When Was Your Last Blood Test?

In mid-June 2023, I had a conversation I’ll never forget. I was working at a primary care office, busy, established, with full patient panels, and all the appearances of success. But beneath the surface, something didn’t sit right. That day, I was told by the lead physician that I needed to start double-charging patients. Patients who were already working hard to make ends meet. Patients whom I had taken an oath to serve, not exploit. I expressed my concerns, but the response was chilling: “Either you eat, or they eat.” That night, I couldn’t sleep. I laid awake with a heaviness on my chest and a conviction in my spirit. I kept thinking, If this is how the system works, I want no part of it. So instead of tossing and turning, I got up and took action. Right then, in the middle of the night, I created NOLA Care, LLC. I logged into Sunbiz and officially registered the business. I opened Canva and designed a logo that paid tribute to where I’m from, New Orleans, where the street names are stamped right into the sidewalks. I set up a Google Business page, created a domain, and pieced together a website. I didn't have a business plan. I didn’t even have a building. But I had vision , values , and God . That original logo? “NOLA CARE” was written in the signature block lettering you see in New Orleans street signs. If you looked closely, the letters were gently wrapped in arms, a small but powerful detail to symbolize that this would be a place of compassion. A place of safety. A place where everyone would be cared for. I was building a clinic where everyone eats, not just figuratively, but spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Where people are treated with dignity. Where healthcare isn't transactional. Where you don’t have to choose between quality and affordability. Since that night, the journey has been filled with sweat, tears, learning curves, and leaps of faith. Leaving the comfort and security of my previous position wasn’t easy, but I knew I couldn’t stay where my values weren’t honored. So I trusted God and jumped, completely unsure of what was on the other side. And now, here we are. Two years later, Still standing, Still growing, Still caring. If you’ve supported NOLA Care in any way, by becoming a patient, sharing a post, telling a friend, or even just offering words of encouragement, please know how much it means to me. This is more than a clinic. It’s a calling. And I’m so thankful you’re part of this journey.

I wanted to take a moment to share something personal that weighed heavily on my heart last week. My family experienced an unexpected loss, one that left us stunned, heartbroken, and quietly reflecting on how fragile life can be. This was a tough loss for my husband’s family. His uncle, who passed, wasn’t just a relative; he was a fixture in his childhood. Since the age of six, my husband shared countless memories with him, from Saints games to everyday family moments that built a deep bond over the years. In families as large and intertwined as his, each loss hits differently, and this one hit hard. While my daughters understand the concept of death, we chose not to share this particular loss with them. Sometimes, as parents, we weigh what to explain and what to protect them from. That doesn’t mean the loss isn’t deeply felt; it just means we're doing our best to balance honesty and emotional safety.

Summer’s here and we’re all outside—pool days, cookouts, beach trips, and backyard hangouts. While you're busy making memories, don’t forget one of the most important things: protecting your skin. Yes, your beautiful skin—whatever shade it is—needs love, too. And no, melanin is not sunscreen. Let’s clear this up. People with darker skin tones often believe they don’t need sunscreen because they rarely burn. While it’s true that melanin offers some natural protection, it’s not enough to skip SPF altogether. In fact, skin cancer in Black individuals tends to be diagnosed later, when it’s more dangerous. So, whether you’re caramel, cocoa, or porcelain—your skin deserves protection. Here’s how to keep that glow going strong all summer long: Start with sunscreen. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is your best friend. Choose one that won’t leave a white cast if you have a deeper skin tone—there are great mineral and tinted options out there now. Reapply often. Sunscreen fades with sweat, swimming, and time. Every two hours is a good rule, and right after getting wet. Dress for the sun. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves aren’t just stylish—they’re smart. Shade is always in fashion. Watch the clock. The sun is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you can, plan your outdoor fun for mornings or evenings. Your skin will thank you. Don’t skip the little spots. Ears, feet, lips, the back of your neck, and even your scalp (especially if you have braids, locs, or thinning hair) all need protection too. And let’s not forget hydration. Glowing skin starts from within. Water is your skin’s favorite drink, especially in the heat. Moisturize, too—sun and saltwater can dry you out fast. Make it a habit to check your skin for changes. That new mole? That dark line under a nail? Don’t ignore it. Skin cancer can show up in unexpected places, especially in darker skin. At NOLA Care, we believe all skin is good skin—and all skin needs care. If you have questions about your sunscreen, want to chat about skincare, or need help checking out a spot that’s been bothering you, come see us. We’re here to keep you healthy from head to toe.  Glow on. Your skin deserves it.

Hey friends, Let’s have a grown-up conversation about something that too many people put off—Pap smears. Are they awkward? Yep. Uncomfortable? A little. Important? Absolutely. Whether you’re on top of your health game or haven’t been to the doctor in years, this is your reminder: Pap smears save lives. And if you’re uninsured or underpaid, don’t stop reading—I’ve got you. What Is a Pap Smear, Really? A Pap smear is a simple test that checks for changes in the cells of your cervix that could turn into cervical cancer. It’s quick (usually under 5 minutes), and while it might not be your favorite five minutes of the year, it could be the reason you're here five years from now. When Should You Get One? Start at age 21, even if you're not sexually active. Every 3 years if results are normal, or every 5 years if combined with HPV testing. More frequently if you’ve had abnormal results, a weakened immune system, or a history of HPV. But I Feel Fine—Do I Still Need One? Yes. Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. By the time something feels off, it may already be serious. That’s why screening is so important—it catches things before they become life-threatening. What If I’m Uninsured or Underpaid? This is where NOLA Care steps in. I don’t believe income or insurance status should ever block someone from getting lifesaving care. If you need a Pap smear but can’t afford one, I will work to help you get it covered. We have access to community resources and programs that support preventive health screenings—so don’t let money be the reason you delay. Take This as Your Sign If you’re due for a Pap smear—schedule it. If you’ve never had one—definitely schedule it. If you’re scared or unsure—reach out. You’ll be met with compassion, not judgment. You deserve the best care, and your body deserves to be protected. NOLA Care Primary Care
(904) 701-3610
Jacksonville, FL | Serving FL, LA, AZ, CA, NV, WA
www.nolacarehealth.com I’ll help you through the awkward part—so you can stay healthy for the beautiful life ahead of you. With care and courage,
Dr. Ashl ey Roussell, DNP, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner & Cervical Cancer Prevention Advocate 

By Dr. Ashley Roussell, DNP, FNP-C Today, a patient jokingly complained about waiting five minutes to be seen. Yup—five minutes! If it was even that long. It made me smile, not because I was annoyed, but because it reminded me why I started NOLA Care in the first place. My patients are used to walking in and being seen right away—not waiting an hour, not getting passed around, not feeling like a number. That’s because I built NOLA Care to be different. You see, I spent years in corporate medicine. In that world, patients would wait 30, 45, sometimes 60 minutes just to see someone for a rushed 10-minute visit. And you didn’t complain—because you were lucky to get that appointment after waiting months just to get on the books. It wasn’t just hard for the patients. It was hard for us providers too. We were expected to see a high volume of patients, back-to-back, all day long. That often meant no breaks, no peaceful lunch, and no time to chart. A “quick” lunch break was actually a meeting. The end of the day came with hours of unfinished notes and mounting stress. We were all just trying to survive. But surviving isn’t the same as thriving. People often ask me why I started NOLA Care. And I’ll tell you—it wasn’t because I wanted to burn out. It wasn’t because I wanted my health, happiness, or spirit to suffer. I started NOLA Care because I believed there was a better way. I wanted to create a space where patients feel heard, valued, and respected. Where they can actually talk to their provider without feeling rushed. Where they can be seen promptly—not months from now, and not after sitting silently in a waiting room for an hour. And let’s be honest—I want that same level of care when I’m the patient too. So, yes—my patients are a little “spoiled” in the best way possible. They’ve experienced what it’s like to be truly cared for. And that’s exactly how I want it. If you’re tired of the hustle of traditional healthcare… If you’re overwhelmed by the wait times, the red tape, and the feeling of being just another name on a chart… Take a breather with me. Come experience what healthcare can feel like when it’s centered around you. Now accepting new patients in Jacksonville, FL and New Orleans, LA Call or text 904.701.3610 Learn more at www.nolacarehealth.com

Yes, Adults Can Have ADHD—And Primary Care Can Help If you think ADHD is just a childhood condition… think again. Many people are surprised to learn that ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) doesn’t magically disappear when you turn 18. In fact, for countless adults, the signs were always there—just dismissed, masked, or misunderstood. You weren’t lazy—you were overwhelmed. You weren’t careless—you were managing chaos silently. You didn’t lack motivation—you just had a brain wired differently. At NOLA Care , I’ve had more and more adult patients come in saying things like: “I’ve always struggled with focus, but I thought I just needed to try harder.” “I didn’t realize this wasn’t normal until I saw a TikTok about ADHD.” “I’ve always been forgetful, but now it’s affecting my job and relationships.” And guess what? That’s valid. ADHD in Adults Looks Different Adult ADHD doesn't always show up as hyperactivity. Instead, it can look like: Chronic disorganization Procrastination (until that last-minute burst of panic-fueled productivity) Forgetting important tasks or appointments Difficulty following through on goals or ideas Emotional dysregulation or feeling “too much” all the time Trouble with sleep or time management It’s not that you’re not capable—it’s that your brain is working overtime in ways others might not see. Primary Care is a Starting Point Here’s the good news: you don’t need to suffer in silence or navigate this alone. Primary care providers like myself can screen, diagnose, and treat adult ADHD. At NOLA Care, we listen. We ask questions about your daily function, your work, your relationships—because ADHD doesn’t live in a vacuum. It affects everything. We’ll walk you through treatment options, which may include: Lifestyle support Cognitive-behavioral strategies Medication management Referrals for therapy or neuropsychological testing (if needed) The goal isn’t to “fix” you. It’s to help you function better, feel more in control, and start thriving. You’re Not Broken—You’re Just Wired Differently ADHD doesn’t define you. But getting the right diagnosis and support can change your life. Whether you’re a busy mom, creative entrepreneur, grad student, or corporate professional, it’s never too late to get help. If any of this sounds familiar—come talk to us at NOLA Care. We believe in whole-person care, free of shame and full of support. Because thriving with ADHD starts with knowing you’re not alone—and that help is available.

Let’s talk about something real: mental health—and the stigma that still surrounds it like a shadow. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, professor, and owner of NOLA Care, I’ve seen firsthand the quiet suffering that happens when people feel they can’t speak up. I’ve had patients lower their voices when saying words like “anxiety” or “depression.” I’ve had students hesitate to ask for accommodations, afraid they’ll be seen as weak or incapable. I’ve had friends and family sit on symptoms for years because they were told to “just pray about it” or “shake it off.” And I get it. For too long, especially in communities of color, mental health hasn’t been treated with the same urgency or legitimacy as physical health. We grew up hearing, “What happens in this house stays in this house.” We were told to be strong, to push through, to not complain. But strength doesn’t mean silence. And resilience doesn’t mean neglecting your mind. Mental health is health. Period. At NOLA Care, we’re working hard to shift that narrative. Our clinic is a judgment-free zone. We believe in talking about therapy as easily as we talk about high blood pressure. We believe in screening for anxiety the same way we screen for diabetes. We believe your mental wellbeing deserves just as much attention, compassion, and care as any other part of your body. As an educator, I make it a priority to show future nurses and nurse practitioners how vital this conversation is—how trauma, stress, and stigma show up in our patient interactions and our classrooms. We’re not just treating conditions. We’re treating people. And people deserve to feel seen, safe, and supported. It’s time to: Normalize therapy. Check on your strong friends. Talk to your kids about emotions. Take your own advice. It’s also time to stop assuming someone’s “fine” just because they’re functioning. High-functioning anxiety and depression are real—and often overlooked. You can be booked, busy, and breaking inside. So whether you’re struggling yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply wanting to be part of the change—thank you. Let’s keep speaking up, showing up, and making space for healing. Mental health matters. And we’re here to prove it—every day, one patient, one conversation, one act of compassion at a time.

The (A Love Letter to My Hustle and a Gentle Clapback to Burnout) Let me be real—I bossed way too hard. And now? I’m tired. I’m talking “answered patient messages in my sleep, graded assignments with one eye open, scheduled social media content while stirring dinner” kind of tired. Not regular tired. NOLA Care + Teaching + Life tired. When you’re running a business like NOLA Care , providing quality, accessible healthcare in multiple states (hello, Direct Primary Care fam), while also grading late-night SOAP notes, answering student emails, supporting faculty, AND trying to live up to the expectations you set for yourself… whew. It adds up. Fast. I’ve been in full throttle. Building community through care. Showing up for patients like they’re family. Supporting nursing students through every deadline, discussion post, and clinical meltdown. Creating content, running events, solving problems, inspiring futures. Doing all the things—because I love all the things. But here’s the catch: Even when you love it, too much of everything still catches up to you. I went from energized entrepreneur and passionate professor to just trying to remember if I ate lunch today. So I’m giving myself permission to say it: I bossed too hard. And now I need a break. At NOLA Care , I tell my patients all the time: Your health matters. Your mental clarity matters. You can’t pour from an empty cup. So why is it so hard to tell myself the same? Here’s what I’m learning (slowly but surely): Rest is part of the work. Boundaries are a form of self-respect. Saying “not today” doesn't make you any less of a boss—it makes you a wiser one. Whether you're balancing patients, papers, policies, or parenting—it’s okay to step back and take care of you. For me, that looks like turning off the phone, letting the inbox sit untouched for a moment, and finding peace in doing absolutely nothing. So, from your favorite FNP/professor/clinic owner/wife/mama—I’m pausing to recharge. And when I return, I’ll still be a boss. Just one with better sleep, less stress, and maybe even a full water bottle. Let this be your sign, too: If you’re tired, it’s okay. Rest is part of resilience.  Signed Ashley, Your Family Nurse Practitioner

Black Maternal Health Week 2025: Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future As Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17) wraps up, we pause to reflect on a powerful week of truth-telling, advocacy, and celebration. Initiated by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this national observance is more than a hashtag or campaign—it’s a movement to dismantle systemic inequities and honor the lives of Black mothers and birthing people. The statistics remain alarming: Black women in the U.S. are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. These disparities are driven not by biology, but by systemic racism, inequitable access to care, and implicit bias within healthcare systems. But Black Maternal Health Week is also a time of empowerment, education, and healing. Across the country, communities gathered virtually and in person to spotlight solutions, share stories, and build momentum around birth equity. Spotlight on Change-Makers Here in the South, we’re proud to uplift a few powerful voices and organizations that are leading the charge toward maternal justice: Labor and Love New Orleans Founded by Shanika Valcour-LeDuff, a maternal-child nurse with over 15 years of experience, this grassroots initiative offers education, advocacy, and holistic support to Black birthing families in the New Orleans area. Labor and Love’s work is deeply rooted in community, honoring the sacredness of birth and demanding dignity, safety, and respect for all. The Liam Lives Foundation – Jacksonville, FL Established by Dr. Tiffanie L. Williams in memory of her stillborn son, Liam Elijah Wesley Boatwright, this faith-based nonprofit provides resources for families grieving pregnancy or infant loss. From counseling and memory boxes to funeral assistance and global outreach, Liam Lives is helping families heal while raising awareness about the mental and emotional toll of infant loss. Heather Rollinson – Author, Advocate & Educator Jacksonville’s own Heather Rollinson is the author of The War on the Black Womb: Battling to Dismantle Systemic Oppression in Maternal Health. Through her organization In My Mother’s Womb LLC and her work as Director of Policy and Research at the Liam Lives Foundation, Heather is confronting maternal injustice with bold truth and powerful purpose. Her work also includes mentoring doulas, supporting youth education, and developing culturally competent care models across Florida and South Carolina. Moving Forward, Together While the week may have ended, the mission has not. Black maternal health is a 365-day commitment—and there is room for all of us in this fight. Let’s continue to: Listen to Black women. Support community-led solutions. Advocate for equitable healthcare policies. Celebrate and protect the sacredness of Black motherhood. We invite you to follow and support these leaders and organizations doing transformative work—and to keep the conversation going all year long. Together, we can turn awareness into action and build a world where every Black mother is seen, heard, and safely held.