News
Building a Healthier Future in Allen Parish through Rural Development Community Facilities Programs
USDA Rural Development Louisiana's Community Facilities Programs are key to strategic investments in rural communities. One recent success is our partnership with Allen Parish Community Healthcare in Kinder, Louisiana. This rural hospital—serving not just Allen Parish but also neighboring Beauregard and Jeff Davis parishes—underwent a remarkable transformation, made possible by Rural Development Community Facilities direct and guarantee loans.
For over five decades, Allen Parish Community Healthcare (APCH) operated out of a facility built in 1969. While the dedication of the staff has never wavered, the building itself could no longer keep pace with the demands of modern medicine. Aging infrastructure, limited space, and outdated systems constrained the care they could provide. That's when APCH learned about Rural Development and the Community facility loan program.
"We met with staff, who explained the application process and encouraged us to apply." Program Director Matt Seaton and Loan Specialist Kyla Flemming stuck by us and saw our project across the finish line," said APCH CEO Jackie Reviel.
“APCH did a great job at highlighting their needs, constraints, and lack of resources. Their strong application allowed them to qualify for our Emergency Rural Healthcare grant in addition to loan funding”, said Kyla.
With funds in hand, the journey started with a feasibility study. After determining that a renovation would be more costly, a comprehensive hospital replacement project was set in place. "Our facility was on its last legs. We had to figure out a way to sustain healthcare in our community, so we decided on new construction," said Jackie.
Adding over 27,000 square feet to the campus, the new building includes a redesigned patient lobby and entrance, making the hospital more welcoming and accessible when residents walk through the door. A key feature of the project is the brand-new Surgical Department—something the existing facility simply could not support. This addition brings operating rooms, a procedure room, pre-op areas, and a recovery unit, allowing Allen Parish residents access to procedures they previously had to travel far to receive. The upgraded Emergency Department, complete with trauma and treatment rooms and a modern ambulance dock, ensures that lifesaving care is just around the corner when every second counts.
By adding square footage and departments, APCH also created jobs and economic advancement for 36 new staff. New doctors, pharmacists, physical therapists, radiologists, laboratory, and maintenance technicians now call APCH home, providing excellent customer service and bedside manner to Allen Parish residents.
The Imaging Department is now equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and mammography services. For the first time, the hospital will feature a dedicated IT hub, essential for secure and efficient healthcare delivery in today's digital world.
"The funding we received is life-changing for our community hospital. These improvements are more than bricks and mortar. Our patients and staff are proud of their hospital. They're actively supporting it, discussing healthcare and how to live healthy lives." said Jackie. In a parish where many residents live on modest incomes and travel long distances for specialized care, having a state-of-the-art facility close to home is life changing. "Our service lines have increased in volume, and the community engages when we have Lunch-n-Learns, and Farmers Markets. We are improving community health one patient at a time.”
The improvements extend beyond medical equipment and departments. New electrical systems, natural gas generators for backup power, fire safety systems, and energy-efficient LED lighting have been installed to ensure safety, reliability, and sustainability for decades. These upgrades are not only practical—they're essential for long-term resilience and the entire community's well-being.
"At USDA Rural Development, we believe quality healthcare should not be a luxury based on where you live. Our Community Facilities loan and grant programs exist to ensure rural towns like Kinder aren't left behind," said Rural Development Program Director Matt Seaton. "We're proud to be a part of this investment in Allen Parish's future."
Allen Parish Community Healthcare is not just keeping up—it's leading the way in what rural healthcare across Louisiana can look like: modern, compassionate, and ready to meet the needs of the community it serves. "At the groundbreaking ceremony, a pharmacist approached me to say how much she appreciated the upgrades to the building and how excited she is to have a new workstation. I felt proud to know we helped their community"—said Kyla.
This is the kind of impact Rural Development Louisiana strives for daily—and Allen Parish is proof of what's possible when we invest in the heart of rural America.
For more information about Rural Development Community Facility Programs, visit rd.usda.gov.
Rural Developent USDA | published Monday, Apirl 21, 2025 | by Portia Langley | Article link
APCH Receives 2024 Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award
Allen Parish Community Healthcare is a 2024 Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award winner. This accolade represents APCH's leadership, providing more human-centric care experiences by identifying what patients need most and pivoting quickly. APCH ranks in the top 5% in patient experience amongst other healthcare facilities across the nation.
Public Notice: Relocation of the Hospital Main Entrance
Dear Patients and Visitors,
We are pleased to announce that our Hospital Main Entrance will be relocating to a new and improved space to better serve you. This main entrance will be used to serve you in the Registration Department, Outpatient Testing Departments, Mammography, Surgical Services, Emergency Department, and access for all Visitors. This move is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance your experience and streamline the registration process.
Important details of the relocation:
- Move Date: The Main Entrance will officially move on November 14, 2024, at 7:00 A.M.
- New Location: The entry will be located at the new construction just to the left of our current location. Clear sign age will be provided to help guide you to the new entry area.
- Temporary Disruptions: We are working to ensure a smooth transition, but there may be minor delays or temporary changes to the registration process on the day of the move. We appreciate your patience during this time.
What this means for you:
- For Patients: If you need to visit the Registration Department on or after November 14, please allow extra time to locate the new department and complete any necessary paperwork.
- For Visitors: Our staff will be available to assist you in answering any questions you may have and escorting you.
We are excited about the improvements this move will bring and look forward to serving you in our new location. Should you need further assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (337) 738-2527.
Thank you for your understanding and continued trust in our care.
Allen Parish Community Healthcare Sweeps HealthCare Service Excellence Conference Awards with 10 Big Wins!
What a winning streak! Allen Parish Community Healthcare is excited to announce that it has taken home 10 outstanding awards in service excellence, recognizing its distinction in improving the patient experience and staff engagement. The awards, presented by Custom Learning Systems during the annual HealthCare Service Excellence Conference include:
Breakthrough Awards
- Diamond Achievement Award ‘HHCAHPS Recommend’ (17.21% improvement)
- Ruby Achievement Award ‘HCAHPS Communication about Medicines’ (11.99% improvement)
- Ruby Achievement Award ‘HCAHPS Hospital Environment – Quiet’ (12.57% improvement)
- Emerald Achievement Award ‘HCAHPS Communication with Nurses’ (6.89% improvement)
- Emerald Achievement Award ‘HCAHPS Communication with Doctors’ (5.76% improvement)
- Emerald Achievement Award ‘HHCAHPS Rate the Agency’ (7.89% improvement)
- Emerald Achievement Award ‘HHCAHPS Care Issues’ (6.16% improvement)
- Emerald Achievement Award ‘HHCAHPS Care of Patient’ (5.46% improvement)
- Bronze Improvement Award ‘HCAHPS Discharge Information’ (5.54% improvement)
- Bronze Improvement Award ‘HHCAHPS Recommend’ (9.84% improvement)
In 2024, 175 Breakthrough Awards were presented during the Breakthrough Awards & National Rural Honor Roll Luncheon held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. The luncheon celebrated the outstanding achievements and innovative efforts within the healthcare industry, recognizing organizations that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to driving excellence in patient care.
The Breakthrough Award highlights and celebrates outstanding achievements in patient experience, honoring healthcare organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication to improving patient care and satisfaction. These awards serve as a benchmark for excellence, inspiring healthcare professionals to continue advancing innovative solutions that enhance the overall patient experience.
These wins cap off a fantastic year for Allen Parish Community Healthcare, as we continue to lead the charge in healthcare. We’re looking forward to even more success in the year ahead!
Recognition Bricks Being Placed!
Recognition Bricks are being placed on our campus! The engraved bricks are a permanent part of our community hospital and are a visual representation of the support of our community.
To purchase your brick, click here.
APCH Welcomes Dr. Marshall Harmon
Dr. Marshall Harmon, D.C., has joined the medical staff of Allen Parish Community Healthcare
A Kinder native, Dr. Harmon graduated from Kinder High School. He played collegiate football at McNeese State University where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Sports Medicine. He then earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Texas Chiropractic College in 2017. Dr. Harmon has completed certifications in RockTape Basic and Advanced, Foam Rolling, Clinical Application of Pain Science, Dry Needling, and Animal Chiropractic - he has a passion for helping animals just as much as he does for humans. Dr. Harmon has completed clinical rotations in Chiropractic, Orthopedic, Neurosurgery, and Training.
Dr. Harmon has an exstensive background in athletics. He has participated in three CrossFit open trials, 11 powerlifting meets and annually competes in the Murph Challenage. In powerlifting he holds a World Record, multiple State Records and has earned two Best Male Lifter awards. Dr. Harmon has also taken on the role of coach working with athletes in all aspects of health and training.
Dr. Harmon also served as a team Doctor/Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Men and Women's USA National Flag Football team that competed in The World Games in Birmingham, Alabama as a trial to be included in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He has also worked along side the American Flag Football League treating the athletes and conducting their warmups and workouts. Dr. Harmon has treated some of the world's most elite athletes.
He is a full time Christian and notes that his favorite bible verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray Without Ceasing."
Work on Allen Parish Community Healthcare’s $15.9M surgical care facility nears completion
Curtesoy of the American Press
Doris Maricle
Construction is nearly complete on Allen Parish Community Healthcare’s new $15.9 million surgical care facility which is expected to open next month.
On Monday, Chief Executive Officer Jackie Reveil showed off the over 22,000-square-foot facility which hospital officials say will expand healthcare services for the community and provide more specialty care.
“This will open so many more doors for the community to assess healthcare especially for those services which have been lacking in the community,”
The project is the first phase of a three-phase project to expand services and improve medical care for the mostly rural area of Allen Parish.
The new facility, which is being built just west of the existing hospital building, will feature an expanded emergency department with a triage room and six patient rooms.
It will also include two operating rooms with a capacity to add two additional operating rooms if needed.
Other features will include surgical suites, a GI suite for endoscopy, labs and radiology departments including state-of-the art mammogram equipment. The project will also include a new lobby with coffee bar and entryway which will be connected to the existing hospital.
“This will improve the health and wellness of our community and allow them to save time and money without having to go out-of-town to receive medical care,” Reveil said.
The new facility is expected to be completed by Sept. 9 pending final inspections from the state fire marshal, Office of Public Health and Department of Health and Hospitals.
Hospital officials said the expansion should allow for the addition of a cardiologist, ENT doctor, ob/gyn and orthopedic services.
In all, almost 20 new jobs including doctors, billing staff and pharmacy technicians are expected to be created by the project, according to Reveil.
Sen. Heather Cloud and Rep. Dewith Carrier recently presented the hospital with $1 million in capital outlay funds from the state to assist with the purchase of $3 million in equipment for the new facility.
“….Rural hospital challenges are significant, but with the support and forward thinkers of our leaders we will be able to provide much needed services for our community, allowing for long-term growth and success in Allen Parish,” Reveil said.
Future plans for the facility include expansion of behavioral health services with construction of an 8,500-square-foot behavioral health unit. It will include 24 beds, a dining room, physical therapy, occupational therapy and group therapy.
The hospital also hopes to add more medical surgical and ICU beds, along with physical therapy services in the future. Future plans also include adding an outpatient dialysis unit.
A nearly $5 million rural health clinic was opened adjacent to the hospital in 2023. The clinic includes six physicians and three nurse practitioners and exam rooms.
Allen Parish Community Healthcare Awarded LHATF Funds for Safety Grant
Allen Parish Community Healthcare is one of 13 Louisiana healthcare facilities to receive the 2024 Funds for Safety grant sponsored by LHA Trust Funds. The annual grant program helps healthcare organizations fund their unique patient safety improvement initiatives.
Allen Parish Community Healthcare’s Funds For Safety project will develop a comprehensive digital rounding system — using technology to conduct ordered routine check-ins with patients, assess their well-being, and address any concerns every 15 minutes — tailored specifically to behavioral health settings. The goal is to leverage digital technologies to streamline processes, improve accuracy, and ensure timely interventions, revolutionizing how safety checks are conducted within behavioral health units.
LHA Trust Funds created the Funds for Safety grant program in 2012 to help fund its members’ initiatives to improve patient safety. Since its creation, the grant program has awarded over $3.6 million to fund more than 100 unique projects for facilities in Louisiana.
Learn more about the Funds for Safety grant program at https://bit.ly/funds-for-safety.
About LHA Trust Funds: For more than forty-five years, hospitals, healthcare facilities, and physician practices have relied upon the Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) Trust Funds for medical professional liability, general liability, workers’ compensation, and cyber liability coverage. Our team of risk experts offers proactive patient safety and workplace safety programs, quality initiatives, risk management services, and regulatory guidance to assist in minimizing exposures.
For more information about LHA Trust Funds, please call (225) 272-4480 or visit https://lhatrustfunds.com/.
Kinder Courier Wins Louisiana Press Award with APCH Ad
The Kinder Courier recently won Second Place in the Staff Generated Ad category in the Best Newspapers competition hosted by the Louisiana Press Association. The Courier ad that earned the award featured Allen Parish Community Healthcare!
We are so proud of our local newspaper and appreciate their continued support.
New Study Find Many People with Medicaid Believe They are Uninsured
A new study by researchers at New York University and Harvard University in Boston found that many people disenrolled from Medicaid during the redeterminations process were likely unaware they had coverage to begin with.
Rachelle Fruge Earns SHRM-CP
Rachelle Fruge, Human Resources Generalist with Allen Parish Community Healthcare, is now a Society of Human Resources (SHRM) Management Certified Professional. SHRM Certification is the gold standard in human resources credentials and is recognized across the industry as a distinction of expertise.
Fruge is a Kinder, Louisiana native and has over 20 years of experience in human resources.
Order a Recognition Brick
The Allen Healthcare Foundation is offering you the opportunity to select an engraved recognition brick for your support of the Allen Parish Hospital Addition. The engraved bricks will become a permanent part of our community hospital and will be incorporated into the construction of the hospital addition.