Church Point Mayor Ryan “Spanky” Meche publicly endorsed the construction of a new hospital during the Acadia St. Landry Hospital Board of Commissioners meeting on July 31st. This marks the first time Mayor Meche has spoken publicly in favor of the project.
In his speech, Mayor Meche addressed community concerns and highlighted the benefits of the new hospital. He recounted his recent visit to Tallulah, Louisiana, where he toured Madison Parish Hospital with leadership from Acadia St. Landry Hospital. Madison Parish Hospital is a critical access hospital, serving a community similar in demographics and household income to Church Point. Mayor Meche noted, “Tallulah’s new hospital is an impressive facility, equipped with the latest technology and comprehensive departments. This visit showed the value of having a modern healthcare facility in a rural community.”
He explained the financial viability of critical access hospitals, stating, “These hospitals operate on a cost-plus reimbursement system, which ensures they remain financially viable. The government recognizes the importance of these hospitals in providing essential healthcare services to underserved areas.”
Mayor Meche emphasized the need for the new hospital in Church Point, saying, “If our hospital were to fail, our residents would be forced to seek care in Lafayette, where emergency rooms already face 6-12 hour waits. Our new hospital will continue to reduce this burden and provide timely care to our community.”
Expressing his confidence in the project, Mayor Meche concluded, “I am not 50/50 on this project; I am 100% in, we are getting a new hospital. Let’s come together and make this happen.”
Following his speech, Mayor Meche presented CEO Michael LeJeune with a golden shovel, symbolizing his support for the future groundbreaking of the new hospital.
Michael LeJeune, CEO of Acadia St. Landry Hospital, expressed his gratitude: “We are grateful for the Mayor’s support and for the community’s continued belief in this project. This new hospital will allow us to bring more healthcare services to our area and ensure our residents receive the care they deserve. We are excited to take the next steps in this process.”
The board and community members responded with optimism following Mayor Meche’s endorsement. This support marks a significant step towards a new healthcare facility for Church Point and the surrounding communities.