Funds for Safety Grant

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• Step 3

  Click the Grants button, located in the navigation menu, to redirect to the Funds for Safety Grant application.

• Step 4

  Click the Continue button, located under the Funds for Safety Grant application – submission form section.

2025 Funds for Safety Grant Recipients

• Allen Parish Community Healthcare

  Viz Neuro: Artificial Intelligence for CVA Detection
  Allen Parish Community Healthcare is implementing Viz AI, an FDA-cleared artificial intelligence system, to improve rapid detection and treatment of acute strokes. Currently a stroke bypass hospital, this project aims to reverse that designation by enabling faster, more accurate stroke diagnosis and intervention locally. Viz AI analyzes CT scans in minutes and automatically alerts stroke teams, helping reduce Door-to-CT times to under 10 minutes and Door-to-Needle times to under 45 minutes for tPA administration.

  The initiative strengthens collaboration among ED physicians, radiologists, neurologists, hospitalists, and EMS to ensure timely, coordinated stroke care. Over a 12-month rollout, the hospital will integrate the system, train staff, and track performance metrics aligned with national stroke care standards. By retaining and treating more stroke patients locally, Allen Parish will enhance patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary transfers, and position itself for stroke center certification and bypass status removal—providing life-saving stroke care close to home.

• Beauregard Health System

  Fall Prevention Program
  Beauregard Health System is enhancing patient safety by revising its hospital-wide Fall Prevention Program through collaboration with HD Nursing Consulting, a leader in fall prevention best practices. This project includes an in-depth evaluation of current protocols and the physical environment to optimize fall prevention strategies.

  A collaborating physician will provide clinical insights by evaluating fall incidents for medical or medication-related causes, supporting the implementation of evidence-based interventions, and educating hospital providers.

  Key goals include reducing the total number of patient falls and decreasing falls resulting in injury. The program will also develop new tools and resources to improve compliance among patients and staff with fall prevention measures.

  This initiative underscores Beauregard Health System’s commitment to safer care environments and proactive injury prevention.

• Citizens Medical Center

  Enhancing Pediatric Care with Specialized Equipment
  Citizens Medical Center received Funds For Safety to improve pediatric care through the acquisition of advanced equipment designed to ensure precise medication dosing, minimize fluid overload, and enhance emergency response. Since expanding pediatric services in 2019 under the leadership of pediatrician Dr. Gerald Ross, the hospital identified critical needs to better serve patients from birth to age 17.

  The funded initiative includes three key upgrades: high-precision digital infant scales for accurate weight-based dosing; syringe pumps that deliver medications in minimal, controlled volumes; and a pediatric crash cart aligned with the Broselow system, ensuring quick access to size-specific supplies during emergencies. Together, these tools will reduce human error, improve clinical workflows, and elevate patient safety in both routine and urgent scenarios.

  This physician-led project is grounded in collaboration across clinical teams, with robust staff training and implementation planned over a 12-month timeline. Expected outcomes include reduced dosing errors, fewer fluid overload incidents, enhanced resuscitation efficiency, and improved caregiver confidence. Citizens Medical Center is advancing pediatric care standards in its rural community with safer, more responsive, and evidence-based practices.

• Iberia Medical Center

  Loving Lungs at IMC
  Iberia Medical Center’s “Loving Lungs at IMC” project seeks to enhance respiratory health and reduce the transmission of tuberculosis (TB) through the implementation of rapid diagnostic testing. Building on the success of its pulmonology program—launched in late 2023 with the leadership of Dr. Moses Kitakule and Dr. Matt Dauterive—the hospital has made significant strides in providing early detection and treatment of lung disease.

  The upgrade to rapid diagnostic testing will allow the hospital to more effectively identify and isolate cases of active TB, thereby preventing further transmission and safeguarding patients, staff, and the broader community. In addition to the equipment purchase, the project will include comprehensive staff training and the development of protocols to ensure accurate and efficient use of the new system.

  Physician collaboration will play a key role in the project’s success. Dr. Lisa Altmann, Laboratory Medical Director, and Dr. Kitakule, Critical Care Medical Director and Pulmonology Program Lead, will provide ongoing oversight to ensure that testing procedures meet all clinical and regulatory standards. Their leadership will help integrate the technology into the hospital’s workflows and guide staff in its effective use.

  By dramatically reducing the time required to diagnose tuberculosis, Iberia Medical Center anticipates not only improving patient outcomes but also enhancing public health in its community. The project’s ultimate goal is to provide safer, more responsive care by enabling rapid diagnosis and intervention, setting a new standard for infectious disease management in the region.

• North Oaks Health System

  Johns Hopkins Activity and Mobility Promotion to Reduce Falls with Injury
  North Oaks Health System is adopting the Johns Hopkins AMP program to reduce patient falls and fall-related injuries across inpatient units.

  Using baseline data from May 2024–April 2025, the program will implement advanced mobility-assist equipment and a tiered education plan to improve patient safety.

  Physician involvement is key, with hospital medicine doctors actively supporting mobility goals and patient engagement. The plan includes prioritizing AMP, integrating mobility metrics, piloting the program on one unit in spring 2025, then expanding based on ongoing evaluation.

  This interdisciplinary initiative seeks to improve patient mobility, reduce injuries, and strengthen a safety-focused culture for patients and caregivers alike.

• Opelousas General Health System

  Increase Security in Medication Rooms
  Opelousas General Health System is addressing medication safety by enhancing security in medication rooms across its two campuses. This project plans to install 25 security cameras.

  Led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rachael Tate, the initiative aims to improve controlled substance management, protect patients and staff, and ensure regulatory compliance. Monthly video reviews and occurrence reporting will support ongoing.

  Expected outcomes include improvement of medication safety, improved accountability through audit trails, minimized medication tampering, streamlined medication management, and reduced risk of theft—ultimately enhancing patient safety and trust within the health system.

• Pointe Coupee General Hospital

  Pyxis CMR interface in the Emergency Department
  Pointe Coupee General Hospital was awarded Funds For Safety to improve medication safety in its Emergency Department (ED) by integrating physician-entered orders directly into the hospital’s Pyxis medication dispensing system.

  This project will implement a new interface between the ED’s electronic medical record system (CMR) and the Pyxis cabinet, a capability already successfully used in other areas of the hospital. The change will streamline workflow, minimize human error, and significantly improve patient safety by ensuring medication selections align with physician intent.

  Led by Dr. Donald Doucet, the hospital’s active physician collaborator, the project reflects a strong interdisciplinary approach to quality improvement. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will support long-term success, with the hospital expecting a notable improvement in medication safety by the end of 2025.

• St. James Parish Hospital

  Enhancing Surgical Efficiency and Patient Safety through a Sterile Processing Department Quality Tracking System
  St. James Parish Hospital is enhancing patient safety and operational efficiency by implementing an advanced Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Quality Tracking System. The new system will automate workflow management, provide real-time instrument tracking via barcode or RFID, ensure compliance with sterilization standards, and integrate seamlessly with existing hospital systems including the Electronic Health Record (EHR).

  Under the leadership of Surgery Medical Director Dr. Jennifer Malsbury and in collaboration with Infection Prevention, IT, and SPD teams, the project will improve sterilization processes, reduce processing times, and enhance documentation accuracy. The initiative includes comprehensive staff training, data-driven monitoring, and continuous process improvements.

  The project aligns with the hospital’s commitment to quality care and operational excellence by making sterile processing more reliable, efficient, and patient-centered.

• Surgical Specialty Center of Baton Rouge

  Security System Upgrades
  The Surgical Specialty Center of Baton Rouge is upgrading its security system by installing at least 26 additional cameras in high-risk areas such as the parking lot, entrances, hallways, elevators, and clinical spaces. This expansion, along with upgrades to exterior cameras featuring AI-driven facial, clothing, and license plate recognition, aims to improve real-time monitoring, incident response, and post-incident investigations.

  Physician collaboration is integral to identify key surveillance areas and integrating security protocols into patient care workflows while maintaining privacy and dignity. Over a six-month timeline, the project will include camera installation, system testing, staff training, and full integration with existing safety programs.

  Expected outcomes include a reduction in workplace violence and unauthorized access incidents within the first year, faster security response times, improved incident investigations, and stronger compliance with healthcare safety regulations—ultimately creating a safer environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

• Terrebonne General Health System

  RFID-Enabled Surgical Safety Sponge Counting System
  Terrebonne General Health System was awarded Funds For Safety to implement a cutting-edge RFID-enabled sponge tracking system in its operating rooms to prevent retained surgical items (RSIs).

  This new system uses RFID technology to track surgical sponges in real time, ensuring a standardized and accurate reconciliation process. Sponges are scanned in and out during surgery, and the system provides both audible and visual alerts if a discrepancy occurs. Integrated EMR documentation and data collection capabilities will support compliance and accountability while improving workflow efficiency.

  Spearheaded by board-certified surgeon Dr. Berry, this initiative follows national best practices and AORN guidelines, strengthening TGHS’s commitment to surgical safety. Expected outcomes include zero retained surgical sponges, 100% staff compliance with new protocols, reduced reliance on post-op imaging, and improved patient outcomes. With full implementation and evaluation over a 12-month timeline, Terrebonne General is setting a new standard for surgical safety in Louisiana.

• Trinity Medical

  Cueing Patient Safety with ActionCue
  Trinity Medical is enhancing patient safety by implementing ActionCue CI software to streamline and modernize quality improvement, incident reporting, and risk management processes. Currently reliant on manual reporting, which delays data sharing and risks underreporting, the new system will enable real-time data entry, automated alerts, and improved tracking of incidents such as medication errors, falls, and patient complaints.

  Physician collaboration, led by Dr. Bonomo, Chief of Staff and Quality Committee head, is key to reviewing data and guiding safety improvements based on real-time insights. The project’s phased rollout includes software installation by May, followed by staff training and full implementation by late summer.

  Expected outcomes include increased incident reporting, reduction in safety events, and timely administrative interventions to improve patient and staff safety across all Trinity Medical facilities.

• Union General Hospital

  Secure Access Project for Patient Safety
  Union General Hospital was awarded Funds For Safety to improve security in its Emergency Department by replacing an aging door with a reinforced, access-controlled system. The existing ER door no longer meets modern safety standards, posing risks related to unauthorized access and disturbances that could jeopardize patient and staff safety.

  The upgraded door will feature durable construction and an advanced access control system, limiting entry to authorized personnel only. This enhancement will protect vulnerable patients receiving emergency care, reduce the potential for security breaches, and align with hospital safety protocols and regulatory standards.

  Dr. Steven Venters, the hospital’s physician collaborator, is providing key clinical insight to ensure the new system enhances security while maintaining efficient emergency care operations. The project will follow a structured seven-month timeline and include installation, testing, staff training, and impact evaluation.

  By preventing unauthorized access and supporting rapid emergency response, this project strengthens the hospital’s commitment to providing a safe and secure care environment for all patients, staff, and visitors.

• Woman’s Hospital

  Improving Patient Safety Through Pharmacy-Driven Medication History and Reconciliation
  Woman’s Hospital is enhancing medication safety by implementing a pharmacy-led medication history and reconciliation program focused on surgical and other high-risk patients. Recognizing that medication errors often stem from inaccurate histories and poor reconciliation, this project trains pharmacy technicians and pharmacists to take medication histories and conduct reconciliations more accurately than traditional nurse-led processes. Studies showed a significant reduction in medication errors when pharmacy staff managed medication history.

  Physicians collaborate closely throughout the project, helping identify process weaknesses, providing feedback, and working with pharmacists to resolve discrepancies during patient care. The program includes interdisciplinary training, process development, and continuous quality improvement over a 6–9-month timeline.

  Expected outcomes include a reduction in medication errors related to history and reconciliation, improved workflow efficiency, increased staff knowledge, and sustained improvements that can be expanded to other hospital areas—ultimately promoting safer medication use and better patient outcomes.

  Reducing Surgical Site Infections in Cesarean Sections
  Woman’s Hospital is committed to improving maternal health by reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) following cesarean deliveries. Cesarean patients experiencing SSIs face increased complications, longer hospital stays, and higher readmission rates. This project builds on previous efforts, including a patient safety bundle and pre-surgery education kits, but addresses disruptions caused by a recent EMR transition.

  Led by Dr. Jay Parenton and a dedicated physician group, the initiative focuses on standardized, evidence-based patient education, preoperative preparation kits, and a structured preadmission process involving nurse phone calls. The project also aims to enhance EMR capabilities to improve tracking and reporting.

  Over phases from mid-2025 through mid-2026, Woman’s Hospital will implement these interventions, monitor compliance, and evaluate outcomes with the goal of reducing the cesarean SSI rate, increasing patient preadmission participation, and lowering SSI-related readmissions—ultimately enhancing safety and outcomes for mothers and newborns.