Hundreds Rally to Reopen Charity Hospital

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – The second line followed a route through the Lower Mid-City neighborhood that's targeted for a new VA-LSU medical complex. Organizers says that reopening Charity, which has been shuttered since Hurricane Katrina, would be cheaper than the new complex, and would revitalize downtown. Many in the crowd carried signs that identified them as former Charity babies.
One of those Charity babies who did not attend was New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, He told WWNO earlier that the new 70-acre complex would not only bring top medical care, but much needed money.
Rally organizer Jonah Evans of SaveCharityHospital.com said he doubts the deal is as far along as proponents claim.
Organizers passed out cards for supporters to sign, demanding public hearings be held on the hospital's fate.