Ochsner American Legion Hospital (OALH), located in Jennings, Louisiana, delivers state-of-the-art medical care close to home for the patients of Jefferson Davis Parish and the surrounding community. With us, patients come first. We are dedicated to building a healthier community through exceptional patient care, collaborative partnerships and the pursuit of excellence.
The hospital’s history began in the early 1950s when the members of the James O. Hall Post 19 American Legion recognized the need for medical care in the community. OALH opened its doors in 1952 as Jennings American Legion Hospital, and by December 1960 had moved to its current facility. On April 1, 2022, the hospital became part of Ochsner Health, the largest healthcare provider in the Gulf South.
Why Choose Ochsner American Legion Hospital?
OALH is committed to delivering the highest quality healthcare services to patients in the community across multiple specialties right here at home. Throughout our history, we have grown and evolved to meet the needs of our patients, adding new facilities and services and recruiting talented physicians. As part of Ochsner Health, patients benefit from the system’s expanded technological and digital capabilities – meaning our patients have access to specialty and sub-specialty care without having to travel long distances.
We strive to provide excellent personal care to all our patients and use a well-rounded approach that nurtures the physical and mental recovery of patients. OALH is fully accredited by The Joint Commission.
Contact Us
You can call Ochsner American Legion Hospital's main phone number at (337) 616-7000. You may also email us at webmail@jalh.com
Ochsner American Legion Hospital offers an extensive line of services, including:
Cardiology
OALH boasts a newly renovated cardiology department designed specially for cardiac care. We offer the only cardiac catheterization lab between Lake Charles and Lafayette. The modernized facility provides testing and treatment heart disease and is equipped to provide diagnostic coronary angiography, nuclear stress testing and echocardiograms.
Contact our cardiac catherization lab: 337-616-7360
We also have a Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation facility to care for patients who have experienced an MI, coronary artery bypass grafting, stab. The physician-supervised program at OALH utilizes state-of-the-art telemetry monitoring to help patients grow strong physically and to assist with lifestyle modification to facilitate the most successful recovery.
Emergency Medicine
The Emergency Department at OAGH is often the first point of care for many patients in Jennings and surrounding Jeff Davis Parish. Local residents receive immediate care close to home. Our ED operates 24/7 and is equipped to handle every situation, from middle-of-the-night illnesses to life-threatening emergencies.
Radiology
OALG offers a full range of radiology services, including:
- 64-slice CT
- Mammograms
- Ultrasounds
- MRI
- Nuclear Medicine
Our radiology department is equipped with modernized imaging machines to meet your imaging and surgical needs. We are the only hospital in Southwest Louisiana with breast-specific gamma imaging, one of the most advanced diagnostic tools for mammography patients. Through multiple clinical studies, this type of imaging has demonstrated a high sensitivity for identifying earlier stage cancers as small as 3mm and has consistently provided a specificity of 92% - significantly helping to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.
Respiratory
The Respiratory Department at OALH offers complete Pulmonary Function Studies, saving patients the inconvenience of traveling out of town for this service. Pulmonary function tests measure how well a patient’s lungs work, including how well they actually breathe and how effectively oxygen is transported to vital parts of the body. These tests are usually ordered if you have symptoms of lung problems, as part of a routing physical, or to assess how well your lungs are functioning before undergoing surgery.
Surgical Care
OALH provides surgical and post-surgical care in a modern facility consisting of four surgery room, one procedural room and one endoscopy room. The comfortable, friendly and community-oriented environment at OALH is ideal for patients who are hesitant to complete a necessary medical procedure.
Our surgical procedures include:
- Skin/Soft Tissue: Melanoma, Basal/Squamous Cell Cancer, Lipomas, Sebaceous cysts, Pilonidal cysts
- Pediatrics: Pyloric Stenosis, Umbilical hernia, Inguinal hernia
- Vascular Disease: Aortograms/Angiograms, Peripheral Stents
- Endoscopy: Colonoscopy, Flex Sigmoidoscopy, EGD, Bronchoscopy
- Head & Neck: Lymph Node Biopsy, Carotid endarterectomy, Tracheostomy
- Plastics: Gluteal Flaps, Component Separation, Tissue Flaps
- Lung: VATS, Wedge Resection, Pleurodesis
- Liver: Wedge resection, liver biopsy
- Hernia: Inguinal (Lap or Open), ventral (lap or open), umbilical, femoral
- Endocrine: Thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, distal pancreatectomy
- GI: Gastric surgery, Colorectal surgery, Small bowl disease, Gallbladder disease, Hemorrhoidectomy, Anal Fistula/Fissure, Appendectomy, Splenectomy, Open/Lap Gastrotomy Tube, PEG Tube
- Wound: Skin grafts, I/D abscess, chronic non-healing wounds, decubitus ulcers
- Breast: Biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel LN biopsy, axillary LN dissection
- Vascular Access: Mediports, Dialysis catheters, Tunneled catheters, AV Fistulas/Grafts, Central Lines
- Amputations: Toe, above/below the knee
Laboratory Services
OALH offers full range of laboratory services, including diagnostic and screening procedures to assist clinicians in the care and treatment of our patients. With a dedicated team of trained professionals in laboratory medicine and state-of-the-art equipment, our patients have come to expect a level of quality and services that surpasses many other facilities.
Laboratory and blood draw services are administered by physician referral only. When arriving for lab services, you must first register at the outpatient registration desk located on the first floor. No appointment is necessary.
Outpatient Pharmacy
Our outpatient pharmacy serves all our patients, especially those who need assistance paying for their medications. We aim to provide immediate medicinal care when you are available, improving your recovery time. Give our pharmacy a call at 337-616-7371.
Administrative Building Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visitor Guidelines: One visitor per patient, 18 years or older, is allowed to stay overnight. Children under age 12 may visit in patient rooms, with adult supervision. It is asked that the adult supervisor ensure that the visiting children do not disturb other patients. No more than two visitors may occupy a patient’s room at one time.