For more than five years, The Ehrhardt Group has served as an extension of Ochsner Health's communications team, providing strategic communications counsel, media relations and crisis support for Louisiana's largest private employer and leading nonprofit health system. Working seamlessly alongside Ochsner's in-house team, TEG helps the organization navigate complex healthcare issues while strengthening its reputation across Louisiana and the nation.

The Challenge

As Louisiana's largest healthcare provider, Ochsner operates in a rapidly evolving environment where public trust depends on timely, accurate and effective communication. The organization needed a communications partner with deep relationships across local, regional and national media to anticipate emerging issues, manage high-profile news events and position Ochsner as the leading voice on healthcare throughout the Gulf South.

The Strategy

TEG has developed an integrated communications strategy that combined proactive media relations, executive and physician thought leadership, crisis communications and community engagement. By leveraging its understanding of the media landscape, TEG positioned Ochsner's physicians, care teams and executives as trusted experts while highlighting the health system's groundbreaking care, innovative technologies and investments in healthier communities.

The Execution

Serving as a seamless extension of Ochsner's communications department, TEG provides daily strategic counsel on media relations, crisis response, internal and external communications, public affairs and community messaging. The team developed and continues to manage Ochsner Health’s sponsorship of a weekly health news section with The Louisiana Advocate across three Louisiana markets, showcasing Ochsner's impact across the state. Today, together with Ochsner, TEG designs media strategy for transformative initiatives, including Ochsner's new multidisciplinary neurological care center and the future standalone home of Ochsner Children's Hospital.

The Outcome

TEG's strategic communications partnership has strengthened Ochsner's reputation as Louisiana's healthcare leader while increasing public awareness of the organization's innovations, community investments and expanding services. By consistently elevating Ochsner's experts and managing communications during both routine and high-profile moments, TEG has helped maintain strong brand affinity and supported the health system's continued growth across new markets.

‍