Thank you for the opportunity to clarify my comments. Certainly our city is not big enough to warrant two children hospitals, two biomedical centers, etc. However, it is my position that we try to achieve balance throughout our parish. Currently, there is an economic development deficiency in NBR and there are not many options in terms of grocery stores, retail stores, recreational activities and other essential amenities that make a community thrive. I want that to change. You and I both know transportation is still a big issue. It takes far too long for a person to travel from one side of town to the other.
As it relates to the hospital, in the 2015 Regular Legislative Session, I authored HCR 129 to review the impact of the closure of Earl K. Long Hospital (ER’s in North Baton Rouge). This study will assist us in understanding what is working or not working. It will also help to identify funding mechanisms so that we can achieve the state’s goals.
With the back-to-back accidental shootings in the past few days, I have come to get a better understanding of how critically important timing is when it comes to emergency health care. Had the young lady involved in one incident received medical attention in less than 10 minutes rather than 30 minutes, I believe the outcome would have been very different. It is imperative to our parish that we, at minimum, have a facility where individuals can be stabilized until they can receive the care need for trauma accidents.
As the Senator elected to represent East Baton Rouge in the Legislature, it is my goal is to try to ensure parity for all. I do not believe it is an all or none situation. People want options and they don’t want to be relegated to a certain lifestyle because of where they live.
Sincerely,
Regina Ashford Barrow
State Sen. D-15
