Category Archives: Ascension

The numbers of COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola remains at record-high levels, with most of those patients unvaccinated.

The number of hospitalized patients fluctuates frequently, so any individual data points are only a moment-in-time snapshot. But here are a few key statistics for today, Aug. 23:

There are a total of 153 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola. The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 one week ago was 146.

Todays number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is much higher than the hospitals previous peak of COVID-19 patients that occurred in January 2021.

The current number of 153 is nine times higher than what it was on July 4, shortly before the current surge of COVID began in Northwest Florida. On July 4, the hospital had 17 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Approximately 93 percent of the hospitals patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

Safe and timely access to essential care is vitally important, and the safety of our patients and staff remains our top priority, said Ascension Sacred Heart President Dawn Rudolph. Our staff is stretched in dealing with the ongoing influx of patients with COVID-19, but our teams are making heroic efforts. We are performing surgeries and procedures our patients need urgently or in an emergency. At the same time, we are utilizing all of our staffing resources and allocating personnel in the most appropriate and effective manner to ensure care for every patient.

Due to a lower rate of vaccination among younger people, the hospital is treating more patients who are under 50 compared to the prior surges of July 2020 and January 2021.

In Escambia County, only 49 percent of individuals 18 and older have been fully vaccinated compared to the national average of 63 percent, according to The New York Times. In Santa Rosa County, only 45 percent of those 18 and older are fully vaccinated. By comparison, the number of those 65 and older who are fully vaccinated is much higher 79 percent.

On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first COVID-19 vaccine to go from emergency use authorization (EUA) to full FDA approval.

This is an important milestone, Rudolph said. While all of the COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. have long been considered safe and highly effective, now that the FDA has granted full FDA approval to the Pfizer vaccine) we are hopeful that many more people in our communities will step up to be vaccinated. Our health care workers need the communitys support to stop this surge. The best tools we have available to stop COVID-19 are wearing masks in public indoor spaces and, most important, getting the vaccine.

Everyone in our community plays a critical role in keeping us safe from this virus. Ascension Sacred Heart urges anyone 12 and older to get vaccinated now to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our community against COVID-19. The vaccines are safe and effective, and the evidence is clear that the benefits of being vaccinated far outweigh any identified risks or side effects.

Written by William Reynolds Filed Under News

Original post:

Hospitalizations Surging At Ascension Sacred Heart; 93% Are Unvaccinated - NorthEscambia.com

TAWAS CITY, MI Nurses at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital are honored throughout the year with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

Rachel Holmstrom, RN, has been a registered nurse on the medical/surgical floor at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital for over seven years. She was recognized by numerous patients for the excellent treatment they received while in her care, and was recently presented with the DAISY award in front of her peers. Holmstroms caring and sunny personality, as well as her passion for nursing, were the theme of all the nominations. One patient wrote, When I was admitted to the hospital, I was greeted by the most caring and compassionate nurse a patient could have. Another patient noted, I know that gems like this nurse are hard to come by. She definitely is in the correct field of the nursing profession and Ascension St. Joseph Hospital is fortunate to have her on their team.

We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in The DAISY Award program and especially honored to present Rachel with this award, said Shane Hunt, Ascension St. Joseph Hospital Administrator. We believe nurses are heroes every day and the work they do has meaning and value in all our lives. A big thank you and congratulations to Rachel on receiving this award. She is an excellent representative of Ascension St Joseph and the profession of nursing.

Nurses can be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital. DAISY Awards are presented throughout the year at celebrations attended by the honorees colleagues, patients and visitors. For more information about the DAISY award and foundation, go to http://DAISYfoundation.org.

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Ascension St. Joseph Nurse Recognized with Award - hcecm.org

LSU awarded 969 degrees during the universitys 305th commencement exercises Aug. 13. The 969 degrees awarded was an all-time record for any summer commencement at the university.

LSU held two ceremonies one for graduate students and another for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students.

Two graduates received the University Medal for graduating with the highest undergraduate GPA in the class. The medalists included Aimee Maria Ardonne, of Denham Springs, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in leadership and human resource development from the College of Human Sciences and Education, and Georgia Claire Krieger, a native of Mandeville, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

College of Art & Design

Katherine M. Hightower, Prairieville

E.J. Ourso College of Business

Leonard R. Fields, Donaldsonville

Nicholas C. Weber, Prairieville

College of Engineering

Callie Amanda Sholmire, Gonzales

College of Human Sciences & Education

Nicole Briana Megginson, Prairieville

Kylah Jenay Pittman, Gonzales

College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Cade Michael Blanchard, Prairieville

Torey Joseph Powers, St. Amant

Graduate School

Certificate

Lori LeBlanc Ridgdell, Burnside

Master's

Evgeniya V. Ashley, Prairieville

Joelle Nicole Constant, Prairieville

Abigail Jean-Marie Gaudin, Gonzales

Jordan Rita Logarbo, Geismar

Hiba Malik, Geismar

Austin Blake Taylor, Prairieville

Jazmin Monique Williams, Donaldsonville

Doctorate

Brian Phillip Briggs, Prairieville

College of Art & Design

Raegan Renee Dauthier, Zachary

College of Engineering

William Patrick Payne, Zachary

College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Juliana Patricia Voiers, Zachary

College of Music & Dramatic Arts

Breann Lee Burson, Zachary

Graduate School

Master's

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Christine Elizabeth Walsh, Greenwell Springs

E.J. Ourso College of Business

William Seth Hooge, Clinton

Graduate School

Doctorate

Marisa LeAnn Russell Myers, Clinton

Graduate School

Master's

Jonathan Eric Henslee, St. Francisville

College of Agriculture

Cassidy Rene Dixon, Walker

E.J. Ourso College of Business

Thomas S. Fuentes, Denham Springs

College of Human Sciences & Education

Aimee Maria Ardonne, Denham Springs

Delcie Celeste Briggs, Walker

Kayla Brooke Coleman, Denham Springs

College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Leslie Joel Bernard, Denham Springs

Ethan Chaney Phillips, Denham Springs

Graduate School

Master's

Stacie Marcotte Muse, Denham Springs

Doctorate

Ryan Adam Dutsch, Walker

College of the Coast & Environment

Kyrsten Teel Boswell, Ponchatoula

College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Mae Emma Hill, Hammond

Matthew J. Smith, Hammond

College of Science

Ashton Rhea Bridges, Kentwood

Graduate School

Master's

Lauren N. Hebert, Ponchatoula

Jon Robert Beuhler Oliver, Hammond

Originally posted here:

LSU Summer Class of 2021 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate

Press Release:Surge of COVID-19 Hospitalizations Continues at Ascension Sacred Heart

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Aug. 23, 2021) The numbers of COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola remains at record-high levels.

The number of hospitalized patients fluctuates frequently, so any individual data points are only a moment-in-time snapshot. But here are a few key statistics for today, Aug. 23:

There are a total of 153 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola. The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 one week ago was 146.

Todays number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is much higher than the hospitals previous peak of COVID-19 patients that occurred in January 2021.

The current number of 153 is nine times higher than what it was on July 4, shortly before the current surge of COVID began in Northwest Florida. On July 4, the hospital had 17 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Approximately 93 percent of the hospitals patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

Safe and timely access to essential care is vitally important, and the safety of our patients and staff remains our top priority, said Ascension Sacred Heart President Dawn Rudolph. Our staff is stretched in dealing with the ongoing influx of patients with COVID-19, but our teams are making heroic efforts. We are performing surgeries and procedures our patients need urgently or in an emergency. At the same time, we are utilizing all of our staffing resources and allocating personnel in the most appropriate and effective manner to ensure care for every patient.

Due to a lower rate of vaccination among younger people, the hospital is treating more patients who are under 50 compared to the prior surges of July 2020 and January 2021.

In Escambia County, only 49 percent of individuals 18 and older have been fully vaccinated compared to the national average of 63 percent, according to the New York Times. In Santa Rosa County, only 45 percent of those 18 and older are fully vaccinated. By comparison, the number of those 65 and older who are fully vaccinated is much higher 79 percent.

On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first COVID-19 vaccine to go from emergency use authorization (EUA) to full FDA approval.

This is an important milestone, Rudolph said. While all of the COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. have long been considered safe and highly effective, now that the FDA has granted full FDA approval to the Pfizer vaccine) we are hopeful that many more people in our communities will step up to be vaccinated. Our healthcare workers need the communitys support to stop this surge. The best tools we have available to stop COVID-19 are wearing masks in public indoor spaces and, most important, getting the vaccine.

Everyone in our community plays a critical role in keeping us safe from this virus. Ascension Sacred Heart urges anyone 12 and older to get vaccinated now to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our community against COVID-19. The vaccines are safe and effective, and the evidence is clear that the benefits of being vaccinated far outweigh any identified risks or side effects.

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Hospitalizations surging at Ascension Sacred Heart Rick's Blog - ricksblog.biz

Learn about creating fall vegetable gardens for small spaces

Learn how to grow a bountiful small fall vegetable garden in small spaces. Explore types of small gardens, including container and edibles in the landscape, with Janis Poche, Advance Master Gardener. Discover types of space-saving vegetables that produce plenty without taking up space.

The Fall Vegetable Gardens for Small Spaces workshop is set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Ascension Parish Library in Galvez. This educational gardening workshop is brought to you by Ascension Parish Library and the Ascension Parish Master Gardeners Association under the direction of the LSU AgCenter.

Registration is required and space is limited. Call (225) 622-3339 to register or for more information. Masks may be required according to current mandates.

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Ascension Parish Library is hosting an educational poster exhibition, curated by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, that presents the events of that fateful day, the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the nine-month recovery period and the ongoing repercussions in order to give visitors a deeper understanding of this key moment in modern American history.

Told across 14 posters, this exhibition includes archival photographs and artifact imagery from the 9/11 Memorial & Museums permanent collection. To view this exhibition and learn more about the history of 9/11, visit Ascension Parish Librarys Gonzales, Dutchtown or Galvez locations during regular operating hours throughout the September. Masks may be required according to current mandates.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the countrys principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. This poster exhibition has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom. For more information about the exhibition, visit 911memorial.org.

As COVID-19 cases rise in our area, many events are being canceled or moved to a virtual program.

We're listing planned events, but be aware that anything could get canceled. Call or visit websites to verify the event will be held.

The staff at the Ascension Parish Health Unit reminds residents they can get the COVID-19 vaccine at the health unit.

The Moderna vaccine is available at the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 S. East Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales. Appointments are available by calling (225) 450-1425.

For information, visithttps://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine/.

Take off Pounds Sensibly meets starting with weigh-in at 9:15 a.m. and meeting at 10 a.m. every Thursday at the fellowship hall at Carpenter's Chapel Church, 41181 La. 933, in Prairieville. Dues are $5 a month. For information, call Miriam Sanchez at (225) 202-8521.

The Recycling Center is at the Department of Public Works headquarters, 42077 Churchpoint Road in Gonzales. Operating hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

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Around Ascension for Aug. 25, 2021 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate

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DONALDSONVILLE - A movie boasting a cast that includes "Captain America" star Anthony Mackie is expected to film this week in Ascension Parish.

Local officials told the Donaldsonville Chief that production will begin as soon as Monday for the upcoming Netflix film "We Have a Ghost". Aside from Mackie, a New Orleans native, the cast will include David Harbour, Jennifer Coolidge, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, and Tig Notaro.

Filming in Donaldsonville will happen along Railroad Avenue, from Mississippi Street toward Louisiana Square. Filming in the city is expected to take at least a week, with officials asking some local businesses to close temporarily to accommodate the film crew.

The report said the production is requiring that all cast and crew be be fully vaccinated and that it's trying to avoid large crowds gathering during filming due to the pandemic.

Filming for "We Have a Ghost" is also expected to take place in New Orleans.

Another Netflix production, "The Highwaymen", filmed in Donaldsonville back in 2018. That film, based on the real-life pursuit of infamous criminals Bonnie and Clyde, starred Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson.

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Upcoming Netflix movie 'We Have a Ghost' starts filming in Ascension Parish this week - WBRZ

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Ascension Providence will offer monoclonal antibody treatments amid a surge in coronavirus cases in Mobile County.

Here is the unedited press release:

MOBILE, Ala. (Aug. 20, 2021) In response to the surge of COVID-19 cases,AscensionProvidence is offering an investigational medical treatment in which monoclonal antibodies are given to patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms of COVID-19.

Patients who are already in the hospital or requiring oxygen because of COVID-19 infection are not eligible for the outpatient treatment.

AscensionProvidence has received doses of Regenerons monoclonal antibody treatment called REGEN-COV. It is a combination of two antibodies (casirivimab and imdevimab) used for early treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.

REGEN-COV has been granted an Emergency Usage Approval (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on research data. Clinical trials have shown monoclonal antibodies have likely benefit in preventing emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to the coronavirus. REGEN-COV is being administered via subcutaneous injections.

Clinical trials have shown that patients who receive the antibody therapy have less severe symptoms from COVID-19 and recover sooner. The antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus.

AscensionProvidence is offering monoclonal antibody injections to patients who meet certain clinical criteria and are COVID-19 positive, said Dr. Ijaz Iqbal, chief medical officer atAscensionProvidence.

To be eligible for the outpatient treatment, individuals must have at least one condition that puts them at high risk for major complications or death from COVID-19. The high-risk categories include: Older age (for example 65 years and older) Obesity or being overweight Pregnancy Chronic Kidney Disease Diabetes Immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive treatment Cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure Chronic lung diseases Sickle cell disease Neurodevelopmental disorders Having a medical-related technological dependence (for example, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation not related to COVID-19) Other medical conditions of factors that place patients at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19

Ascension Providence is seeing a higher percentage of patients under 50 years old being hospitalized compared to a year ago, with many patients in their 20s and 30s. To date, 93 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations atAscensionFlorida and Gulf Coast locations have occurred among patients who are not vaccinated.

The antibody to neutralize the virus has to be given to patients in a narrow window of time within 10 days of when they start showing symptoms, but before theyre sick enough to be hospitalized. Ideally, the drug should be given within three days of a positive test for COVID-19.

Patients may be referred to the program by their primary care physician by calling 251-266-3197.AscensionProvidence is working with other healthcare organizations to promote vaccination and set up sites for monoclonal antibody injections.

Read more:

Ascension Providence Offers Antibody Therapy for COVID-19 - WKRG News 5

When the Louisiana Department of Education recently released statewide data showing participation and achievement levels on state assessments during the 2020-21 school year, Ascension public schools, along with Central and Zachary, led the state in the percentage of students who achieved mastery and advanced in all grades and all subjects.

In addition, Ascension and St. Tammany had the highest percentage of students with disabilities who scored mastery and advanced in all grades and all subjects.

"We applaud our students who put forth a tremendous amount of effort, our teachers who were directly responsible for student learning, and all of the people who protected and supported the work in our classrooms and in virtual learning environments, especially during a global pandemic," Superintendent David Alexander said.

"Of course, we are happy to see the achievement levels our students were able to reach, but the statistic I am most proud of is that 99.5% of students participated in state testing. That speaks directly to their perseverance and commitment to academic improvement.

"We will use this data to inform our work this year in closing achievement gaps and preparing students to successfully pursue the careers of their choice."

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In addition to state testing participation and achievement rates, the Department of Education released high school performance metrics. The graduation rate for Ascension Public Schools grew from 88.7% in 2019 to 91.1% in 2020, far surpassing the state average of 84%. Also, 67.5% of all Ascension graduates earned either an advanced or basic credential and 63.5% enrolled in college in the fall immediately after graduation.

"The commitment and effort of our teachers, staff, and students are not defined by statewide assessments," Alexander said. "However, we are very grateful that their commitment and effort resulted in such great outcomes which will be used to inform our work."

LEAP 2025 includes assessments of English language arts, math, science and social studies for grades 3-12. The tests measure the knowledge and skills defined by the states content standards for each grade. Student scores are reported on five levels: unsatisfactory, approaching basic, basic, mastery or advanced. Students scoring mastery and advanced are considered proficient, or ready for the next grade level.

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Ascension Parish students score among the best in state assessment tests - The Advocate

Food bank recertifying clients

The Great Baton Rouge Food Bank will be recertifying clients from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Aug. 23 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.

Clients must bring identification and a utility bill such as a water bill, gas bill or light bill. Face masks are encouraged.

Anyone picking up food for someone must also have a copy of their ID and a copy or picture of their utility bill.

For questions, call (225) 359-9940.

As COVID-19 cases rise in our area, many events are being canceled or moved to a virtual program.

We're listing planned events, but be aware that anything could get canceled. Call or visit websites to verify the event will be held.

Need new ideas for your flower garden? Discover what first filial generation seeds and plants are and how they can make useful additions to your home garden.

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This educational gardening workshop, brought to you by Ascension Parish Library and the Ascension Parish Master Gardeners Association under the direction of the LSU AgCenter, explores how new and improved genetics make flower gardening rewarding and less labor intensive.

Cindy Moran, licensed landscape horticulturist and former owner of a wholesale bedding plant nursery, will discuss how interspecific crosses have revolutionized flowers and foliage in gardens. "F1 Hybrids: Not Your Grandmothers Flowers" will beat 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at Ascension Parish Library in Gonzales. Registration is required and space is limited. Call (225) 647-3955 to register.

The staff at the Ascension Parish Health Unit reminds residents they can get the COVID-19 vaccine at the health unit.

The Moderna vaccine is available at the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 S. East Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales. Appointments are available by calling (225) 450-1425.

According to its news release, vaccines are an essential part of helping to safely bring Louisiana back, and the Ascension Parish government is working hard, together with its partners the Louisiana Department of Health and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to help do so, according to a news release.

For information, visithttps://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine/.

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Around Ascension for Aug. 18, 2021 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate

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Neon Giant and Curve Digitals The Ascent recently launched and the developers are continuing to work on updates for all players. While the PC version on Steam previously received a patch fixing several problems and improving performance, that patch is now available on Xbox and Windows 10 PC. You can check out the full list of patch notes but some highlights include numerous crashes solved, camera problems, UI issues and co-op related bugs.

The Ascent is currently available on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and PC via Steam and Xbox Game Pass for PC.

If youre on Xbox consoles you should automatically get the latest update but if you want to check and be sure, check the file info in your My Games and Apps. One line of text should read as CurveDigital.TheAscent_2.1.4.0_neutral__1ezqdnbhnc70m. If youre playing the Windows 10 version, when you check under the App Settings, you should find a line of text reading as CurveDigital.TheAscent_2.1.4.0_x64__1ezqdnbhnc70m.

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Ascension on Xbox One and PC has received an update that includes a number of bug fixes. - Gaming News - BollyInside