HEALTH & FITNESS

Fitness Facilities:

Vernon Parish offers excellent fitness and healthcare opportunities. We have several walking paths at our local parks which seniors take advantage of. Seniors have taken classes in jazz and tap dancing at the Joan Kathy Dance Center. There are 3 health clubs in Vernon Parish including Curves for Women, All Hours Fitness and Physical Therapy Services (open to the entire public not just physical therapy patients).

Tracks and Trails:

Big Branch Trail (horse riders, hikers, bikers) Ouiska Chitto Trail (horse riders, hikers, bikers) Enduro Trail (motorcyclists, off-road vehicles, horse riders, hikers, bikers) Fullerton Mill Trail (hikers, bikers, interpretive historic bulletin board with information) ‘Ol Sarge Trail (hikers - numerous interpretive signs describing various species of native plants) Turkey Pen Trail (hikers, bikers, horse riders) Walking paths at several parks

The following medical facilities are located within 60 miles of Vernon Parish:

Leesville, LA (Vernon Parish seat)

Byrd Regional Hospital has more than 37 affiliated physicians and 60 beds and covers over 20 areas of specialty. Byrd Regional has a very strong Senior Circle program to meet the needs of seniors age 50+. This is a nation-wide program and Leesville is one of only 2 cities in the entire state to have a local chapter. The program provides special hospital benefits, health education and exercise classes, parties, games, prescription drug discounts, vision care discounts, walking clubs, book exchange, nutrition classes, day & extended trips such as cruises, and a volunteer program. The Doctor’s Hospital has 9 affiliated physicians and 10 beds. They perform Orthopedic surgery, General surgery, ENT surgery, Foot surgery, Gynecological surgery, Eye surgery, and Pain Management Procedures.

Leesville Rehabilitation Hospital
Neurology Center
Tri-Parish Rehabilitation Hospital
Outpatient Medical Center
Leesville Dialysis Center
Orthopedic Center of Louisiana
Leesville Surgical Center
Foot Clinic of West Louisiana
Leesville Diagnostic Center
Agape Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic
Leesville Cardiovascular Center
Thomas Vision Clinic
Leesville Heart Center
Allergy & Asthma Center
Vernon Internal Medicine & Oncology Clinic
Deep South Chiropractic Clinic
Fort Polk, LA (in Vernon Parish)

Baynes-Jones Army Community Hospital has 285 affiliated physicians and 169 beds and over 10 specialties.

DeRidder, LA (20 miles south)

Beauregard Memorial Hospital - 31 physicians affiliated, 102 beds and 9 areas of specialty DeRidder Urology Clinic St. Mary’s Sleep Clinic

Many, LA (45 miles north)

Sabine Medical Center

Alexandria, LA (45 miles east)

Huey P. Long Hospital (charity hospital)
Rapides Regional Medical Center - 191 affiliated physicians, 359 beds and more than 40 areas of specialty.
Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital has 320 affiliated physicians, 265 beds and about 30 areas of specialty.
Dubuis Hospital of Alexandria
VA Medical Center
Women’s Clinic of Alexandria
Alexandria Women’s Center
LeBlanc Women’s Clinic
The Cancer Center (note: The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Vernon Council on Aging and many local volunteers take patients to The Cancer Center for radiation treatment on a daily basis.)

Natchitoches, LA (55 miles northeast of Vernon Parish)

Natchitoches Parish Hospital – Natchitoches, LA: 78 bed facility

Pineville, LA (55 miles east of Vernon Parish)

Huey P. Long Hospital (charity hospital)
Central Louisiana State Hospital

There are many more medical centers and several dental clinics as well.

Nursing Home Facilities (in Vernon Parish):

The Woodlands, Leesville, LA is a 150-bed Nursing Home that offers long-term acute care to Medicaid, private pay and VA residents. Services include a special care unit for persons with Alzheimer and related disorders, recreational and social programs, private and semi-private rooms, physical, occupational and speech therapy by arrangement. Pine Haven Nursing Home is located just outside of Rosepine, south of Leesville, and has 52 beds.

Home Health Agencies:

There are several home health agencies located in Vernon Parish. Byrd Home Health, Rapides Regional Medical Center Home Health Care, Thompson Home Health, and Vernon Home Health, Inc.

The Vernon Council on Aging has many programs for seniors age 60 and above. Health screenings are conducted by area physician’s staff and home health nurses. Exercise equipment is available. Meals are provided daily along with a “Meals on Wheels” program. They have a homemaker service and caregiver program. (More information under culture and recreation.)

Fort Polk hosts an annual “Retiree Appreciation Day” for military retirees. Retirees are able to get health and wellness information, screening/counseling, immunizations, and information on social and recreational activities available.

There are many civic and non-profit organizations in the area that offer volunteer opportunities for retirees including the Arts Guild, Vernon Parish Chamber Theatre, a Community Choir, Community Orchestra, Writers Club, Dance League/Association, Genealogical Association, Gem and Mineral Association, Cattlemen’s Association, Homemaker’s Association, Garden Club and much more. Vernon Parish has nearly 190 churches with an active ministerial alliance which is involved in community worship opportunities and which sponsors groups and programs to meet the needs of the community. There are four veterinary clinics in Vernon Parish to provide care for pets.