Opelousas General Health System Foundation Distributes Funds to
Support Health Activity and Safety
Opelousas, LA, 8/20/2026 –Opelousas General Health System (OGHS) Foundation has distributed funds to nine St.
Landry Parish schools to promote healthy activity and student wellness. Beau Chene High School, Magnet Academy
of the Cultural Arts, North Central High School, Northwest High School, Opelousas Catholic School, Opelousas
High School, Palmetto Elementary, Park Vista Elementary, and Port Barre High School received funding for new
projects ranging from sports equipment to mental health support through creative arts. OGHS Foundation was able
to distribute funding after securing a State of Louisiana grant specifically geared toward enhancing physical activity
in school children.
According to The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health,
the average screen time exceeds 8 hours a day for teenagers aged 13 to 18. OGHS Foundation recognizes the
importance of promoting extracurricular activities for children and teenagers. In turn, the benefits of this grant are
numerous: creating community, teaching children and teens the importance of teamwork and connection, while
combating the risk of obesity, anxiety, depression, and future health concerns. By supporting the vision of local
schools OGHS Foundation is creating a healthier, happier St. Landry Parish where children can thrive.
The funding will be directed by the schools for a wide array of sports and activities. Examples include a wrestling
mat at Beau Chene High School, soccer nets and updated track equipment at Opelousas High School, updated weight
room equipment and a softball pitcher protection screen at Northwest High School. Palmetto Elementary is
upgrading its gymnasium, and Park Vista Elementary needs new playground equipment, for which they will be
dedicating the new play area to the late Principal Ulysse Joubert. Opelousas Catholic School will enhance its sports
lighting equipment, North Central High School will update its uniforms and javelins, and Port Barre High School
will focus on baseball field restoration. Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts plans to expand its creative arts program,
providing students with additional opportunities for creative expression, connection, and engagement.
OGHS Foundation is dedicated to its mission of supporting Opelousas General through relationships, stewardship,
and philanthropy, and one step in doing so is improving the opportunities for movement and community in the
children of St. Landry Parish.
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About Opelousas General Health System Foundation
Opelousas General Health System Foundation is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) public charity in support of the
mission of Opelousas General Health System and commitment to care through financial stewardship, resource
development and promoting community health.
About Opelousas General Health System
Since 1957, Opelousas General Health System has been dedicated to the provision of quality healthcare through
its strong commitment and high standards. Central to the success of OGHS’s commitment for excellence is the
presence of an outstanding and highly qualified staff of physicians, nurses, technologists, and other personnel
who provide professional treatment in a caring environment. Serving as the region’s referral medical center,
OGHS is a 181-bed, full service medical center, and the area’s most comprehensive community healthcare
facility offering a wide range of medical specialties and state-of-the-art technology. Visit us at
www.opelousasgeneral.com.
