TGMC partners with Terrebonne Foundation

Terrebonne General Medical Center announced a four-year partnership Wednesday with the parish’s Foundation for Academic Excellence. The hospital will also sponsor the 5K Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Fest.

With the partnership, this year’s event will bear TGMC’s name: “TGMC 5K Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Festival.”

The local health care facility has been a major contributor to the race for years, but administrators said the partnership will set the pace for healthy living in the community.

“This partnership signifies Terrebonne General Medical Center’s commitment to improving health and education in our community,” TGMC’s President and Chief Executive Officer Phyllis Peoples explained at Wednesday’s press conference. “This is a way that we can bring more educated people into the medical field.”

Peoples said the partnership allows TGMC to further its mission to improve the health of the community it serves. “We are the largest health care provider in the region, TGMC strives to keep Houma a positive and healthy place to live and to increase healthcare awareness in the community,” she said.

The hospital executive said this partnership is just one example of how TGMC pledges to be a good neighbor and a good corporate citizen to the people in the community. Peoples said TGMC is striving to reach all segments and all ages of the community. The commitment allows TFAE to provide resources to Terrebonne Parish’s public schools, providing teachers with grant money to expand on current programs or develop new ones.

TFAE President J.J. Buquet said the foundation began with a fund spearheaded by Danny Walker, a member of the TGMC board of directors. He said as of right now, TFAE has an endowment of nearly $1.2 million that goes to help the students and teachers in Terrebonne Parish.

This year’s event theme is “Setting the Pace for Healthy Minds and Healthy Bodies.”

TGMC Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael Fakier, a past participant along with his wife in the 5K run, said the May 12 race is a premier event for downtown Houma.

From a personal standpoint, Fakier reflected on his mother’s nearly 20-year career as a public school teacher in Terrebonne Parish. Fakier said growing up he recognized her passion for education, and noted he sees the same in TFAE and among the TGMC administration and staff.

To help prepare for the 5K run, TGMC’s rehabilitation department is composing a health guide, which will include tips on a proper race diet and training.

Also, TFAE Executive Director Yolanda Trahan said entries are being accepted for the 5K Run poster contest, which is open to any Terrebonne Parish resident age 13 or older. Trahan said artists can submit up to three drawings, which must contain the 5K Run logo and the wording “The Courier Presents: TGMC 5K Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Festival.”

For more information, contact the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence at (985) 868-5881.

Terrebonne General Medical Center announced a four-year partnership with the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence Wednesday. TGMC will also be the corporate sponsor for the 5K Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Fest for the next four years. Pictured are TGMC’s Chief Executive Officer Phyllis Peoples, TFAE President J.J. Buquet, TFAE Executive Director Yolanda Trahan and TGMC Board of Commission’s Chairman Michael Fakier. TFAE’s mascot is Cayenne the Alligator, which is worn by Sheila LeBlanc.