MONROE, LA — Parents of children receiving care at St. Francis Medical Center (SFMC) will be able to be present and involved in their child’s hospitalization through the creation of a Ronald McDonald House Family Room, to be announced this week by SFMC and Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana at a joint event at the hospital. In a partnership between SFMC and Ronald McDonald House, an over 3,000-square-foot space on the seventh floor of SFMC will be renovated and operated by Ronald McDonald House. The new space will feature three overnight suites and a common area for day use by families of pediatric or NICU patients receiving care in the hospital.
This will be the first Ronald McDonald House Family Room in North Louisiana. In addition to the three overnight suites, and two self-care stations with showers and supplies for day use, it will also include a family kitchen and dining room, playroom for siblings, fully stocked family pantry, coffee and snack bar, laundry room, TV lounge, remote work space, and many other comforts of home so parents can be in the best position to make vital decisions for their child. This new program is expected to begin serving families by Spring 2026.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana in providing this valuable service for families with hospitalized children. The Family Room will offer parents a supportive environment during difficult times, ensuring they remain near their child’s bedside,” stated Thomas Gullatt, MD, President of St. Francis Health. “Our objective is to keep families together, and the Family Room will serve as a crucial resource when needed most.”
“We want to bring our commitment and expertise to the heart of where it is needed most, caring for children,” says North Louisiana Mission Director Lori Moore. “As Dr. Audrey Evans, the cofounder of the first Ronald McDonald House once said, ‘A family with a sick child is a sick family.’ In partnership with SFMC, our new Ronald McDonald House Family Room will take care of the needs of the whole family.” Studies show that family involvement in patient care for children reduces parental stress, anxiety and depression; improves maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding; and eases the transition to care at home after discharge from the hospital.
“It has been an honor to be involved in the planning and design of the Ronald McDonald House Family Room renovation at St. Francis for Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana. The space is designed to be a relaxing and comforting environment where families can rest and recharge while their children receive care in the hospital. It’s been a privilege to help create a place that supports families during some of their most difficult moments,” said Kade Brandon, Project Manager at TBA.
Tony Gilley, local McDonald’s Franchise Owner added, “We’re excited that construction has officially begun on this project. This is a major milestone for our local community, and we couldn’t have reached it without the incredible support of our neighbors, volunteers, and everyone who has contributed to the Ronald McDonald House Fishing Tournament over the years. Your generosity has helped us raise the funds needed to build this special space—a place of rest and relief for families during some of their most difficult times. Thank you for being part of something truly meaningful.”
Just $725,000 is needed to fully fund the $3 million project, which includes construction, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and three years of operating support. Thanks to the generosity of donors, $2.25 million has already been raised for this new Ronald McDonald House Family Room.
