Opelousas General Health System Foundation Distributes Funds to Support Health Activity and Safety
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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.
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.