Ochsner American Legion Hospital Breaks Ground on Major Expansion Project

Groundbreaking expansion will enhance patient care and provide advanced medical services to Jefferson Davis Parish

Jennings, La. – Ochsner American Legion Hospital is excited to announce the groundbreaking of a significant expansion that will enhance patient care and provide advanced medical services to Jefferson Davis Parish. The event will take place on Thursday, September 26, at 10:00 a.m. at 1634 Elton Rd. in Jennings, La.

The multi-phased expansion project, with a total estimated cost of $22.8 million, will feature a state-of-the-art facility designed to improve the patient experience and is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

“Ochsner American Legion Hospital is dedicated to ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible right here in Jennings,” said Dana Williams, CEO of Ochsner American Legion Hospital. “This expansion underscores our commitment to offering top-tier, accessible healthcare while growing to meet the community's needs.”

The project will result in 33,000 square feet of new construction and 5,600 square feet of renovated space. Once completed, the hospital will feature a new main entrance with a covered patient drop-off, centralized registration, and enhanced diagnostic and pre-operative areas. Women's services will be consolidated on one floor for improved care coordination, and the retail pharmacy will be relocated to include a convenient drive-thru service. Phase 2 of the project includes a major renovation to the hospital’s Emergency Department.

“Local healthcare is critical for our rural communities, and this expansion ensures that patients can receive specialty services without leaving their hometown,” said Ochsner Lafayette General Associate Regional Medical Director of Rural Health Christopher Achee, MD. “This project not only enhances access to care but also creates a more seamless and supportive patient experience.”

Ochsner American Legion Hospital, which joined Ochsner Lafayette Generalin 2022, cares for approximately 31,338 patients annually, with a staff of over 445 employees. As part of Ochsner, the hospital is well-positioned to continue offering high-quality, affordable, and innovative care to residents of Jefferson Davis Parish and surrounding areas. The hospital currently operates with 49 licensed beds and provides a wide range of services including cardiology, obstetrics/gynecology, surgical care, and emergency medicine.

Additionally, Ochsner American Legion Hospital enhances patient care with access to advanced specialty services including chemotherapy infusions, teleneonatology and access to the NICU transport team, telepsych through Oceans Behavioral Health, telepulmonology, and telestroke care in the Emergency Department. The hospital also offers electronic e-consults in specialties such as endocrinology, infectious disease, and hematology.

With a focus on accessibility and community-centric care, the Ochsner American Legion Hospital expansion reflects its mission to serve the growing healthcare needs of the region. The hospital holds certifications and designations from the Rural Health Coalition, Certified Rural Health Clinics, the Louisiana Birth Ready Designation and has a Gift Designation from the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative, which celebrates improved perinatal and neonatal health outcomes, the result of safely and equitably implementing internationally recognized best practices to improve breastfeeding outcomes.