Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate.
NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Health will host the fifth annual Health and Wellness Family Expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Joe W. Brown Recreation Center in New Orleans East. A variety of services will be available at no cost, including: health screenings and education, including dental, vision and pediatric hearing, on-site workforce education and recruitment opportunities, voter registration and fresh food giveaways.
“Ochsner Health is pleased to collaborate with NORD, the Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Healthy Blue, and our valued community partners for the fifth year of this signature Health and Wellness Family Expo in New Orleans East,” said Yvens Laborde, MD, chief community medical officer at Ochsner Health. “This event reflects our shared commitment to meeting the critical health and wellness needs of the communities we serve. By bringing together medical innovation, clinical resources, and a wide network of business, governmental, nonprofit, and community-based partners, we are strengthening the foundation for healthier families and more resilient neighborhoods. Community engagement remains central to our mission and to our long-term vision for improving health outcomes across the region.”
Ochsner pursues community outreach strategies that are intentional and data-driven. The community health needs assessment, or CHNA, is one important way in which Ochsner identifies and meets the needs of communities.
The assessment engages, collects, and analyzes extensive input from people who represent the broad interests of the communities served by Ochsner hospitals, including those with special knowledge of public health issues. The most recent assessment identified multiple areas for focus, including access to and continuity of care, health literacy and education, access to behavioral and mental health and more economic opportunity for community members.
A multitude of community and civic organizations will be represented Health & Wellness Family Expo, offering information that fosters and promotes a healthy lifestyle for families.
“The Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is excited to again partner with Ochsner Health as we work collectively to promote health awareness in the New Orleans East community,” said Sheryl Kennedy Haydel, president of the chapter. “With resources and activities for all ages, the Health and Wellness Family Expo will be an event that entire families can enjoy while getting various free health screenings.”
“Healthy Blue is proud to partner with Ochsner Health, NORD, and The Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter of The Links, Inc. to bring health resources directly to the families of New Orleans East,” said Dr. Cheryll Bowers-Stephens, Chief Medical Director for Healthy Blue Louisiana. “This annual wellness expo aligns with our mission of no-cost insurance for individuals and families to that support the physical, mental, and substance use treatment services needed to get and stay healthy.”
Ochsner’s partnership with NORD provides parents with access to summer camp registration and community-driven programs. The Family Expo and NORD are proud to offer active life tools that lead to healthier living for the children of our community.
“NORD is excited to once again partner with Ochsner Health and The Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated to bring vital health resources directly to families in New Orleans East,” said Larry Barabino, Jr., CEO of NORD Commission. “This event reflects our continued commitment to meeting residents where they are and creating pathways to healthier, more active lives. By providing free health screenings, summer camp registration, and family-friendly activities, we’re helping ensure our community has the support and access they need to thrive.”
Ochsner’s partnership with NORD provides parents with access to summer camp registration and community-driven programs. The Family Expo and NORD are proud to offer active life tools that lead to healthier living for the children of our community.
Health and Wellness Family Expo offerings:
Ochsner and community partner participants:
About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner is nationally recognized for inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities through expertise, quality and digital connectivity. In 2025, more than 40,000 dedicated team members and 5,000 employed and affiliated physicians at Ochsner cared for more than 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 65 countries. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit www.ochsner.org.