As announced during the St. Mary Parish Council meeting on July 27, 2022, Franklin Foundation Hospital will be changing its name to Bayou Bend Health System. For this project, Franklin Foundation enlisted the services of Covalent Logic, a Louisiana-based marketing and public relations firm.
Stephanie Guidry, CEO, states that “We are extremely excited about this change. While we understand and are proud of everything that this organization has done for this community for the last several decades, we are thrilled to be moving forward. We are excited for ourselves, but we are even more excited about what it means for the people in our service district.” Of the five names that went to the community focus group to vote, Bayou Bend Health System was the favorite by a wide margin, with a 70% response rate from the focus group. Covalent Logic describes the inspiration for Bayou Bend Health System: “Known for its winding waterway through St. Mary’s Parish, this primary bayou is considered the Heart of Louisiana and of great significance to local industry and culture. Along its many twists and turns, Bayou Teche passes by Franklin’s doorstep, assuring residents of neighboring communities that with Franklin as its polestar, comprehensive healthcare is ‘just around the bend.’” Ms. Guidry also added, “This name change coincides with a key change in our organization’s philosophy. We are no longer just an organization who cares for the sick, but we are an organization that is here for the overall wellness of the communities we serve.” This is in line with other strategic plans in the future, as well as the construction of the Wellness Center, slated to open in 2023.
The St. Mary Parish Council also voted to pass a resolution in support of the name change. This change does not change the organization’s status as a hospital service district or Critical Access Hospital.