CONNECT
community BRCC RECEIVES $12 MILLION FOR EXPANSION Our Lady of Lake announced a partnership and $12 million investment in Baton Rouge Community College. The investment will help support the construction and development of the college’s new Nursing and Allied Health building and the renovation of a section of the college’s Bonne Sante’ Wellness Center to focus on sports medicine and training. The new facility will bring together BRCC’s School of Nursing and Division of Allied Health under one roof, and will house the college’s current programs in Nursing, Sonography, Surgical Technician, and Medical Assistant. Additionally, it will allow the College to add high-demand programs in Respiratory Care, Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Training. ■ mybrcc.edu
FIGHT CANCER AND HELP SAVE LIVES
The American Cancer Society has partnered with Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute to save more lives from cancer in Louisiana. This includes a campaign to increase cancer screening rates, patient education, employee engagement opportunities, and Presenting Sponsor rights for the American Cancer Society Excel Baton Rouge Best Dressed Ball. “As the community leader in cancer care for over 30 years, OLOL is committed to key partnerships that create stronger cancer care for the people we serve,” shares Linda Lee, Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute VP of Cancer Services. “Working more closely with the American Cancer Society will provide opportunities to better support our mission and care for our community.” ■ ololrmc.com
REDUCING THE STIGMA OF SPEECH THERAPY
Local speech language pathologist, Keylonda Wheeler, has published the sophomore book to her series, The Inclusive K.R.E.W.E., centered around bringing awareness and acceptance to disabilities. Her latest book, Mrs. Key Key’s Speech Room, was inspired by Wheeler’s own experiences providing speech therapy for school-aged children with various disabilities. She recognized the need for children to see marginalized groups represented in books that educators use in their lessons. The book includes whimsical rhymes that add loads of fun, while readers get to take a peek into the school’s speech room. The children’s book is available now through online retailers. ■ keylondawrites.com 14
M AY 2 0 2 2 | B R PA R E N T S . C O M
CHIMP HAVEN OPENING FOR CHATS
Chimp Haven, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, is opening to guests for ticketed Chimp Chats, and the rare opportunity to witness “The Chimp Life” on the 200-acre forested campus that is home to more than 300 chimpanzees. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the lush habitats where chimpanzees live, play, and explore, and have the freedom to make choices on Saturday, May 14. Times include 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. Chimp Chats will be limited in attendees and held outdoors with behind-the-scenes access to chimpanzees and staff that’s not available during larger public events. Tickets are $75 per person and are available to those ages 10 and older. ■ chimphaven.org
