HJNO Jan/Feb 2021

58 JAN / FEB 2021  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS Hospital Rounds LakeviewRegional Medical Center Promotes John Blender to Director of Respiratory Therapy, Cardiology Lakeview Regional Medical Center, a campus of Tulane Medical Center, has announced the pro- motion of John Blender to the position of direc- tor of respiratory therapy and cardiology. Blender has been with Lakeview Regional since 2015, serv- ing as cardiopulmonary supervisor. Blender received a bachelor of science degree in cardiopulmonary science from the LSU Health Sciences Center in 2007, and he began his career as a respiratory therapist. Northshore Local Leaders Launch Stronger Together Advisory Council With accommodations for safety amid the pres- ence of COVID-19 in the community, 25 local lead- ers gathered via Zoom and in person at LOPA alongside I-12 to launch the Stronger Together Advisory Council, focused on preventative health, early detection through screening, and connect- ing patients with resources. Spearheaded by St. Tammany Health System and Ochsner Health, the council coalesces leaders from the two partners and a host of local govern- ment, civic, and health organizations to engage in measurable change in the health and lives of Northshore residents. The council is chaired by Joan Coffman, president/CEO, St. Tammany Health System, and John Herman, CEO—North- shore region, Ochsner Health. Its members are Michael Hill, MD, STHS medical director; Tim Rid- dell, MD, OHNS medical director; Gina Lagarde, MD, Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health–Region 9; Casey Guidry, START Community Health Center; Mike Perfinksi, Lou- isiana Veterans Administration for St. Tammany Parish, supervisor; Richard Kramer, Florida Par- ish Human Services; Nick Richard, NAMI St. Tam- many; Julie Agan, COAST; Terri TurnerMarse, Northshore Food Bank; Mike Cooper, St. Tam- many Parish president; Ned Thomas, Washington Parish president; Mark Johnson, Mayor of Cov- ington; Clay Madden, Mayor of Mandeville; Greg Cromer, Mayor of Slidell; Jean Pelloat, Mayor of Madisonville; Lance Willie, Mayor of Folsom; Dan Curtis, Mayor of Abita Springs; Patrick McMath, LA Sen. Dist. 11; Beth Mizell, LA Sen. Dist. 12; Sharon Hewitt, LA Sen. Dist. 1; Larry Frieman, LA Rep. Dist. 74; Malinda White, LA Rep. Dist. 75; Bob Owen, LA Rep. Dist. 76; Mark Wright, LA Rep. Dist. 77; Richard Nelson, LA Rep. Dist. 89; Paul Hollis, LA Rep. Dist. 104; Kathy Stuart, Sen. Bill Cassidy’s office; Pete Jabbia, int.-superintendent, STPPS; Ron Smith, Boys and Girls Club St. Tam- many; Joey Roberts, West St. Tammany YMCA; Chris Masingill, St. Tammany Corporation; Lacey Osborne, St. Tammany Chamber ; Bonnie Eades, Northshore Business Council; Nicole Suhre, STH Foundation; Susan Bourgeois, NS Community Foundation; Kevin Gardner, HUB International. STQNAnnounces 2020 Third Quarter Medical Director’s Award St. Tammany Quality Network presented its third-quarter 2020 Medical Director’s Award to David Toups, MD, for his leadership and work in developing processes that improve patient throughput and enhance the patient experi- ence in St. Tammany Health System’s Emergency Department. “Dr. Toups’ dedication to patient care is inspir- ing,” said Michael K. Hill, MD, medical director and board chair of St. Tammany Quality Net- work. “It was not surprising that he has provided extraordinary support to improve care in the emergency room. David always gives a 110 per- cent. In his clinical role, he provides empathetic, patient-centric care. We are fortunate to have him John Blender St. Tammany Quality Network Medical Director Michael K. Hill, MD, left, presents David Toups, MD, with the third-quarter 2020 STQN Medical Director’s Award.