Category Archives: Ascension

Press Release:Surge of COVID-19 Hospitalizations Continues at Ascension Sacred Heart

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Aug. 23, 2021) The numbers of COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola remains at record-high levels.

The number of hospitalized patients fluctuates frequently, so any individual data points are only a moment-in-time snapshot. But here are a few key statistics for today, Aug. 23:

There are a total of 153 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola. The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 one week ago was 146.

Todays number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is much higher than the hospitals previous peak of COVID-19 patients that occurred in January 2021.

The current number of 153 is nine times higher than what it was on July 4, shortly before the current surge of COVID began in Northwest Florida. On July 4, the hospital had 17 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Approximately 93 percent of the hospitals patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

Safe and timely access to essential care is vitally important, and the safety of our patients and staff remains our top priority, said Ascension Sacred Heart President Dawn Rudolph. Our staff is stretched in dealing with the ongoing influx of patients with COVID-19, but our teams are making heroic efforts. We are performing surgeries and procedures our patients need urgently or in an emergency. At the same time, we are utilizing all of our staffing resources and allocating personnel in the most appropriate and effective manner to ensure care for every patient.

Due to a lower rate of vaccination among younger people, the hospital is treating more patients who are under 50 compared to the prior surges of July 2020 and January 2021.

In Escambia County, only 49 percent of individuals 18 and older have been fully vaccinated compared to the national average of 63 percent, according to the New York Times. In Santa Rosa County, only 45 percent of those 18 and older are fully vaccinated. By comparison, the number of those 65 and older who are fully vaccinated is much higher 79 percent.

On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first COVID-19 vaccine to go from emergency use authorization (EUA) to full FDA approval.

This is an important milestone, Rudolph said. While all of the COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. have long been considered safe and highly effective, now that the FDA has granted full FDA approval to the Pfizer vaccine) we are hopeful that many more people in our communities will step up to be vaccinated. Our healthcare workers need the communitys support to stop this surge. The best tools we have available to stop COVID-19 are wearing masks in public indoor spaces and, most important, getting the vaccine.

Everyone in our community plays a critical role in keeping us safe from this virus. Ascension Sacred Heart urges anyone 12 and older to get vaccinated now to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our community against COVID-19. The vaccines are safe and effective, and the evidence is clear that the benefits of being vaccinated far outweigh any identified risks or side effects.

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Hospitalizations surging at Ascension Sacred Heart Rick's Blog - ricksblog.biz

Learn about creating fall vegetable gardens for small spaces

Learn how to grow a bountiful small fall vegetable garden in small spaces. Explore types of small gardens, including container and edibles in the landscape, with Janis Poche, Advance Master Gardener. Discover types of space-saving vegetables that produce plenty without taking up space.

The Fall Vegetable Gardens for Small Spaces workshop is set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at Ascension Parish Library in Galvez. This educational gardening workshop is brought to you by Ascension Parish Library and the Ascension Parish Master Gardeners Association under the direction of the LSU AgCenter.

Registration is required and space is limited. Call (225) 622-3339 to register or for more information. Masks may be required according to current mandates.

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Ascension Parish Library is hosting an educational poster exhibition, curated by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, that presents the events of that fateful day, the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the nine-month recovery period and the ongoing repercussions in order to give visitors a deeper understanding of this key moment in modern American history.

Told across 14 posters, this exhibition includes archival photographs and artifact imagery from the 9/11 Memorial & Museums permanent collection. To view this exhibition and learn more about the history of 9/11, visit Ascension Parish Librarys Gonzales, Dutchtown or Galvez locations during regular operating hours throughout the September. Masks may be required according to current mandates.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the countrys principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. This poster exhibition has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom. For more information about the exhibition, visit 911memorial.org.

As COVID-19 cases rise in our area, many events are being canceled or moved to a virtual program.

We're listing planned events, but be aware that anything could get canceled. Call or visit websites to verify the event will be held.

The staff at the Ascension Parish Health Unit reminds residents they can get the COVID-19 vaccine at the health unit.

The Moderna vaccine is available at the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 S. East Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales. Appointments are available by calling (225) 450-1425.

For information, visithttps://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine/.

Take off Pounds Sensibly meets starting with weigh-in at 9:15 a.m. and meeting at 10 a.m. every Thursday at the fellowship hall at Carpenter's Chapel Church, 41181 La. 933, in Prairieville. Dues are $5 a month. For information, call Miriam Sanchez at (225) 202-8521.

The Recycling Center is at the Department of Public Works headquarters, 42077 Churchpoint Road in Gonzales. Operating hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

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Around Ascension for Aug. 25, 2021 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate

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DONALDSONVILLE - A movie boasting a cast that includes "Captain America" star Anthony Mackie is expected to film this week in Ascension Parish.

Local officials told the Donaldsonville Chief that production will begin as soon as Monday for the upcoming Netflix film "We Have a Ghost". Aside from Mackie, a New Orleans native, the cast will include David Harbour, Jennifer Coolidge, Jahi Di'Allo Winston, and Tig Notaro.

Filming in Donaldsonville will happen along Railroad Avenue, from Mississippi Street toward Louisiana Square. Filming in the city is expected to take at least a week, with officials asking some local businesses to close temporarily to accommodate the film crew.

The report said the production is requiring that all cast and crew be be fully vaccinated and that it's trying to avoid large crowds gathering during filming due to the pandemic.

Filming for "We Have a Ghost" is also expected to take place in New Orleans.

Another Netflix production, "The Highwaymen", filmed in Donaldsonville back in 2018. That film, based on the real-life pursuit of infamous criminals Bonnie and Clyde, starred Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson.

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Upcoming Netflix movie 'We Have a Ghost' starts filming in Ascension Parish this week - WBRZ

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) Ascension Providence will offer monoclonal antibody treatments amid a surge in coronavirus cases in Mobile County.

Here is the unedited press release:

MOBILE, Ala. (Aug. 20, 2021) In response to the surge of COVID-19 cases,AscensionProvidence is offering an investigational medical treatment in which monoclonal antibodies are given to patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms of COVID-19.

Patients who are already in the hospital or requiring oxygen because of COVID-19 infection are not eligible for the outpatient treatment.

AscensionProvidence has received doses of Regenerons monoclonal antibody treatment called REGEN-COV. It is a combination of two antibodies (casirivimab and imdevimab) used for early treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.

REGEN-COV has been granted an Emergency Usage Approval (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on research data. Clinical trials have shown monoclonal antibodies have likely benefit in preventing emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to the coronavirus. REGEN-COV is being administered via subcutaneous injections.

Clinical trials have shown that patients who receive the antibody therapy have less severe symptoms from COVID-19 and recover sooner. The antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus.

AscensionProvidence is offering monoclonal antibody injections to patients who meet certain clinical criteria and are COVID-19 positive, said Dr. Ijaz Iqbal, chief medical officer atAscensionProvidence.

To be eligible for the outpatient treatment, individuals must have at least one condition that puts them at high risk for major complications or death from COVID-19. The high-risk categories include: Older age (for example 65 years and older) Obesity or being overweight Pregnancy Chronic Kidney Disease Diabetes Immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive treatment Cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure Chronic lung diseases Sickle cell disease Neurodevelopmental disorders Having a medical-related technological dependence (for example, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation not related to COVID-19) Other medical conditions of factors that place patients at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19

Ascension Providence is seeing a higher percentage of patients under 50 years old being hospitalized compared to a year ago, with many patients in their 20s and 30s. To date, 93 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations atAscensionFlorida and Gulf Coast locations have occurred among patients who are not vaccinated.

The antibody to neutralize the virus has to be given to patients in a narrow window of time within 10 days of when they start showing symptoms, but before theyre sick enough to be hospitalized. Ideally, the drug should be given within three days of a positive test for COVID-19.

Patients may be referred to the program by their primary care physician by calling 251-266-3197.AscensionProvidence is working with other healthcare organizations to promote vaccination and set up sites for monoclonal antibody injections.

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Ascension Providence Offers Antibody Therapy for COVID-19 - WKRG News 5

When the Louisiana Department of Education recently released statewide data showing participation and achievement levels on state assessments during the 2020-21 school year, Ascension public schools, along with Central and Zachary, led the state in the percentage of students who achieved mastery and advanced in all grades and all subjects.

In addition, Ascension and St. Tammany had the highest percentage of students with disabilities who scored mastery and advanced in all grades and all subjects.

"We applaud our students who put forth a tremendous amount of effort, our teachers who were directly responsible for student learning, and all of the people who protected and supported the work in our classrooms and in virtual learning environments, especially during a global pandemic," Superintendent David Alexander said.

"Of course, we are happy to see the achievement levels our students were able to reach, but the statistic I am most proud of is that 99.5% of students participated in state testing. That speaks directly to their perseverance and commitment to academic improvement.

"We will use this data to inform our work this year in closing achievement gaps and preparing students to successfully pursue the careers of their choice."

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In addition to state testing participation and achievement rates, the Department of Education released high school performance metrics. The graduation rate for Ascension Public Schools grew from 88.7% in 2019 to 91.1% in 2020, far surpassing the state average of 84%. Also, 67.5% of all Ascension graduates earned either an advanced or basic credential and 63.5% enrolled in college in the fall immediately after graduation.

"The commitment and effort of our teachers, staff, and students are not defined by statewide assessments," Alexander said. "However, we are very grateful that their commitment and effort resulted in such great outcomes which will be used to inform our work."

LEAP 2025 includes assessments of English language arts, math, science and social studies for grades 3-12. The tests measure the knowledge and skills defined by the states content standards for each grade. Student scores are reported on five levels: unsatisfactory, approaching basic, basic, mastery or advanced. Students scoring mastery and advanced are considered proficient, or ready for the next grade level.

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Ascension Parish students score among the best in state assessment tests - The Advocate

Food bank recertifying clients

The Great Baton Rouge Food Bank will be recertifying clients from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Aug. 23 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center.

Clients must bring identification and a utility bill such as a water bill, gas bill or light bill. Face masks are encouraged.

Anyone picking up food for someone must also have a copy of their ID and a copy or picture of their utility bill.

For questions, call (225) 359-9940.

As COVID-19 cases rise in our area, many events are being canceled or moved to a virtual program.

We're listing planned events, but be aware that anything could get canceled. Call or visit websites to verify the event will be held.

Need new ideas for your flower garden? Discover what first filial generation seeds and plants are and how they can make useful additions to your home garden.

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This educational gardening workshop, brought to you by Ascension Parish Library and the Ascension Parish Master Gardeners Association under the direction of the LSU AgCenter, explores how new and improved genetics make flower gardening rewarding and less labor intensive.

Cindy Moran, licensed landscape horticulturist and former owner of a wholesale bedding plant nursery, will discuss how interspecific crosses have revolutionized flowers and foliage in gardens. "F1 Hybrids: Not Your Grandmothers Flowers" will beat 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at Ascension Parish Library in Gonzales. Registration is required and space is limited. Call (225) 647-3955 to register.

The staff at the Ascension Parish Health Unit reminds residents they can get the COVID-19 vaccine at the health unit.

The Moderna vaccine is available at the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 S. East Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales. Appointments are available by calling (225) 450-1425.

According to its news release, vaccines are an essential part of helping to safely bring Louisiana back, and the Ascension Parish government is working hard, together with its partners the Louisiana Department of Health and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to help do so, according to a news release.

For information, visithttps://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine/.

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Around Ascension for Aug. 18, 2021 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate

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Neon Giant and Curve Digitals The Ascent recently launched and the developers are continuing to work on updates for all players. While the PC version on Steam previously received a patch fixing several problems and improving performance, that patch is now available on Xbox and Windows 10 PC. You can check out the full list of patch notes but some highlights include numerous crashes solved, camera problems, UI issues and co-op related bugs.

The Ascent is currently available on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and PC via Steam and Xbox Game Pass for PC.

If youre on Xbox consoles you should automatically get the latest update but if you want to check and be sure, check the file info in your My Games and Apps. One line of text should read as CurveDigital.TheAscent_2.1.4.0_neutral__1ezqdnbhnc70m. If youre playing the Windows 10 version, when you check under the App Settings, you should find a line of text reading as CurveDigital.TheAscent_2.1.4.0_x64__1ezqdnbhnc70m.

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Ascension on Xbox One and PC has received an update that includes a number of bug fixes. - Gaming News - BollyInside

North Louisiana teams have claimed Class 1A football supremacy for decades. Three of the four finalists were from the Shreveport-Monroe areas a year ago.

Southern Lab coach Darrell Asberry cautions those tempted to overlook the Baton Rouge area teams.

Those teams from north Louisiana like Oak Grove, Ouachita Christian and Calvary (Baptist) are all good, Asberry said. But I think our 1A football is good across the board.

In the last couple of years weve had teams right there in the mix. The challenge for us is to get past the semifinals. The loss to Calvary in the semifinals stuck with us. We have a number of guys back, and they are motivated to take that next step.

Oak Grove won the Class 1A title again last December, while Calvary ousted Ouachita Christian in the Division IV select final after a 24-14 semifinal win over Southern Lab.

The strength of the areas Class 1A contingent reaches beyond SLHS. East Iberville advanced to the 1A semifinals for the first time in 2020.

In 2019 Catholic High of Pointe Coupee in Division IV and 1A White Castle were LHSAA runners-up. Ascension Catholic was the Division IV runner-up in 2017 and 2018.

Baton Rouge's 1A group is again spread over three districts, includes one of the states top 2022 prospects and includes new head coaches for two of the top teams.

Though Asberrys team has its share of key players, the top senior is Ascension Catholic defensive lineman-tight end JMond Tapp. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Tapp has a number of Power Five school offers, including one from LSU.

The Bulldogs new spread offense could make Tapp the biggest tight end threat in 1A since ESPNs Marcus Spears starred at Southern Lab before moving to LSU in 2001 and then to the NFL.

Quarterback Angelo Izzard returns to lead Southern Lab. The Kittens will get a boost from the return of lineman Christopher Best and defensive back-receiver Herman Brister III from injuries in 2020.

Chris Schexnayder took over as ACHS coach after the retirement of Benny Saia last spring. Schexnayder was the Bulldogs defensive coordinator a year ago.

I believe going to the spread will give our guys the chance to do the things they do well, Schexnayder said. We may not be the biggest team, but we do have speed and getting our guys out in space where they can make plays should be to our advantage.

Meanwhile, Vinnie Bullara is the new head coach at Catholic-PC. Like Schexnayder, Bullara was the defensive coordinator a year ago. He takes over for David Simoneaux Jr., who moved to Class 5A Catholic High as head coach.

I think Class 1A football has improved all over the state, Bullara said. There are a lot of programs that operate the way they see bigger schools and colleges do in terms of how they plan and execute.

The big question for us with smaller schools is depth. We need to avoid injuries. COVID is a concern again this year.

Schexnayder and Bullara are not the only new coaches. William Scooter Myers is the new head coach at Slaughter Community Charter. Myers moved to Zachary from Belle Chasse after Hurricane Katrina and was the head coach Northwestern Middle School.

Former Donaldsonville and Tulane standout Devon Breaux was named head coach at Thrive Academy in late July. Breaux was a Thrive assistant last year.

Coby Minton is the new head coach at St. John. Minton is a former Patterson High player and the son of Tommy Minton, who coached Plaquemine and then took Patterson to the 3A title game.

Catholic-PC is the lone area team in District 5-1A, which consists of Acadiana area powers Opelousas Catholic and St. Edmund.

Southern Lab is the leader of the District 6-1A pack that also includes Slaughter, Thrive and Central Private. Ascension Catholic leads the 7-1A group that includes that features White Castle, East Iberville, Ascension Christian and Plaquemine-based St. John.

East Iberville has retooling to do after graduating 17 seniors. But coach Justin Joseph likes the Tigers chances of building on last years success. Joseph, who previously coached on the 5A level, likes the local 1A competition too.

To me, 1A football is a more of community," Joseph said. "We know each other and pull for each other when we dont play each other. That's new for me and I like it.

ACHS running back Khai Prean is among the players in the 2023 recruiting class. Prean ran for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns, while Bulldog' junior quarterback Bryce Leonard passed for 1,389 yards and 20 TDs.

Douglas Thornton, who ran for 96 yards in the semifinal loss to Calvary, leads the list of running backs vying for carries for Southern Lab.

Fullback-linebacker Hunter Beard helps lead Catholic-PC. Connor Achee and Hayden Elliott are battling for the pivotal quarterback role in CHSPCs option attack.

Defensive back Treyveon Perkins also is the new quarterback for East Iberville.

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Another Class 1A power play? Southern Lab, Catholic-PC, Ascension Catholic lead with talent, aspirations - The Advocate

El Shaddai: Ascension Of The Metatron will arrive on PC on September 1st. The 2011 action game was announced for PC back in December 2020, but developers Crim announced the release date and price with a new trailer, which you can watch below.

El Shaddai is a third-person action game in which players control Enoch, who wears holy armour that falls away as he takes damage. It is like anime fan fiction of the Book Of Enoch, an ancient apocalyptic Hebrew text.

It is perhaps easier to get a grip on it by saying that it was directed by Sawaki Takeyasu, who was a character designed on the original Devil May Cry, Okami and Fatal Frame. He directed El Shaddai for Ignitiion Tokyo before his new studio, Crim, acquired the rights and released a follow-up, The Lost Child, in 2017.

As far as late-in-the-day PC ports go, El Shaddai is simultaneously an odd choice and a perfect choice. Odd choice: it was not a smash hit upon release in 2011, nor a critical slam-dunk. Perfect choice: it was a strange, memorable game with some big flaws that not many people played. Its Steam release is a good opportunity for it to find a larger audience, which it deserves just for not being boring.

El Shaddai will cost $40, with a 19% launch discount down to $32.39, when it launches on Steam. There are deluxe editions available which offer a PDF artbook and soundtrack, too.

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El Shaddai: Ascension Of The Metatron purifies the PC this September - Rock Paper Shotgun

Special to Gannett| The Destin Log

MIRAMAR BEACH Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, like other hospitals across Northwest Florida, has seen a rapid spike in hospitalizations due to the spread of the more contagious delta variant of COVID-19. The Emerald Coast hospital and three other Ascension Sacred Heart hospitals are currently treating more COVID-19 patients than at any time during the prior two surges of the virus.

In the Ascension Sacred Heart hospitals in Pensacola, Miramar Beach and Panama City, there were a total of 260 patients sickened by COVID-19 on Aug. 10. That is up 29 percent from a week earlier, and it is 12 times higher than it was on July 1.

"Safe and timely access to essential care is vitally important, and the safety of our patients and staff remains our top priority," said Henry Stovall, regional president of Ascension Sacred Heart's hospitals in Miramar Beach, Panama City and Port St. Joe. "Our Emerald Coast hospital is very busy and our staff is stretched in dealing with the ongoing influx of patients with COVID-19, but our dedicated teams are providing excellent care. We are still performing surgeries and procedures our patients need urgently or in an emergency. At the same time, we're utilizing all of our invaluable staffing resources and personnel in the most appropriate and effective manner to ensure care for every patient."

Within Ascension Sacred Heart's hospitals, 94 percent of hospitalized COVID-19 patients have not been vaccinated. With the spread of the delta variant of the virus, they also have found that the disease is impacting younger patients. The average age of patients has dropped into the low 40s, which means many patients in their 20s and 30s are getting very sick. They are seeing fewer patients over 65 because most of those people have been vaccinated.

"The current surge is a public health crisis that we hoped would never happen, but the community needs to know that COVID-19 is hitting this community hard," Stovall said. "The surge has put great pressure on our hospitals, emergency departments and healthcare professionals. Our healthcare workers need the community's support to stop this surge now. The best tools we have available to stop COVID-19 are wearing masks in public indoor spaces and, most important, getting the vaccine."

Ascension Sacred Heart continues to urge everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our community against COVID-19. The vaccines are safe and effective, and any possible side effects are greatly outweighed by the protection they provide against severe illness and death.

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Ascension Sacred Heart seeing rapid increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations - Destin Log