Ochsner realizes that our children are the key to our future. In the broadest sense, we believe that if a society produces individuals with healthy bodies and minds, we will have a promising future collectively and individually. Our efforts concerning nutrition, physical activity and education reflect this focus on the work which must take place if we are to create a better future for current and future generations. Based on this principle, Ochsner has made available its expertise in clinical care, research and education for a number of programs in the metro area.

Ochsner has embarked on an ambitious project to transform the health and wellness of our community, using schools as the focal point of our interactions. Research has proven that many chronic health problems, such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, are primarily caused by lifestyle choices. In order to reduce chronic disease in our community, we need to change the choices and behaviors of our children and their families through exercise, nutrition and promotion of preventative health behaviors. Change the Kids, Change the Future™ is an overarching philosophy guiding Ochsner’s work in this area. By working to alleviate the cause instead of the symptoms, we can affect meaningful, lasting change the health and wellness of our community. Click here for more information on Childhood Health.

Community Education

Education is a key element to a healthy population. Most of us want to do what is best for ourselves and our families, but we don't always have the right information at the right time to help us make the right choices. Ochsner offers education in many settings - in neighborhoods, at work, on TV and in your local grocery store.Click here for more on Community Education Programs.

Community Healthcare Partnerships

Ochsner actively looks to partner with other organizations in the area to improve the health of our citizens. Many of the major problems that confront our community are beyond the ability of only one organization to solve. Ochsner has identified key areas where our clinical and management expertise can help the community. Click here for more on Healthcare Partnerships.

Workplace Wellness

Ochsner recognizes that the workplace is a key location for providing education and opportunities to promote wellness. Many businesses recognize the importance of a healthy workplace for multiple reasons: decreased absenteeism, decreased healthcare costs and happier, more productive employees.

For employees, the ability to obtain information and health screenings at work is convenient, combating the age-old reason we all give for not taking care of ourselves: we don't have the time.

At Ochsner, we not only offer services to companies to help them keep employees healthy, we have instituted a number of programs within our own company to encourage employees to make healthy choices using financial incentives. Click here for more on Workplace Wellness Programs.

Service and Community Projects

At more than 18,000 employees strong, Ochsner has the human resources to make an incredible, lasting change in the communities in which live, learn, work and play. In fact, Ochsner is a vital resource to the communities we serve. Operation Outreach is a tool to help harness that potential and direct it into meaningful volunteer opportunities for Ochsner employees which directly benefit the community.