By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-849173.mp3
New Orleans, La. – State lawmakers and supporters of the New Orleans Adolescent Hospital in Uptown are mounting a battle to save the facility set to close by September 1st. They met at a special public hearing at City Hall to review ways to save the in-patient care that NOAH picked up after Charity Hospital was shuttered after Hurricane Katrina.
State Representative Cedric Richmond was among the New Orleans delegation that earmarked more than $14 million dollars for the facility, only to see the money cut after the legislative session ended.
But he and other state lawmakers say a veto override is a long-shot. They're working to find other funds the governor may allow.
New Orleans attorney Willie Zanders is fighting the closure in court.
Jindal said NOAH operates at twice the daily cost as other state in-patient facilities, and the money would be better spent by sending patients to Southeast Louisiana Hospital in Mandeville. Opponents say it's unfair to send patients and their families 40 miles away for services still much needed in New Orleans.