Welcome to Baton Rouge Named by French explorers as "the Red Stick City," Baton Rouge is where Louisiana's capital, flagship university (LSU), and distinctive Cajun and Creole cultures all come together. Located in Southeast Louisiana, Baton Rouge is the fifth largest city on the Mississippi River and home to Louisiana's largest parish. Strategically seated at the mouth of the Mississippi River, the Baton Rouge area's assets are integral to the nation's logistics and energy networks. Additionally, the city boasts a thriving arts, culture, and food scene, making it a hub for unique festivals all year long.In 1699, French explorers discovered the area where Baton Rouge is now located. Pierre Le Moyne D'Iberville's writings refer to the area as “Red Stick”, which when translated into French becomes “Baton Rouge”. Records of D'Iberville describe large, reddened poles erected by Indians that designated boundaries at a point separating the hunting grounds of the Bayou Goula and the Houma Indian tribes.

We welcome you to Louisiana’s Capitol City, the heart and soul of the state’s eclectic culture. With over 300 years of history, Baton Rouge has a colorful story to tell, which can be tasted through their culinary offerings, seen through the picturesque views of the Mississippi River and historical landmarks and experienced through the vibrant arts and culture scene. In the “Red Stick,” every day is worth celebrating, and we hope you “stick” around for the fun in store for you!

This year’s convention is entitled Healing the HeART, with an emphasis on the word ART. Nationally recognized speakers will be on hand to share the latest and greatest of art, music, and meditative therapies that are available to you. You won’t want to miss this year’s 90th convention, It will be FUN and FESTIVE and therapeutic. After all, that’s the only way we do it in Louisiana. So, “Laissez les bon temps rouler” (Let the good times roll!) and we’ll see ya in Louisiana.

More information is coming each and every day as the department of Louisiana designs this convention in a celebratory way. As we develop our social media and web pages, more will be posted and members will be updated with the progress. We are excited to host this milestone occasion and welcome each and everyone of you to celebrate with us as we say “Cheers! To 90 years!” (Especially to the Auxiliary who will be celebrating 90 years of service during this commemorative convention.)

Healing the heART will be a new and interactive way to conduct MOPH & MOPHA business, learn new ideas, find programs to inspire you, and gather information to bring home to your fellow Veterans and family members.