Stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments from across our locations. Explore our press releases to find the most recent updates, exciting announcements and key highlights from our organization.
Louisiana healthcare faces a funding squeeze. Could collaboration be the answer?
October 27, 2026
With increasingly significant changes in how healthcare organizations are reimbursed and the growing number of uninsured patients, Mary Bird Perkins must think more carefully about how we allocate our resources—and whether competition or collaboration offers the better path forward. The partnership model is central to our growth strategy. Also see the article on “How Mary Bird Perkins has stayed independent in a consolidating healthcare industry.”
Baton Rouge Corvette Club join Mary Bird Perkins staff to celebrate end of member’s breast cancer treatment
October 15, 2026
Mary Bird Perkins patient Michelle Guarisco was diagnosed with Stage III triple-negative breast cancer in December 2025, underwent chemotherapy through June 2026, had a lumpectomy in August and then received scans showing no evidence of cancer. Along with her friends, family, Dr. William Varnado and members of the Baton Rouge Corvette Club, she rang the bell at Mary Bird Perkins on Essen Lane to celebrate the milestone.
How Mary Bird Perkins has stayed independent in a consolidating healthcare industry
October 14, 2026
Dr. Jonas Fontenot sat down in an in-depth interview to discuss how Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has taken a different approach with its partnerships that allows it to remain strong and independent. Also see the article on “Louisiana healthcare faces a funding squeeze. Could collaboration be the answer?.”
Mary Bird Perkins takes comprehensive approach to high-risk breast cancer screening and prevention
October 11, 2026
Dr. Mindy Bowie talks to The Advocate about how physicians at Mary Bird Perkins are helping women turn their concerns into personalized plans for screening, risk reduction and long-term health. Our breast surgical oncology program offers detailed evaluations that help patients understand their personal breast cancer risk.
Clinical trial tests new breast cancer drug as alternative to chemo
October 2, 2026
Dr. William Varnado talks about Mary Bird Perkins’ launch of a clinical trial for a novel breast cancer therapy featuring a new mechanism of action. Targeted for eligible Triple-Negative and HER2-positive breast cancer patients, the drug addresses cases where cancers eventually stop responding to standard treatments. While classified as a form of chemotherapy, the drug is attached to an antibody that binds directly to the cancer cell surface.
Five years after split, Mary Bird Perkins and OLOL are entering a new radiation therapy partnership
Our Lady of the Lake, Mary Bird Perkins announces joint radiation therapy program
August 27, 2026
Through a $10 million investment, FMOL Health | OLOL hospital will help support technology, construction, staffing and other needs to enhance our successful Adaptive Radiation Therapy program. This partnership strengthens Mary Bird Perkins’ ability to serve patients throughout the community. Full implementation is targeted for spring 2027.
One team in Action:Lessons From Mary Bird Perkins Navigators
July 2026
Jay Grymes speaks on cancer journey at Cancer Survivor Day luncheon
June 7, 2026
Baton Rouge General and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center hosted a luncheon for cancer survivors to recognize their strength and support one another on National Cancer Survivor Day.
OneR and OneOncology Partner Practice Investigators to Present 23 Abstracts at ASCO 2026May 2026
Victor T. G. Lin, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Clinical Research presents at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (May 29-June 2) in Chicago.
“Maturing in dog years” AI’s impact on heath care is accelerating as public acceptance grows. April 2026
Dr. Jonas Fontenot, CEO at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, discusses AI’s impact on the heath care environment.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness MonthMar 3, 2026
Dr. Varnado discusses risk factors, symptoms and screening guidelines for colon cancer with WAFB.
HPV-related throat cancers are rising in men, Louisiana doctors say. Here’s what to know.Mar 1, 2026
Michael Hamilton developed a lingering cough in June 2023 that would no go away. Hamilton, 72, knew something was wrong. He visited his ear, nose and throat doctor, Dr. Ben Walton, who said his vocal chords looked strained. Walton’s advice, according to Hamilton, was to limit talking and revisit in a months time. “It did not go away,” Hamilton said. His next appointment included a CT scan that led to a scope and a biopsy at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
Cancer center becomes first in region to provide CAR-T cell therapy without hospital stayFeb 5, 2026
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has become the first facility in the region to offer a new blood cancer treatment in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to receive care while staying at home. The treatment, called CAR-T cell therapy, is a form of immunotherapy that has been approved by the FDA as an alternative to traditional chemotherapy for blood cancers.
Low-intensity Shockwave Therapy in Male Pelvic Health After Cancer TreatmentJan/Feb 2026
Survival after prostate, bladder, rectal, and other pelvic cancers continues to rise, creating a growing population of male survivors who live many years beyond treatment. This success brings a parallel increase in survivorship morbidity, but an emerging noninvasive tool shows promise for treating some conditions.
Community-Driven Patient Navigation: Overcoming Barriers to Care in the Heart of LouisianaJan 2026
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center (MBPCC) was founded in the late 1960s through a community-led effort to bring high-quality cancer care to the greater Baton Rouge area. Today, MBPCC has expanded into a state-of-the-art community-driven cancer care network serving patients across Louisiana and southwest Mississippi. Despite this growth, many residents in North Baton Rouge continue to experience disproportionately high cancer burdens. Elevated poverty and uninsured rates, limited access to healthcare facilities, and a reliance on public transportation all converge to create substantial barriers to timely quality cancer care.
Mary Bird Perkins expands Metairie clinic with new urologic servicesOctober 3, 2025
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has expanded its Metairie clinic to include new urologic services, providing specialized care for prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers to improve access for patients in the region.
New north Baton Rouge mural highlights importance of equal access to clinical trials September 30, 2025
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center unveiled a new mural in North Baton Rouge highlighting the importance of equal access to clinical trials and the Center’s commitment to advancing health equity.
Renovations complete at Mary Bird Perkins Gonzales facilitySeptember 22, 2025
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Gonzales facility has completed a major renovation with a larger infusion suite, new laboratory, and additional exam rooms, significantly increasing its capacity to serve patients.
Jay Grimes and doctors talk tongue and throat cancer, preventionAugust 28, 2025
Jay Grymes and physicians at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center discuss the rising prevalence of tongue and throat cancers linked to HPV and emphasize prevention through the HPV vaccine for teens and adults up to age 45.
Mary Bird Perkins hosting ‘Barbershop Bash’ to raise prostate cancer awarenessAugust 19, 2025
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is hosting a “Barbershop Bash” at Webb’s Barbershop in Baton Rouge to provide free prostate cancer screenings and raise awareness about the importance of early detection.
Mary Bird Perkins COO Jodi Conachen shares insights on leading with clarity, purpose and compassion on the June episode of Strictly BusinessJune 5, 2025
In the latest episode of Strictly Business, the Baton Rouge Business Report sits down with Jodi Conachen, chief operating officer of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, to explore the leadership playbook behind one of Louisiana’s most renowned and rapidly growing health care institutions.
Gonzales native named program manager at Mary Bird PerkinsMay 28, 2025
Mary Bird Perkins announces DeAnna Pastorchik as the new program manager for its Gonzales location.
‘Everyone has to have a seat at the table’: New grant helping researchers at Mary Bird Perkins increase diversity in clinical trialsMay 20, 2025
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is working to bring new opportunities for diversity in cancer research and treatment with the help of a $400,000 grant.
Franklin Medical Center partners with Mary Bird Perkins to enhance cancer treatmentMay 14, 2025
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and the Franklin Medical Center are bringing enhanced cancer care to the Winnsboro region through a new partnership.
Live Well Baton Rouge happening this SaturdayMay 13, 2025
Mary Bird Perkins is hosting Live Well Baton Rouge this Saturday. Matt Venezia finds out what makes the event tick.
Gonzales Area Foundation raises $625,000 for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center expansionMay 5, 2025
The Gonzales Area Foundation announced it surpassed its goal and contributed $625,000 toward the expansion of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Ascension Parish.
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to host cancer screening eventApril 24, 2025
Live Well Delta returns to Monroe.
Mary Bird Perkins hosts global conference in Baton Rouge, celebrates new cancer technologyApril 17, 2025
Elekta, a company based in Sweden, is one of the world’s leaders in developing some of the most cutting-edge cancer treatment technologies — and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has worked with them since 2008 in implementing some of these tools in Baton Rouge. Now, the two are taking their partnership to the next level.
Mary Bird Perkins, BRG spreading awareness of colorectal cancerMarch 7, 2025
With March marking Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Mary Bird Perkins has teamed up with Baton Rouge General to raise awareness.
February recognized as National Cancer Prevention MonthFebruary 19, 2025
While life can become unpredictable with challenges and setbacks like a cancer diagnosis, there are many things you can do today to reduce your risk. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Meredith Bechac shows Matt Venezia how healthy eating can make a big difference.
Wheeling for Healing cross-country bicyclists ride to raise money, awareness for cancer researchFebruary 18, 2025
Cycling all the way from California, three cyclists stopped in Baton Rouge to make an important donation.
Senior Director, Communications & Media Relations
P: (225) 215-1290 | C: (225) 978-9934 | F: (225) 215-1387smiller@marybird.com
