Health Equity
Health equity means making sure everyone has the chance to be as healthy as possible. This goes beyond doctor visits and medical care. About 40% of a person’s health is affected by things like education, job stability, income, and family support. Because of this, our health system is committed to helping meet these everyday needs, not just treating illness.
In December 2024, we launched the Feeding Our Own Food Pantry to support this mission. This is the first hospital-based USDA food pantry in Louisiana to serve both patients and employees. It also helps address a major health issue: not having reliable access to enough food. Each patient who needs help receives a food bag with three days of balanced meals that do not need refrigeration, along with simple recipes to make them easy to prepare. Our pantry stays stocked thanks to the support of employees, community partners, Second Harvest, and local grants. Together, we are helping build a healthier, stronger community.
To donate food items, please contact North Oaks Foundation Director, Stacie Arceneaux, by calling (985) 230-6674 or email her here. To make a monetary donation, click below.
Community Resources
Improving health also means making sure people have access to the resources they need in their daily lives, not just at the hospital. As part of this effort, we created a central guide to community resources in Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes.
We know that a person’s health is affected by what happens outside the hospital, too. By helping connect people with local services, we are working to support the whole person and build healthier communities. To explore these resources, click below.
Events
Our events connect healthcare services, community resources, and local organizations to make it easier for people to get the support they need. Each event reflects our commitment to making resources more accessible for our community.
Healthy Aging Fair
The Healthy Aging Fair supports older adults by connecting them with the services, education, and screenings they need to maintain their health, independence, and quality of life. By bringing healthcare providers and community organizations together in one place, we make it easier for individuals and families to find and access resources that can be difficult to navigate on their own. This effort reflects our commitment to making resources more accessible and ensuring older adults have the support they need to live well in our community.
Tangipahoa Health Equity Summit
The Tangipahoa Health Equity Summit brings together leaders from healthcare, education, government, business, and community organizations to improve how resources are shared across our region. Through discussion and collaboration, participants look for ways to better connect efforts and improve access to services that impact health. This work is important because real progress happens when groups work together, not separately.
Click below to view upcoming community events.