FEMA Funds Modular Dental Clinic At LSUs Interim Hospital
Release Date: February 10, 2009
Release Number: 1603-837
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- To better serve the New Orleans community, the Louisiana State University Health Care Services Division (LSU HCSD) will install a new modular dental clinic at the Interim LSU Public Hospital using funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"It is crucial that the interim facility operates in its fullest capacity to serve New Orleanians until LSU's permanent facility is constructed," said Jim Stark, director of FEMA's Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "FEMA's recent funding for the installation of a modular dental clinic at the interim facility shows our commitment to helping the state fully reestablish public healthcare services in New Orleans."
LSU HCSD operated Charity Hospital and University Hospital until Hurricane Katrina devastated both facilities, creating a public healthcare void following the storm. In response, the LSU HCSD opened the Interim LSU Public Hospital in November of 2006 at 2021 Perdido Street in New Orleans to help meet the city's public healthcare needs.
Since the original opening of the Interim LSU Public Hospital, the facility has steadily reopened units as staffing and building repairs have permitted.
FEMA recently announced that it will provide the LSU HCSD with $3.8 million in federal public assistance grants to fund the costs for the installation of another unit a modular dental clinic at the interim facility.
"Many families who have chosen to rebuild in New Orleans will benefit from this new dental clinic," said Paul Rainwater, executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority. "Making these needed services readily available is important to the city's healthcare recovery."
Including the recent funding for the modular dental clinic, to date, FEMA has provided more than $91.5 million in public assistance grants to establish the Interim LSU Public Hospital. Plans for the new permanent academic medical center facility are underway in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Good oral healthcare is essential for comprehensive healthcare," said Dr. Michael K. Butler, HCSD CEO. "The new modular dental clinic at the Interim LSU Public Hospital will complement the quality of care services that LSU is providing in New Orleans."
When project funds are obligated by FEMA through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are transferred to a federal Smartlink account. Once the funds have reached this account the applicant can request reimbursement from the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) for eligible work completed. Obligated funds may change over time as the project worksheet is a living grant that is often adjusted as bids come in and scope of work is aligned.
During his first day in office, Governor Bobby Jindal issued an Executive Order directing the Louisiana Recovery Authority to be responsible for the state's actions with regard to FEMA's Public Assistance program. The LRA is working in conjunction with GOHSEP and its federal partners to identify ways to streamline the Public Assistance process and improve efficiency, with the ultimate goal of cutting in half the length of time that applications spend in the process.
The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations' buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism and man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 18-Feb-2009 11:49:53