LCMC Health’s Children’s Hospital New Orleans has opened the Morgan Rae Center for Hope, a $2.2-million, 4,440-square-foot facility that will expand the child abuse pediatric programs and house the hospital’s CARE Center and Child Advocacy Center. A ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening event was held on Oct. 11 as both New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Congressman Troy Carter attended and spoke about the importance of a trauma-informed, multidisciplinary approach of mental health resources, counseling, and wellness programs, to assist children of abuse, neglect, or trafficking. “Changing the health of a generation means addressing our community’s problems together with state and city agencies, and community partners,” said Lucio A. Fragoso, Children’s Hospital president and CEO. “Together, we are here to give children who have experienced unimaginable trauma the care, resources, support and encouragement they need to have a second chance – to be put back on a path where they can go to school, get a job, have a shot at being happy and healthy members of our community. The Morgan Rae Center for Hope will help us do just that, with expansion of these vital services.” The Center, designed by EskewDumezRipple and built by Fidelis Construction, was financed in large part by a $1.5 million gift from philanthropist Jessica Brandt, and is named in memory of Brandt’s late great-granddaughter, Morgan Rae. Additional support to cover the $2.2 million total included from the Leo Fisher family, Panda Cares, The Perkin Fund, the 2024 Physician Giving Campaign, Mr. Richard C. Colton Jr., Ava Watson, Mary and Kevin Gardner, Aaron Bradley, and Kennedy Kraft Architects. “While the traumatic experiences of the children and families served here are troubling and difficult to understand, I have hope knowing that that the moment they step inside these doors, their paths to healing and justice can begin,” said Brandt. “Morgan Rae’s legacy will help more children and families have a chance at a fresh start, with access to the expertise they need to cope, and to move forward. My family is proud to be a part of this project in her loving memory.” In 1985, Children’s Hospital New Orleans first established a child abuse program. The CARE Center and Child Advocacy Center have grown exponentially since that time – housing a variety of services including medical evaluations, forensic interviewing, trauma therapy, and case management. Children’s Hospital has served thousands of Louisiana’s most vulnerable youth since the program’s inception – serving the medical needs of more than 1,400 children just last year, with an additional 400 forensic interviews. The Morgan Rae Center for Hope features a home-like design that fosters dignity, privacy, and comfort; state-of-the-art technology that allow for best practices in patient care; a spacious reception area with four sound-proof consultation rooms; three medical exam rooms; one procedure room; a dedicated forensic interview suite with observation rooms; two medical interview rooms; space for law enforcement partners and experts; and a spacious playground. “Our goal at the Morgan Rae Center for Hope is to be a bright spot in an otherwise difficult time,” said Dr. Neha Mehta, medical director of the Morgan Rae Center for Hope and child abuse pediatrician. “Hope needs a pathway. And in order to have hope, children have to be able to see a future where things get better. Children who feel safe and understood can begin to have hope, and that hope then gives us goals to start children on their pathways toward healing and new beginnings. The Morgan Rae Center for Hope is our new beginning where many more children will be able to find their pathways with our team by their side.”