AVALA News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 2, 2026Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | info@avala.com Covington, Louisiana— AVALA will expand its physical therapy services into Hammond beginning March 2, 2026, through a partnership with the established practice of David M. Heap, PT. The clinic will operate as AVALA Therapy – Hammond, further strengthening AVALA’s growing rehabilitation […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 21, 2026Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | info@avala.com Covington, Louisiana— Becker’s Hospital Review has named Joy Melgar, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at AVALA, to its prestigious 2025 “Chief Nursing Officers to Know” list, recognizing nurse leaders nationwide who are driving innovation, clinical excellence, and operational strength across healthcare […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 2, 2026Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | info@avala.com Covington, Louisiana –  AVALA has been recognized as a 2025 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey, the global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services. This award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 7, 2026Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | info@avala.com Covington, Louisiana –  AVALA proudly announces that Jomel Whittington, MHA, FACHE, President of the AVALA Physician Network, has earned the prestigious designation of Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders. This […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 31, 2025Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | info@avala.com Covington, Louisiana—AVALA Hospital, in partnership with Retina Associates New Orleans, proudly announces that Dr. Stanislav Zhuk has successfully performed Louisiana’s first ENCELTO™ procedure, marking a major advancement in retinal care and personalized medicine in the state. ENCELTO™, developed by Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 23, 2025Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | info@avala.com Covington, Louisiana— In a year when healthcare continues to be tested by shifting policies, rising costs, and workforce instability, one thing is clear: leadership still matters. That’s why the recent recognition of AVALA CEO J. William “Bill” Hankins on Becker’s Hospital […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 8, 2025Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | info@avala.com Covington, Louisiana – AVALA Hospital is proud to be recognized by Louisiana Blue with Blue Distinction® Center+ (BDC+) designations for both Spine Surgery and Knee and Hip Replacement. AVALA is now 1 of only 5 hospitals in Louisiana to hold both […]