NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — On Friday, the old Charity Hospital, now part of University Medical Center, is marking its 288th anniversary.
LCMC Health University Medical Center is carrying on the spirit of Charity Hospital, 288 years later and they celebrated the milestone today with a jazz brunch and a second line through the hospital.
“To serve New Orleans and this area and the vulnerable, which includes all of us in those moments when we’re vulnerable. The heritage runs deep,” said CEO of LCMC Health University Medical Center John Nickens.
Since Charity Hospital opened in 1736, it has provided health care to those who needed it most.
“Service to the poor has always been our primary care,” Sister Catherine Kelly with Daughters of Charity said.
Kelly said, “Health care that works, health care that saves, and health care that leaves no one behind.”
“This is one of the most important and impactful institutions that the city has ever had,” said New Orleans City Council member Helena Moreno.
Dr. Peter DeBlieux started working at Charity Hospital in 1984.
“Everyone has a story and that’s the best part about it. Lives changed, lives saved and families changed. Shows how we’ve impacted our community and will continue to impact our community,” he said.
The celebration honored Charity’s past with the unveiling of a new “Spirit of Charity” timeline wall.
“With the wall, we are educating our staff, our patients, and letting family members know about our rich legacy of providing care for all,” DeBlieux said.
In honor of its 288th anniversary and in the spirit of giving, UMC is looking for 288 donors to help them move into the future.
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