are going to expand hopefully, with the help of some of our other business partners, and bring in med tech services such as CNR, LPN’s, maybe two year RN’s, cosmetology, and various others.” EXPANDING HEALTHCARE ACCESS Traci Thibodeaux, CEO of Beauregard Health, talks about the pivotal role of healthcare, as the city has continued to face challenges like major weather events and workforce shortages. Referring to the most recent hurricanes, she recounts, “We were the first inland acute care hospital that remained open and servicing its community in the aftermath of the storm, and we’re very proud of that. But we couldn’t have done that without the support of the city and our emergency response partners.” Thibodeaux acknowledges the workforce challenges in healthcare, including competition from nearby facilities like the Army Community Hospital and Vernon Parish. “We definitely have opportunities for synergy with the school board in this vocational 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 08
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