Ochsner Reaches Out: A Helping Hand for Those in Need
As a community that was deeply impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and mindful that assistance came from all over the world, Ochsner and our Gulf South neighbors are especially attuned to others who are stricken by natural disasters.
Ochsner employees help update the Hollygrove Senior Center and the Trinity Community Center in New Orleans with fresh coats of paint.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Ochsner supported the efforts of New Orleans entrepreneur Sidney Torres, David Wills of United Medical Providers, government officials and other local organizations in their effort to collect and ship critical medical supplies to the Abaco and Grand Bahama islands. Together with these local partners, Ochsner staff rallied with our supply chain team to gather necessary supplies. More than 5,000 pounds of supplies were assembled into triage kits that were delivered via an 18-wheeler to South Florida, and subsequently shipped via air to the impacted islands. Donated items, including gloves, masks, sanitation items, bandages and IV fluids, were selected to assist with infection control as flood waters recede, which can cause injuries and spread disease.
Ochsner established two programs to leverage the volunteer time and talent of our employees on behalf of community needs. The Ochsner Service Corps is an initiative that provides employees the opportunity to partner with colleagues from other departments and facilities in an off-site, paid day of service project. Operation Outreach is a tool to help harness the potential of our nearly 25,000 employees to deliver lasting, meaningful change to the communities we serve. Operation Outreach is an online, searchable database of volunteer opportunities designed to engage Ochsner employees and get them involved in their communities. It offers a wide selection of programs from which to choose, including Ochsner-sponsored and externally driven activities. All events help promote the health and well-being of our communities. Through Ochsner’s volunteering programs and K-12 school mentorships, more than 2,300 employees gave nearly 16,000 hours of their time to the community in 2019. 
Dr. Yvens Laborde, Medical Director of Global Health Education and Public Health, provides on-the-ground assistance.
The Ochsner team prepares to board a relief flight to Abaco Island in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian.
Ochsner Serves represents employees from across Ochsner Health.
Dr. Obinna Nnedu, Infectious Disease (far left), Bahamian physician Dr. George Charide, Dr. Yvens Laborde and Mark Dupuis, Vice President of Emergency Management collaborated to bring to essential medical supplies to the victims of Hurricane Dorian.
Ochsner employees repaint seating areas around the Hollygrove Senior Center and Trinity Community Center to spruce up the exterior.
Ochsner staff help sort and pack supplies bound for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts.
Ochsner South Shore Region CEO Robert Wolterman joins in an Ochsner Serves project.