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historical timeline

1874
The Louisiana Legislature authorized the building of a state hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
1956

The legislature proposes an amendment to create Baton Rouge Charity Hospital. Voters reject the proposal.

1958

The legislature passes an amendment for the hospital but voters reject the plan a second time.

1962
An appropriation was made by the Legislature to secure land and begin construction.
1963

The State’s Bond and Building Commission makes its original allocation to construct a charity hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana by setting aside $259,000 for the purchase of land and $2 million matched by federal funds for the building.

1964

In June, St. Tammany Parish Representative Jesse McLain’s bill changes the name from the Baton Rouge Charity Hospital to the Earl K. Long Memorial Hospital in honor of three-time Governor Earl K. Long, who had a dream that everyone in Louisiana would have basic medical care. Construction on the new facility begins.

1968

March 5 th, The Baton Rouge State-Times newspaper announces the opening of the new $5 million dollar hospital and Earl K. Long Medical Center opened its doors to the first patient.

1981

Raymond Potter, hospital administrator, lobbies the legislature for a new facility to replace the aging building.

1992

Representative Sharon Weston introduces a bill to transfer Earl K. Long to the LSU Medical School. The House Appropriations Committee kills the bill.

1993

Three plans to replace Earl K. Long Hospital were introduced to LHCA.

2001

The state begins negotiations with the Triad Corporation to purchase Summit Hospital as the new site for Earl K. Long. Governor Mike Foster fails to execute the sale.

Engage a responsive management team, involved physicians, well-trained staff in sufficient numbers, and an efficient and effective communication system to support quality patient care.

Create a comfortable environment designed to anticipate and fulfill patient needs with accurate, automated information and state-of-the-art equipment.

Provide inpatients and outpatients with courteous and caring quality services delivered in a positive, professional manner while improving access to care and meeting the growing needs for outpatient care.

Ensure a positive work environment that will attract and retain the best physicians and staff, while giving the community confidence in the system.

Incorporate excellence concepts in a professional residency curriculum and provide quality medical education for the community and the country.