This past week I had the honor of attending the dedication of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital. The day was filled with plenty of pomp and circumstance, but given the history of this community treasure, I think it was warranted. Dignitaries, politicians, community leaders and everyday folk came from across the county to celebrate this amazing milestone. The hospital stands in a neighborhood that has a long history and yet has gone forgotten in regards to the basic needs of healthcare for years. The area surrounding the hospital carried a negative reputation due to gun violence and other tragedies that plagued the local neighborhoods. However, the right to quality healthcare should be granted to all residents and families no matter what their geographical location. The original hospital known as Martin Luther King, Jr./Drew Medical Center broke ground in 1968 and opened its doors in 1972. The hospital eventually closed after only thirty five years in existence in 2007. On the heels of the Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare, quality healthcare has finally returned to South Los Angeles. The hospital is also a campus. It prides itself in bringing complete and total wellness to a community that has suffered for such a long time. It represents the cooperation of both a public and private partnership that offers a new independent and privately-run board. As a graduate of UCLA, I am proud to know that the UC Regents has played a role in the success of this great venture. At the helm of the hospital’s leadership is Elaine Batchlor, MD, MPH, serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She is quoted as saying that the hospital is creating a national model of innovative, collaborative community healthcare. The Harvard, UCLA and Western Reserve University trained executive brings leadership and experience that will help lead the next steps of the hospital’s history. Without a doubt it has taken a village to make this dream a reality. Besides the political leaders and financial backers, the executive leadership working with Dr. Elaine Batchlor, include, but are not limited to, John Fisher, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer. Medell Briggs-Malonson, MD, MPH, MSHS, Medical Director of Quality. Dr. Oscar F. Casillas, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine. Stan K. Frencher, Jr., MD, MPH, Director, Surgical Outcomes and Quality and Efrain Talamantes, MD serves as the Director for Hospitalists. Together they will perform the day to day activities that keep the hospital running smoothly and productively. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhuman.” The mission of Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital is to provide compassionate, collaborative, quality care, and improve the health of their community. With strong leadership in place we can rest assure that, It’s a New Day at MLK! Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on! Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org. Wendy is a coach, consultant and speaker. You may email her at [email protected]. Wendy is featured on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH on Front Page with Dominique DiPrima Thursday Mornings @ 4:30am.
