Where Storm Hit Hardest, Healing Took Root

On Aug. 29, 2005, just below the Industrial Canal on St. Claude Avenue in the Lower 9th Ward, the earth gave way, and the Mighty Mississippi surged in. Water poured into New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish with terrifying force, leaving behind devastation, death, and a city and its neighboring parish drowning in despair. Amid the record-breaking 15 feet of floodwaters that caused historic wreckage, something else began to take root: A deeper current of resilience, hope and community.

In the very neighborhood where Hurricane Katrina hit hardest, healing emerged in a tangible, enduring way. Baptist Community Health Services (BCHS) arrived with a mission: to care for every person, regardless of income, insurance, language or background. That mission became a movement: a multi-site, Community Health Center anchored in the heart of the Lower 9th Ward, with a growing branch in Chalmette.

For more than a decade, BCHS has served Greater New Orleans, delivering high-quality, holistic healthcare meeting the needs of individuals and families. BCHS still operates the only two primary care clinics in the Lower 9th Ward since Katrina, and continues to expand its mission: demonstrating the love of Christ by providing high-quality medical and behavioral healthcare.

Today, BCHS has five stand-alone locations across the region: New Orleans at 4960 St. Claude Ave. (main office), 4209 St. Claude Ave. (pediatrics) and 1616 Fats Domino Ave.; Chalmette at 221 W. Genie St. (pediatrics); and Mandeville at 1445 W. Causeway Approach.

Entering its second decade, BCHS is launching two new mobile care units – symbols of its ongoing commitment to closing healthcare gaps and responding swiftly in future disasters. One will provide daily dental care and be able to convert to a mobile medical response unit. This is made possible through generous partnerships with LSU School of Dentistry, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, and Direct Relief. A second unit, funded largely by a behavioral health expansion grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, will focus on mental health alongside BCHS’ new innovative treatment offerings for substance abuse and depression.

“BCHS is for everyone, but especially for people like David*,” CEO Phillip Brodt said. “In the midst of alcoholism, David found care, healing, and reconnection with his family through BCHS. We exist to see those kinds of positive transformations.”

To become a patient or learn more, call (504) 533-4999, email info@bchsnola.org, or visit bchsnola.org.

Check out the full magazine here and find our story on page 24!

*Name changed to protect patient information