Rapides Regional Medical Center is a 346 licensed bed acute care hospital located in downtown Alexandria.
The hospital was founded in 1903 and now offers a variety of specialties from trauma and cardiac care to surgery and pediatric/women's services. Disclaimer
This information and advice published or made available through this website is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
08/17/2025
Help us congratulate Float Pool nurse Melissa Desselle, BSN, RN, for being our most recent ICARE Award recipient. The ICARE Award stands for our values - Integrity, Compassion, Always, Respect, Excellence - and is the highest honor one our colleagues can receive.
Her nomination noted, "Melissa is a phenomenal nurse who has been part of the Rapides family for 19 years, serving in nearly every area of our facility. Her deep clinical expertise is matched only by the joy, positivity, and sense of teamwork she brings to everyone around her. You can walk into any area of the hospital, and both nurses and physicians will know her—in the very best way. Melissa consistently prioritizes patient safety, keeping it at the forefront of our focus. She is constantly on the move—proactively meeting patient needs, supporting her colleagues, and fostering an environment where excellence thrives."
Congratulations, Melissa!
08/14/2025
Even in retirement, Guy “Doc” Galante remains a familiar face at the weekly Tumor Board meetings at Rapides Regional Medical Center. Recently, his visits have been more personal—coming after receiving his own prostate cancer treatments at Rapides Cancer Center.
Galante dedicated 36 years to caring for patients as a Physician Assistant. When longtime Rapides Cancer Center Radiation Oncologist Sanat V. Sanghani, M.D. retired, “Doc” began working alongside RCC Radiation Oncologist Lawrence Menache, M.D.
Earlier in 2025, life came full circle when Doc was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Without hesitation, he turned to Dr. Menache and the Rapides Cancer Center team. Over the next nine weeks, he completed 45 treatments under their care. When his final session ended, Doc joined countless patients in one of the center’s most meaningful traditions—striking the gong to celebrate the end of treatment. The moment is more than symbolic; it’s a joyful, shared victory for patients, caregivers, and loved ones alike.
“I loved it! I felt like I was on The Gong Show,” he laughed. “The whole team at Rapides Cancer Center deserves to be recognized. It’s a quiet place, and they don’t always get the spotlight—but they should. Jeremy (Nowlin) and Amanda (Sellers) are tremendous. Jeremy deals with patients facing big challenges, and he’s always smiling. You’re lucky to have such an amazing team at Rapides Cancer Center.”
Congratulations, Doc! 👏♥
08/12/2025
We are partnering with LifeShare Blood Center - Alexandria to host a community blood drive Wednesday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in our South Tower Lobby. Every blood type is needed, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations. Donors can help as many as three different people with just one donation.
08/11/2025
📚🍎 Good luck on your first day of school!
From all of us at Rapides Regional Medical Center, we’re wishing students, teachers, and parents a safe, healthy, and successful school year ahead. Let’s make it a year full of learning, growth, and great memories! ✏️🎒
08/10/2025
🎒🛑 Headed back to school? Make sure your kids are riding safely!
Join us Tuesday, August 12 from 2–5 p.m. at the Scott Street Entrance of Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital for a FREE child safety seat check with our Community Education team and .
✅ Check for recalls
✅ Ensure proper installation
✅ Learn how to install correctly
It only takes 15–25 minutes, and seat checks are held every month. Let’s start the school year off safe! ❤️
08/07/2025
We would like to thank Catholic Charities of Central Louisiana for providing lunch to our providers to inform them of va**ng and to***co cessation services available to their patients. Their cessation services are made available through grant funding provided by one of our owners, The Rapides Foundation.
08/06/2025
🌍 August is World Breastfeeding Month — a time to celebrate and support the journey of breastfeeding moms everywhere!
Breastfeeding provides babies with the perfect nutrition, strengthens their immune system, and promotes bonding between mother and child. It also offers long-term health benefits for moms, including reduced risk of certain cancers and improved postpartum recovery.
Let’s raise awareness, share support, and help create a world where every mom feels empowered to breastfeed — anytime, anywhere. 💪💗
08/04/2025
Rapides Regional Medical Center's Director of Community Education Theresa Hood, MSN, RN-BC, and Community Education Resource Nurse Tamera Tullos, BSN, RNC-MNN, provided training Monday for Our Lady of Prompt Succor School faculty and staff as they prepare for the start of the new school year. Training included CPR and choking training for adults, adolescents and infants.
08/01/2025
Now is the time to make sure your children are ready to return to school. Here are some ways to make it a healthy start to the school year.
07/30/2025
🍨💙Sundaes for our SUPERSTARS!
Today, we celebrated our dedicated hospital team with ice cream sundaes and big THANKS. Their compassion, strength, and hard work never go unnoticed. Thanks for being the heart of our hospital and the COOLEST team in town! 😎
07/28/2025
📚✏️ School will be starting soon — it’s the perfect time to reset routines and refocus on healthy habits for the whole family!
Check out the Get Healthy Cenla August Challenge Calendar by one of our owners, The Rapides Foundation. Each day offers simple ways to boost wellness and stay on track during the busy back-to-school season.
🗓️ Let’s start the school year strong — mind, body, and spirit!
As August approaches, the chaos of returning from vacation or preparing the kids for school can be overwhelming. Take the stress out of this hectic month by using our calendar for nutrition and exercise tips to plan, prep, and make healthy choices. Download it now! https://bit.ly/4o74Haq
07/25/2025
☀️ Summer Heat is No Joke! 🥵
As temperatures rise, so does the risk for heat-related illness. Stay safe this summer with these simple tips:
✅ Hydrate often – Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
✅ Dress smart – Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
✅ Take breaks – Rest in the shade or air conditioning, especially during peak heat hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
✅ Never leave kids or pets in the car – even for a minute.
✅ Know the signs – Dizziness, nausea, headache, or confusion can be signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Enjoy the sunshine—but don’t let the heat catch you off guard! 🌞💧
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Founded in 1903 at the corner of Second and Lee streets in Alexandria, Louisiana, Rapides Regional Medical Center represents a proud heritage of compassionate healthcare services coupled with the most advanced technology of the day.
With a continued emphasis on progressive care, Rapides Regional Medical Center has grown to meet the continually changing needs of our patients and the rapidly advancing technology of modern healthcare. Located in downtown Alexandria and easily accessible from Interstate 49, the hospital has 362 beds and is fully accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospital participates in the Medicare, Medicaid and Champus programs as well as a number of commercial insurance and managed care programs.
Rapides Regional Medical Center offers a wide array of services including general medicine, general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, bypass surgery, cardiac rehabilitation, neurology, neurosurgery, intensive care and telemetry, oncology services, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopaedic services, physical therapy, skilled nursing services, respiratory therapy, lithotripsy and various outpatient services. At the beginning of 2012, Rapides Regional Medical Center became the first verified Level II Trauma Center in Louisiana. The medical staff includes physicians in more than 30 medical specialties.
Rapides Regional Medical Center set a shining example by becoming a three-time winner of the Louisiana Quality Award. This award honors businesses and organizations that are leaders in the pursuit of quality and service. Rapides Regional Medical Center was also honored by being named one of the nation's "100 Top Hospitals - Benchmarks for Success." The annual study lists hospitals based on quality, operations and financial management. In addition, we operate the area’s first Certified Stroke Center, offering comprehensive stroke care from the minute a patient walks through our door to the time they go home. Plus we are the only accredited, Cycle III Chest Pain Center in Central Louisiana.
In 1993, the operating assets and name of Rapides Regional Medical Center were sold to Central Louisiana Healthcare Systems Partnership. Then, in 1998, the joint venture restructured to a limited liability corporation - Rapides Healthcare System. Today, HCA continues to own a 74% interest and Rapides Foundation owns a 26% interest in the Rapides Healthcare System. The RHS board is represented by an equal third representation of HCA appointees, physicians and Rapides Foundation appointees.
