Anchoring the new mega medical complex and the return of premium health care in New Orleans East, the 2-story, 33,000 sq.ft state-of-the-art facility at 5630 Read Blvd. hosted its Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Friday, March 28, 2014.  Dignitaries from across the region and beyond were on hand to help celebrate this important occasion. Daughters of Charity Vice President of Mission Integration, Sr. Bonnie Hoffman called the ceremony to order and presented Archbishop Gregory Aymond whom offered a blessing upon the center, its directors and employees. Greetings were received from President/CEO Michael Griffin, Daughters of Charity Services Board Member Therese Badon, Daughters of Charity Foundation Board Member M. Cleland Powell III, Hospital Service District Chairman Ronnie Burns and Honorable Mayor Mitch Landrieu.  Also in attendance to show their support were [former Senior Vice President for System Integration for the Daughters of Charity National Health System] Sr. Bernice Creil; [New Orleans Vice President of the Ladies of Charity] Maria Isabel; [District E Councilman] James A. Gray;  [Regional Manager for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu's Office] Laverne Saulny; [CEO New Orleans East Hospital] Mario Garner; [Senator District 5] Diane Bajoie and others. Patients, Felton Johnson and Lakeyshia Reed were acknowledged as the first customers of the Daughters of Charity Health Center. The $9million facility provides primary medical care, a pharmacy and behavioral health care to pregnant women, infants, children, adults and seniors. With 36 exam rooms, additional space for counseling and a 2500 sq.ft Wellness Center, it is equipped to handle 50,000 patients a year. The center is open to everyone including those with commercial insurance, Medicaid and Medicare.  A sliding fee scale is available for the uninsured.