Opelousas General Health System Earns Louisiana Birth Ready+ Designation

Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LaPQC) announced that Opelousas General Health System (OGHS) has achieved Louisiana Birth Ready+ Designation. This recognition is awarded to hospitals that have committed to quality improvement practices aimed at improving birth outcomes for mothers in Louisiana. This designation is active until December 31, 2026.

“We are very excited and proud to have received this designation,” said Dr. Rachael Tate, Chief Medical Officer. “It represents our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to women and families in our community. This recognition highlights the dedication of our talented team, whose expertise and compassion ensure every patient receives the highest quality of care. We are proud to set a new standard for excellence here at OGHS.” 

All qualifying hospitals have demonstrated significant efforts to implement evidence-based practices that improve care. Hospitals granted this honor undergo a thorough application and review process by the LaPQC Birth Ready Designation Committee. OGHS has been collaborating with LaPQC for years to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns throughout the state.

OGHS is also “Birthing-Friendly” designated. To earn this designation, hospitals and health systems report their progress on CMS's Maternal Morbidity Structural Measure to the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) Program. The measure identifies whether a hospital or health system has:

1. Participated in a statewide or national perinatal quality improvement collaborative program: and,
2. Implemented evidence-based quality interventions in hospital settings to improve maternal health.

For more information about the Louisiana Birth Ready Designation and for the full list of designated hospitals, click here.