OutReach Center has something for everyone in your family

Looking for a quick and easy place to get flu shots for your family? Last year, more than 5,000 people got their flu shots at our OutReach Center, at Southland Mall — just another example of how popular the center has become since opening in 1993.

“We’re making a positive impact on the health of our community, and our location is the key,” said William Miller, director of Community Services at Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC). “At the mall, we’re able to reach people who otherwise might not think about prevention and wellness.”

Miracle at the mall
The mall setting has been a main reason for one of the Center’s biggest success stories: the mall-walking club. Started in 1994, the club now boasts 350 members who have walked thousands of miles in the mall’s broad, safe hallways — and made tremendous strides in improving their health. To join, all you have to do is fill out a short sign-up card.

“The walking program is just one example of what we can accomplish when we bring effective programs outside the hospital walls,” OutReach Coordinator Charlene Samanie says. “Our mission is to continue to provide quality educational programs as requested by the community.”

Community-focused service
Programs at the OutReach Center meet many of the most prominent health concerns in our culture and are based on the leading health indicators identified in the federal government’s Healthy People 2010.

You may drop in anytime to have your blood pressure checked or to sign up for a diabetes, stroke, asthma, skin cancer, glaucoma or cholesterol screening.

Services are available free of charge or for a small fee. To sign up for a program or learn more about OutReach Center services, please call (985) 876-7577.

More valuable programs at the OutReach Center

For adults:   Alcohol screenings   Better parenting   CPR classes   “Crimes Against the Elderly” scam and fraud prevention   Flu shots (October-December)   Living with the effects of a stroke   “Look Good Feel Better,” with the American Cancer Society   Personal safety, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office   Self-esteem for adults (People First, a self-advocacy group for people with developmental disabilities)   Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)   Smoking cessation (coming soon)   Support groups, such as Alzheimer’s caregivers, diabetes, Bosom Buddies, multiple sclerosis and more   Weight and lifestyle management

For teens and children:   Baby-sitting classes   Ethics and leadership education (for ages 8-13)   Etiquette and manners classes   Fingerprinting, with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office   “Fit Girl” self-esteem, nutrition, safety, fitness and wellness education (for ages 8-12)   Human anatomy education   Kidnapping prevention (for ages 8-12)   Morals and values education (for ages 4-6 and 7-9)   Teen childbirth education   Weight management          TGMC OutReach Center Southland Mall (next to JCPenney) 5953 West Park Ave., Houma (985) 876-7577 Monday through Friday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.