FRANKLIN, LA—On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, Franklin Foundation Hospital officially changed its name to Bayou Bend Health System. In July 2022, the St. Mary Parish Council voted to pass a resolution in support of the name change, and five names were presented to a community focus group. Ultimately, “Bayou Bend Health System” was the chosen name.
Stephanie Guidry, CEO, stated, “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 even more excited about what it means for the people in our service district.”
Covalent Logic, a Louisiana-based marketing and public relations firm, helped develop the new name and logo which features three cypress trees reaching high into the sky above a winding body of water while a bird flies above the scene. The inspiration for Bayou Bend Health System was described as: “Known for its winding waterway through St. Mary 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.'”
This rebranding aligns with other future strategic plans, including the construction of the Wellness Center, which is scheduled to open in mid-2023. “This name change coincides with a key change in our organization’s philosophy—we are no longer just an organization that cares for the sick, but we are an organization that is here for the overall wellness of the communities we serve,” added Ms. Guidry.
The name change does not change the organization’s status as a hospital service district or Critical Access Hospital.
For information about Bayou Bend Health System, please visit our website at BayouBendHealth.org.