2024 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 76
BY SENATOR DUPLESSIS
A RESOLUTION
To commend Charity Hospital and University Medical Center of New Orleans on 288 years
of providing medical care in the city of New Orleans.
WHEREAS, on May 10, 1736, Charity Hospital was founded by a grant from Jean
Louis, a French sailor and shipbuilder, with the intent to provide medical care for the
indigent in the colony of New Orleans, making it the second oldest continuously operated
public hospital in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Charity Hospital, originally named the Hospital of Saint John or
L'Hôpital des Pauvres de la Charité, underwent several relocations and rebuildings
throughout its history, playing a crucial role in providing medical services to the city's
vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS, in 1832, Charity Hospital came under the administration of the Sisters
of Charity, marking the beginning of a century-long period during which the hospital was
operated by the dedicated nursing care of the Sisters of Charity, contributing significantly
to the healthcare landscape of the city of New Orleans and surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, Charity Hospital's legacy expanded beyond patient care with the
founding of The Medical College of Louisiana in 1834, marking the hospital's transition into
a teaching hospital and fostering the development of medical education and research in the
region; and
WHEREAS, over the years, Charity Hospital grew in size and prominence, becoming
one of the largest hospitals in the world by the 1850s with 1,000 beds, and later, in 1939, the
second largest hospital in the United States with 2,680 beds, demonstrating its critical role
in meeting the healthcare needs of a rapidly expanding city; and
Page 1 of 2 SR NO. 76 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, the spirit of Charity Hospital lives on through the establishment of
University Medical Center New Orleans in 2015, which continues to serve the community
with exceptional healthcare, groundbreaking research, and a commitment to training the next
generation of healthcare professionals; and
WHEREAS, the legacy of Charity Hospital, rooted in compassion, dedication, and
service to the indigent, remains an integral part of New Orleans' healthcare history and
continues to inspire efforts to improve healthcare access and quality for all.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend Charity Hospital and University Medical Center of New Orleans on
288 years of providing medical care in the city of New Orleans and surrounding areas and
acknowledges its historical significance, impact on healthcare, and contributions to medical
education and research.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
Page 2 of 2