FALL 2026
A PUBLICATION FOR
IN THIS ISSUE • Breast Health Journey • Community Health Center Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary • A Thank You to Bob Davidson
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A MESSAGE FROM
THE CEO JANIE D. FRUGÉ
Dear Friends, As we welcome the fall season, I am reminded of the incredible generosity and spirit that make our community so special. At West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH), our mission extends beyond providing exceptional healthcare. It also means investing in the health and wellbeing of our neighbors through education, outreach and programs that make a lasting impact. The WCCH Foundation continues to play an important role in that mission. On September 24, friends, supporters and community partners gathered for Wine Down, Vino 101, an evening that celebrated community while raising funds to support local healthcare initiatives. Events like this are only possible because of the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers and attendees, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make the evening a success. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, remember loved ones and share the importance of early detection. It is also one of the most meaningful times of the year for our hospital as we prepare for the Ethel Precht HOPE Breast Cancer Walk on October 17. The annual event also helps keep the legacy of its founder, Ethel Precht, alive, carrying forward her commitment to supporting local women and families affected by breast cancer.
Each year, this event brings hundreds of people together in support of local breast cancer patients, survivors and their families. The funds raised remain in our community through the Ethel Precht HOPE Breast Cancer Program, helping provide resources and vital financial support to those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. While these events highlight the heart of our community, they also reflect our ongoing commitment to improving lives both inside and outside our hospital walls. Every day, our physicians, nurses and staff work to provide compassionate, high-quality care close to home, and we are honored by the trust you place in us. At WCCH, we are grateful every day for the opportunity to improve the health of Southwest Louisiana. Your trust, support and confidence in our team inspire us to continue growing, improving and finding new ways to meet the healthcare needs of our community. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and for choosing WCCH for your care. It is a privilege we never take for granted.
Janie D. Frugé, CEO
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Karen Farnum 2
Healthwise • Fall 2026
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Ellis Hassien
| Robert "Bobby" LeTard
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S. Mark McMurry
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Cecil Sanner
Beyond
the Boardroom
A Thank You to Bob Davidson
In 2000, Bob Davidson was appointed by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury to represent the Sulphur area on the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) Board of Commissioners. Bringing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a distinguished career with CITGO and a wealth of business experience, Mr. Davidson joined the Board with a genuine desire to serve his community.
approach strengthened discussions, encouraged meaningful collaboration and helped guide the organization through important decisions and periods of growth. But his contributions extended far beyond his business expertise. Mr. Davidson brought qualities that cannot be measured on a balance sheet. His compassion, understanding and appreciation for the people who make this organization successful were always evident. He remained committed to ensuring that our community has access to strong, reliable healthcare delivered by skilled and compassionate professionals. His steady presence on the Board provided valuable perspective and helped keep the needs of patients, families and the community at the heart of important decisions.
After 26 years of dedicated service, Mr. Davidson has concluded his service on the WCCH Board of Commissioners. As he steps away from his role, WCCH celebrates his remarkable tenure and the lasting impact he has made on the organization and the communities it serves.
“Throughout his years of dedicated service, Mr. Davidson has been a steadfast advocate for our hospital and our community. His leadership, wisdom and commitment have helped shape the continued growth of WCCH. On behalf of our Board of Commissioners, leadership team and staff, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for his many contributions and wish him the very best in this next chapter,” said Janie Frugé, CEO of WCCH.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Davidson’s leadership reflected professionalism, integrity and sound judgment. His thoughtful
Thank you, Bob, for 26 years of dedicated service and leadership. Your impact will be felt for years to come.
Fall Into Better
WOUND CARE As the seasons change, it’s important to remember that wounds don’t take a break. Cooler weather, changes in activity and underlying health conditions can all affect how quickly a wound heals. Chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries and wounds that are slow to close after surgery or injury, may require specialized care to heal properly. Keeping wounds clean and protected, following your care plan and watching for changes such as increased redness, swelling, drainage, pain or odor can help prevent complications and support the healing process.
treatment plan. With the right care and attention, patients can take important steps toward healing and getting back to the activities they enjoy.
A wound care provider can evaluate the wound, identify factors that may be delaying healing and develop a personalized
This fall, make wound care part of your health routine, and don’t wait for a wound to become a bigger problem before getting help.
When a wound needs specialized attention, our team is here to help. Wound care services are available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at the Community Health Center of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. A physician referral is required, helping ensure each patient receives the appropriate evaluation and treatment.
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YOUR
BREAST HEALTH JOURNEY
What to Expect
A breast cancer concern or diagnosis can bring many questions about what happens next, but patients at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) don’t have to navigate the journey alone. From the first mammogram through diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care, WCCH’s Breast Health Navigator serves as a personal guide to ensure a coordinated approach that connects patients with the services, specialists and support they need at each step. While every patient’s experience is different, this Patient Journey Map provides an overview of the typical breast health experience and the WCCH departments and healthcare professionals who work together along the way.
BREAST CANCER SCREENING AND IMAGING Screening mammograms are an important tool for detecting breast cancer early, when treatment may be most effective. Depending on your personal and family history, genetic counseling and testing may also be recommended to help assess your individual risk.
BREAST HEALTH NURSE NAVIGATOR Your Breast Health Nurse Navigator will be by your side to provide education, support and guidance throughout your care. Your navigator will help coordinate appointments and consultations, answer questions and communicate with your care team to help ensure you receive seamless, compassionate care.
RADIOLOGY AND BIOPSY Following your consultation with a breast surgeon, a biopsy may be scheduled to determine whether the area of concern contains cancer cells. During the biopsy, tissue samples are collected and sent to a pathologist for careful evaluation. The results will help your care team determine the appropriate next steps in your care.
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MAMMOGRAM AND ULTRASOUND If an area of concern is identified during your screening mammogram, your provider may recommend additional imaging, such as a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound. If further evaluation or a biopsy is recommended, you will have the support of a Breast Health Nurse Navigator who will help guide you through each step of the process.
BREAST SURGEON AND RESULTS Once your biopsy results are available, your Breast Health Nurse Navigator will help coordinate a follow-up appointment to review your results and discuss what comes next. If you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, your care team will work closely with you to explain your diagnosis, discuss your treatment options and develop a personalized plan of care based on your unique needs and goals. Your navigator will continue to be there for you every step of the way.
SURGERY If surgery is recommended as part of your treatment, your breast surgeon will discuss the options that are appropriate for you. Depending on your diagnosis and individual circumstances, surgical treatment may include a lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy or a mastectomy. Your surgeon will explain your options, answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about your care.
MEDICAL ONCOLOGY Your medical oncologist is an important member of your breast cancer care team. They will explain your diagnosis and cancer stage, answer your questions and discuss whether treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be appropriate for you. Together, you and your oncology team will develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual diagnosis and needs.
RADIATION ONCOLOGY
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
You may also meet with a radiation oncologist to discuss whether radiation therapy should be part of your treatment plan. Your radiation oncologist will explain how radiation may help treat your cancer, what to expect during treatment and answer any questions you may have.
From your first screening mammogram through diagnosis and treatment, your care team is here to support you. Our goal is to provide compassionate, coordinated care while keeping you informed and involved in every step of your breast health journey.
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Learn more at wcch.com/services/breast-health
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS Following a breast cancer diagnosis, financial assistance may be available through the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer Foundation to help ease some of the expenses that can come with treatment and recovery. Eligible patients can apply for assistance with medical bills as well as items such as bras, prostheses, wigs, scarves and lymphedema sleeves, providing additional support when it’s needed most. Visit EthelBreastCancerWalk.org to learn more. wcch.com wcch.com
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NEWS WEST CALCASIEU CAMERON HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERS Brandi Hollie, RN, has joined West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) as infection prevention specialist. In her role, Hollie will lead the hospital's infection prevention program, overseeing infection surveillance, regulatory compliance, staff education and initiatives that support patient safety and quality improvement. Hollie brings nearly 20 years of healthcare experience, including more than seven years specializing in infection prevention, quality management and regulatory compliance. Throughout her career, she has led infection prevention and quality improvement initiatives, supported accreditation and survey readiness and developed policies and educational programs that strengthen patient safety and regulatory compliance. Hollie brings extensive experience promoting evidence-based practices and advancing patient safety through infection prevention and quality improvement initiatives.
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) is pleased to announce that Demi Neely has joined the organization as director of marketing, foundation and community impact. In her role, Neely will lead the organization’s marketing and communications efforts, foundation initiatives and community partnerships that strengthen the organization’s impact throughout the community. She will provide strategic direction for marketing and community impact efforts, lead the planning, development and execution of the WCCH Foundation, and support organizational business development and hospital growth initiatives.
Karen McCaa, MSM, RN, CENP, CRNFAEmeritus, CPPS, has joined West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) as director of surgical services. In her role, McCaa will provide leadership for the hospital's surgical services program, overseeing clinical operations while advancing quality outcomes, patient safety and operational excellence. McCaa brings more than 35 years of healthcare leadership experience with extensive expertise in surgical services, nursing leadership and healthcare operations. Her experience spans operating rooms, outpatient surgery, endoscopy, anesthesia services, sterile processing and other perioperative specialties. Throughout her career, she has led initiatives that improved surgical efficiency, strengthened physician collaboration and enhanced the patient experience. McCaa holds a Master of Science in Management from Troy University, a Bachelor of Science in Business and an Associate of Science in Nursing. She is a Certified Executive Nurse Professional, Certified RN First Assistant and Certified Nurse Operating Room professional.
Neely brings a diverse background in healthcare and experience working across multiple areas of hospital operations. Throughout her career, she has developed a broad understanding of healthcare operations, relationship development and the importance of strong connections between healthcare organizations, providers and the communities they serve. Her work has given her a well-rounded perspective of the healthcare industry and a strong understanding of the collaboration and communication essential to serving patients and supporting a successful healthcare organization. Neely holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from McNeese State University.
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) is pleased to announce that Kimberly Stogner, RN, has been named emergency department manager. In her new role, Stogner will be responsible for directing and overseeing the daily operations of the emergency department. Stogner holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University. She began her nursing
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career at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, where she completed the RN Residency Program before joining WCCH in 2015. Stogner joined West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital as a staff nurse on the third floor before transferring to the Emergency Department in 2016.
YEARS
of Growing to Meet Community Health Needs Five years ago, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital opened its Community Health Center (CHC) with a clear goal: make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable while giving patients an alternative to seeking non-emergency care in the emergency department. Since then, the center has grown in both services and reach, recording more than 64,000 patient visits since opening. July marked the CHC’s fifth anniversary and an opportunity to recognize its expanding role in meeting the healthcare needs of the community. Designed with convenient access in mind, the center features 24 exam rooms, an on-site laboratory, a procedure room and access to radiology services. Patients can receive a broad range of care in one location, including primary care and walk-in visits,
annual wellness visits, gynecological care and screenings such as Pap smears, mammograms and colonoscopies.
through the fund can contact CHC to learn about eligibility requirements and complete an application for assistance.
The center’s services have also expanded. Cardiology care is now available, giving patients convenient access to specialized cardiac care. CHC is also home to the Sulphur Health Unit, a partnership that expanded access to public health services while saving taxpayers an estimated $2.5 million. Affordability remains an important part of the center’s mission. The Community Health Center Fund provides assistance for individuals who may not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare but do not have access to private insurance, helping bridge a gap that can make receiving needed healthcare difficult. Individuals interested in receiving assistance
As the Community Health Center enters its next five years, its growth reflects West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital’s continued commitment to responding to the changing healthcare needs of the communities it serves. By bringing primary care, specialty services, screenings and public health resources together in one convenient location, the center continues to make it easier for area residents to get the right care in the right setting.
NUTRITION
CORNER by Vanessa Hardy, WCCH Registered Dietitian
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To learn more, call (337) 310-0395 or visit wcch.com/locations/community-healthcenter-of-wcch.
FALL FOODS FOR YOUR FAMILY
For many, fall means new snack and a source of Pumpkin classes, new activities, sports several nutrients. One Is anything more fall-like and a shift to cold weather of these is zinc, which is than a pumpkin? These essential for many body famously orange winter foods. Summer's bounty of processes including squashes are chock-full tomatoes and peaches may be immune function. of vitamin A and deliver over, but harvest season has its 3 grams of fiber per Oats own advantages, including an ½-cup serving of cooked Heart-healthy oats are a sugar pumpkin, plus abundance of the following good source of dietary fiber they contribute toward delicious fall foods. and slow-burning energy. potassium needs. Here are some simple, kid-friendly ways to add Don't forget about roasting Apples Apples pack a powerful the seeds! Pumpkin seeds them to your family's are a delicious and healthful nutrition punch and are meals.
a source of vitamin C and dietary fiber — eat the skins for the full fiber benefits.
Brussels Sprouts They may be small, but Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous veggie family. Each 1-cup serving of cooked Brussels sprouts provides 4 grams of dietary fiber and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K and folate. They even have some protein.
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2026
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For questions about any of the information in this publication, call the West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital marketing department at (337) 528-4735. wcch.com |
Healthwise is published by West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital to provide general health information. It is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician. Please Recycle This Publication. ©2026 West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital
SAVE THE DATE:
APRIL 2, 2027
MAC BURNS GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Mac Burns Golf Tournament
Proceeds from the Mac Burns Memorial Golf Tournament support patient care, community initiatives and hospital operations through the WCCH Foundation. The event also helps provide an annual scholarship to an outstanding high school senior residing within the hospital service district who plans to pursue a degree in the medical field at McNeese State University.
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THANK YOU
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Our 2026 Wine Down event was a huge success, thanks to the support of our sponsors, volunteers and attendees.
Upcoming
BREASTFEEDING
EVENTS 3
Wherever you are in your health journey, WCCH offers classes and events to support you. Visit our website at wcch.com/events or scan the QR code here to see a full list of upcoming events! 8
Healthwise • Fall 2026
Diabetes
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SHOTS FOR TOTS