Meteorologically speaking, the Atlantic hurricane season does not end until Nov. 30. But from a psychological standpoint, there’s a collective feeling among those in South Louisiana that once we get past today, Aug. 29, we’re on the downhill side of it all. 

That’s the date in 2005 that Katrina roared ashore – and upended everything. 

And although there are infinite reasons to look back at those dark post-storm days with solemnity – starting with the 1,170 Louisiana lives lost as a result of the storm – it also gave us innumerable acts of heroism.  

For example, out of the storm came the Cajun Navy, that civilian-led rescue corps that exemplifies the region’s just-do-it ethos. There was also the outflow of civic pride – and countless fleur-de-lis tattoos – that locals defiantly displayed as they rebuilt.  

And, here on the Northshore, there was St. Tammany Health System’s flagship St. Tammany Parish Hospital – “a beacon of light” in the wake of the storm, as one publication put it.  

Like everything else, the health system was truly tested by Katrina. Unlike the levees in New Orleans, it held, as remembered in the latest installment in our ongoing 70 for 70 series chronicling the health system’s history. 

Looking back, we are as proud as ever of our storm response. It gave our colleagues an opportunity to demonstrate their unflagging commitment to caring for the Northshore community – which they did repeatedly in the wake of the storm.  

And they continue to do it, all these years later. 

On a related note, we are happy to report there is currently no significant tropical activity in the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico at the moment. So, once we get past today’s anniversary – which also happens to be the anniversary of 2021’s Hurricane Ida – we can all enjoy the coming Labor Day weekend without fear of tropical flashbacks. 

We also hope you enjoy this latest batch headlines from our digital newsroom. 

Thank you, as always, for being part of the St. Tammany Health System family. 

Technically, they are all united by cancer – different types of cancer and at different stages, but cancer just the same. 

Strictly speaking, though, that’s not what brought them together recently at St. Tammany Cancer Center – A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center. Quite the opposite, in fact. 

They were there for art.  

“What I really hope is for them to come here and enjoy an hour without thinking about cancer,” local artist Maddie Goff said shortly before welcoming a dozen or so eager pupils. 

As she spoke, Goff was helping to lay out oyster shells, paint pens and other supplies for a free hourlong art therapy session held monthly at the cancer center for diagnosed cancer patients and their caregivers.  

It’s the newest of several such enrichment activities and support services the cancer center offers – others include yoga, chair yoga, meditation, tai chi, healthy cooking demonstrations, support groups and music therapy – as part of its efforts to treat the whole patient, as opposed to focusing solely on the disease. 

Labor Day hours 

With the Labor Day weekend almost upon us, St. Tammany Health System has announced special hours for its clinics, outpatient facilities, business offices and pharmacies. Click the link for details. 

What’s up, Doc? 

In the latest episode of “Northshore Healthbeat,” the official podcast of St. Tammany Health System, we’re joined by Dr. Seth McVea of St. Tammany Pediatrics, who answers listeners’ questions. 

Simply the best 

St. Tammany Health System’s flagship St. Tammany Parish Hospital is among the top-recommended hospitals in Louisiana, according to a state-by-state listing from Becker’s Hospital Review. It is one of only 15 Louisiana facilities to make the list. 

Join the family 

As a repeat recipient of CityBusiness’ Best Places to Work recognition, the time has never been better to start a career at STHS. But where does a person start to find the right role? Good question. Our in-person Career Discovery Sessions might provide the answer