Willis-Knighton Health System has established a day care to support employees who, because schools have closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, are unable to work due to lack of day care.

The first Willis the Bear Day Care was established in the WK Fitness & Wellness Center on the campus of Willis-Knighton Medical Center.  A second is being created at WK Pierremont Wellness Center. Any Willis-Knighton employee who does not currently have day care can request an application form by emailing Willis-Knighton’s engagement officer, Eydie Comeaux. 

These day care centers have been developed in cooperation with Kim Duncan and Northwestern State University’s Child and Family Network. Staff from this department, which provides training for child development centers, are providing the care and activities for children ages 4 to 11. Willis-Knighton is providing the locations and meals. A limited number of children can be accepted for this temporary service.

“This is just one way we can support the people who take care of our patients,” Comeaux says. “We are grateful for this connection to Northwestern and their experts who are doing a fabulous job of caring for our employees’ children. And the kids are giving them rave reviews.”