This includes health, safety, and security offerings, as well as education and transportation services. Through these varied services, the company remains committed to providing the best possible support and education to the communities it serves, continuously working to enhance its offerings and improve its impact on public health and safety.

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New App Helps Louisiana Residents Locate Disaster Recovery Resources

Louisiana has taken another step in improving emergency preparedness by launching a new mobile app to assist residents in accessing crucial information, particularly during hurricane seasons and other disasters, according to this article from HoumaToday.  The “Get A Game Plan” app was developed by the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP). According to GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodeaux, the app was designed to help residents going through disaster recovery easily locate distribution centers, referred to as Points of Distribution (PODs), among other resources.

While speaking in Houma last Friday, Thibodeaux expressed his satisfaction with the app and the efficiency it brought to disaster recovery efforts. He mentioned that one of the primary goals of creating the app was to streamline the process of finding nearby distribution sites. “We wanted to make it easier for people to find what they need,” Thibodeaux explained, as he shared his pride in the department’s success with this new tool.

During his demonstration, Thibodeaux showcased how the app worked by navigating through its simple interface. “Go to the ‘Get A Game Plan’ app, and you can see all the POD locations,” he mentioned, comparing it to finding nearby movie theaters. Thibodeaux then demonstrated by pressing just two buttons on his phone, bringing up a list of six distribution centers. With one more tap, he displayed Google Maps directions to the Bayou Blue Fire Department Central Station, a distribution center where water, ice, and meals were available.

However, Thibodeaux noted that the easiest way to download the app was by visiting GOHSEP’s official website, getagameplan.org, rather than searching on the Android store, where unrelated sports apps with similar names would appear. The app offers more than just a way to locate PODs—it serves as an all-encompassing emergency preparedness tool.

The app allows users to access various features aimed at helping Louisiana residents prepare for and recover from hurricanes and other disasters. Thibodeaux explained that one of the key functions of the app is its ability to generate personalized supply lists based on the number of adults, infants, and pets in a household. “You just tell it how many people you’re planning for, and it creates a supply list of everything you’ll need. Pretty dang cool,” Thibodeaux commented as he described the app’s supply list feature.

In addition to the supply list, the app provides several other vital resources, including shopping suggestions, guidance on making emergency plans ahead of time, and essential contact numbers. Thibodeaux noted that users could also access real-time hurricane updates, evacuation orders, and even a price-gouging report tool. The app serves as a central hub for information and preparation tips, aiming to make disaster recovery more manageable for residents across Louisiana.

As per the details available on getagameplan.org, the LA Get A Game Plan App is the official mobile application provided by GOHSEP for Louisiana residents. Its primary purpose is to allow users to prepare for emergencies in advance and provide access to up-to-date information throughout disaster situations. The app is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that anyone, from tech-savvy individuals to those less familiar with technology, can easily navigate it.

In essence, the “Get A Game Plan” app was designed to simplify disaster preparedness and recovery for Louisiana residents. By offering a wide range of tools, from personalized supply lists to real-time updates, it seeks to provide vital resources at the touch of a button. Thibodeaux and his team at GOHSEP clearly intended for this app to serve as a lifeline for people when they need it most.

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The Boot: A New Chapter for Louisiana’s Military Service Members

The State of Louisiana proudly introduced a forward-thinking initiative named The Boot, which is dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and returning military service members to the state after they complete their service. As per this article from The Lafourche Gazette, this initiative marks a significant step in ensuring that those who have served the country find a welcoming and supportive environment in Louisiana as they transition to civilian life. The Boot was born from a collaborative effort between the Governor’s Office, the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, and various influential leaders, including its Founder Andrew Ward and CEO Ben Armstrong.

Governor Jeff Landry was enthusiastic about the initiative, emphasizing the importance of supporting military personnel as they return to civilian life. He pointed out that the men and women of the armed forces have made tremendous sacrifices for the nation, and it is now the state’s responsibility to ensure they receive the necessary support during their transition. According to Governor Landry, The Boot would play an essential role in providing the resources and assistance needed for these individuals to succeed in Louisiana. His remarks reflected the state’s deep commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served.

Secretary Charlton Meginley of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs underscored the significance of The Boot in aiding service members as they transition to civilian life. He highlighted that Louisiana has always been a state that deeply values and honors military service. With The Boot, the state not only aims to welcome back its heroes but also to ensure they have the resources and opportunities required to thrive in their post-military lives. Meginley stressed that Louisiana is committed to being a welcoming home for military personnel, reinforcing the state’s dedication to its veterans.

Andrew Ward, who founded The Boot, shared insights into the organization’s mission and objectives. He emphasized that The Boot is committed to creating a smooth and seamless transition for military members returning to Louisiana. By collaborating closely with state agencies, local businesses, and communities, The Boot seeks to establish a comprehensive support system tailored to meet the unique needs of service members transitioning from military to civilian life. Ward described this transition as moving from one “duty station” to another, with The Boot ensuring that the journey is as smooth as possible.

CEO Ben Armstrong elaborated on his vision for The Boot and its future impact. He conveyed that the organization’s primary goal is to make Louisiana the top destination for military service members concluding their service careers. Armstrong stressed that The Boot is not solely focused on recruiting and retaining these individuals but also on guaranteeing their access to high-quality jobs, education, and healthcare. He envisioned The Boot as a beacon of support, ensuring that service members and their families receive the assistance they need to build successful lives in Louisiana. Armstrong’s vision aligns with the broader mission of The Boot, which is to create a thriving community for veterans within the state.

The Boot will be headquartered in Baton Rouge, specifically located at 453 Louisiana Avenue, and its operations will extend statewide. The organization’s leadership and staff will be embedded in key military and civilian communities across the state, including Barksdale Air Force Base, Fort Johnson, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Lafayette, and the New Orleans Metro region. This strategic placement will allow The Boot to effectively reach and support military service members throughout Louisiana. Additionally, The Boot will provide linkage to educational opportunities, access to benefits and healthcare resources, and post-service integration programs. By partnering with local businesses and organizations, The Boot aims to build a robust network of support that will enable military service members to lead successful and fulfilling lives in Louisiana.

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The Importance of Honey Bees in Baton Rouge

In the heart of Baton Rouge, nestled between the sprawling campus of LSU and the mighty Mississippi River, lies a hub of activity that has buzzed with scientific curiosity for nearly a century. According to this article from The Advocate,it is here, on Ben Hur Road, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Services Honey Bees Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Unit has been a hive of activity for 95 years. Dedicated scientists have toiled tirelessly, both in the field and within the laboratory, striving to unravel the mysteries of bee biology and address the challenges facing the commercial beekeeping industry, all with the aim of fostering healthier honey bee colonies.

Elizabeth Walsh, a research entomologist at the lab, emphasizes the critical importance of their work, stating, “At the end of the day, we’ve built our entire agroecosystem around these insect pollinators, and we have to do all we can to safeguard our food security — and also do right by our stakeholders.”

Indeed, the humble bee holds a profound significance in our world. Alongside other vital pollinators such as butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds, bees play an indispensable role in sustaining global agriculture and biodiversity. The magnitude of their contribution is staggering: a single honeybee can pollinate about 5,000 flowers per day, collectively visiting millions of flowers and enabling the production of a vast array of fruits and vegetables, from almond trees to zucchini plants.

The economic value of bees is equally impressive, with honeybees alone pollinating an estimated $15 billion worth of crops in the United States. In California, where more than half of the world’s almonds are grown, bee pollination is not just beneficial but absolutely essential, as almond trees rely entirely on bees to produce nuts.

The interconnectedness between bees and humanity is profound, dating back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations recognized the invaluable contributions of bees, engaging in practices such as honey hunting as far back as the Stone Age in Europe. Even in modern times, traditions like “telling the bees,” where keepers inform their bees of significant events, serve as poignant reminders of our enduring bond with these remarkable creatures.

In Baton Rouge, this bond is honored and nurtured through initiatives like the memorial hive at Burden Museum and Gardens, dedicated to the late Dana Collins, a passionate member of the Capital Area Beekeepers Association. Through bee relocation, genetics research, and educational outreach efforts, individuals like Kevin Langley, vice president of the Louisiana Beekeepers Association, embody the spirit of stewardship and collaboration that defines the beekeeping community.

Yet, despite the resilience and adaptability of bees, they face a myriad of challenges that threaten their health and survival. Pesticides, parasites, pathogens, and poor nutrition all contribute to the decline of bee populations, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. The consequences of this decline are far-reaching, affecting not only agricultural productivity but also the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide.

In response to these challenges, scientists like Frank Rinkevich are at the forefront of innovative research aimed at improving bee health and resilience. Through techniques such as instrumental queen bee artificial insemination, researchers are developing strategies to combat parasitic mites and cultivate bees with specific traits, such as gentleness and productivity.

As individuals, there are steps we can take to support bee populations and promote their well-being. Planting bee-friendly gardens, avoiding chemical pesticides, and providing essential habitat resources are just a few examples of how ordinary citizens can make a difference. By fostering an environment conducive to bee health, we not only ensure the vitality of our ecosystems but also safeguard our own food security and well-being.

As spring unfolds and bees emerge to begin their vital work, let us remember the profound impact of these tiny yet extraordinary creatures. In their tireless efforts to pollinate our crops and sustain our world, honey bees exemplify the remarkable interconnectedness of life on Earth.

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Sail Away from New Orleans: A Rising Trend in Cruise Travel

In 2023, an increasing number of travelers opted to commence their cruise adventures from the vibrant port city of New Orleans, marking a notable resurgence in the cruise travel industry post-pandemic. As per this article from The Daily Advertiser, statistics revealed that the Port of New Orleans experienced a significant uptick in cruise passenger traffic, almost reverting to pre-pandemic levels, signifying a promising rebound for the sector.

Closing the curtains on 2023, the Port of New Orleans boasted nearly 1.2 million cruise travel passenger movements, a reassuring indicator of the industry’s recovery trajectory. Port NOLA also underscored the reaffirmation of commitments from both oceangoing and river cruise lines, highlighting the enduring appeal of New Orleans as a cruise hub.

Standing tall as the sixth-largest cruise port across the United States, New Orleans continues to attract cruisers seeking diverse itineraries spanning the Caribbean and the Mississippi River. From the sun-kissed shores of Montego Bay, Jamaica, to the cultural richness of Cozumel, Mexico, and the quaint charm of Key West, Florida, cruise enthusiasts find themselves spoiled for choice with a myriad of destinations.

A staggering ninety percent of cruise guests hailed from out-of-state, with a substantial portion—73%—opting to extend their stay in New Orleans for one or two days either before or after their cruise escapades. This influx of visitors translates into over 300,000 hotel room nights booked in New Orleans annually, injecting over $125 million into the local economy—a boon for businesses and tourism alike.

Reflecting on the city’s allure as a pre- and post-cruise destination, Walter J. Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans and Co., expressed gratitude towards the collaborative efforts driving the city’s tourism industry forward. Leger emphasized the pivotal role played by the Port of New Orleans and the relentless dedication of the New Orleans and Co. team in ensuring the city’s prominence in the competitive travel landscape.

Leger remarked, “New Orleans is one of the most popular pre- and post-cruise destinations in the country, which is a tribute to our excellent partners at the Port of New Orleans as well as the work of our team at New Orleans and Co. Travel drives our economy, but visitors don’t just show up. In a highly competitive marketplace, travelers have choices, and we have to earn their business through aggressive sales and promotion.”

As the cruise industry charts a course towards recovery, New Orleans emerges as a beacon of resilience and revival, beckoning travelers with its captivating blend of history, culture, and hospitality. With each passing year, the city solidifies its status as a premier embarkation point for unforgettable cruise experiences.

Delving into the annals of history, the tradition of passenger cruises out of New Orleans stretches back over a century, intertwining the city’s narrative with the romance of seafaring adventures. The Port of New Orleans has long served as a gateway to the world for travelers, its storied docks witnessing the comings and goings of countless ships.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, steamships laden with passengers embarked from New Orleans, bound for exotic destinations across the globe. These vessels, adorned with opulent décor and offering luxurious amenities, symbolized the epitome of elegance and indulgence. However, it was in the latter half of the 20th century that New Orleans truly emerged as a prominent cruise port. With the advent of modern cruise liners, the city’s port facilities underwent expansions and upgrades to accommodate the burgeoning demand for leisure travel by sea.

Today, as New Orleans continues to evolve as a dynamic cultural hub, its maritime heritage remains an integral part of its identity, underscoring the enduring allure of setting sail from the Crescent City.

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Lt. Gov. Nungesser’s Annual Crawfish Pardoning Tradition

In Breaux Bridge, the crawfish capital of the world, an extraordinary Louisiana tradition unfolded during the 8th Annual Pardoning of the Crawfish. As per this article from The Daily Advertiser, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser played a pivotal role in this unique event, where a singular crawfish named Sherbin was spared from the boiling cauldron of a typical seafood boil.

Lt. Gov. Nungesser, the mastermind behind this unconventional ritual, shared insights into the proceedings. “We select a fortunate crawfish from the Atchafalaya Basin, extend our mercy through a pardon, and release it to live out its days in the untamed swamps of Louisiana,” remarked Nungesser, embodying the spirit of compassion toward the crustacean.

In a nod to local leadership, this year’s honored crawfish bore the name Sherbin in tribute to Mayor Sherbin Collette, a respected figure who steered the town of Henderson since his election in 2004. Reflecting on the distinction, Mayor Collette remarked, “This stands as one of the greatest honors in my two-decade-long tenure as mayor.” The official proclamation, an inaugural event that unfolded eight years ago in New Orleans, originated from the Lt. Governor’s inspiration drawn from the age-old American tradition of pardoning Thanksgiving turkeys.

Mayor Collette reminisced about the inception of this unique custom, recounting a conversation with the Lt. Governor. “Eight years ago, the Lt. Governor called me one day and proposed the idea of pardoning a crawfish. I thought it was a brilliant concept, so I journeyed to New Orleans, crafted a crawfish trap, and successfully captured five of these lucky creatures,” shared Collette, underscoring the grassroots origins of the tradition.

Scheduled annually on the first Tuesday post-Mardi Gras, this ceremony marks the commencement of crawfish season in Louisiana and throughout the Gulf South, according to Nungesser. Louisiana’s 1,600 crawfish farmers contribute significantly to the industry, yielding an impressive 150 million pounds of crawfish annually, translating to a staggering $175 million in market value.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the industry in the current year, Lt. Gov. Nungesser commented, “It’s been a challenging season with imports, drought, freeze, and a crawfish shortage. It’s crucial to spotlight this remarkable industry, and with warmer weather approaching, we hope they emerge from the ground for everyone’s enjoyment.”

As the ceremony concluded, Samantha Carroll, the executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, articulated the protective measures in place for Sherbin. “Sherbin shall remain shielded from any boiling pot or culinary dish, basking in water no hotter than the serene swamps and bayous of Louisiana. Sherbin deserves to relish life in our marshes, savoring freshwater devoid of spices, potatoes, seasonings, or onions and garlic.”

In its entirety, the 8th Annual Pardoning of the Crawfish served not only as a vibrant display of Louisiana’s cultural richness but also underscored the imperative of acknowledging and safeguarding the state’s flourishing crawfish industry. What began as a novel idea eight years ago has blossomed into a symbolic gesture, a profound expression of gratitude for the crustaceans woven intricately into Louisiana’s culinary fabric.

As the event unfurled, the unconventional tradition became a poignant reminder of the intricate balance between cultural practices and the state’s economic backbone. Lt. Gov. Nungesser‘s brainchild stood as a testament toLouisiana’s commitment to preserving its traditions and sustaining the livelihoods of those entwined with the crawfish industry. Sherbin’s journey, from the simmering pot to the serene marshes, encapsulated the essence of a celebration that goes beyond a single crawfish’s reprieve—a celebration of resilience, tradition, and the timeless spirit of Louisiana.

In closing, as Sherbin embarks on his journey to Lake Fausse Point State Park in St. Martinville, the Pardoning of the Crawfish stands as an enduring testament to the state’s unwavering connection to its cultural roots. The annual ceremony serves as a poignant reminder that, amidst the grandeur of festivities, Louisiana’s commitment to preserving its unique traditions remains steadfast.

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