The Morgan Rae Center for Hope at Children’s Hospital New Orleans

On October 11, 2024, Children’s Hospital New Orleans celebrated the beginning of a new chapter for its long-serving child abuse pediatrics programs, with the opening of the new, expanded Morgan Rae Center for Hope. The state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to expanding care for children who have experienced the trauma of abuse, neglect, or human trafficking. As a pivotal extension of the hospital’s child abuse pediatrics programs, the Morgan Rae Center will serve as a safe space where even more of Louisiana’s most vulnerable children and families can begin their journey to recovery.

The program, which was previously housed in a smaller adjacent building, provided more than 1,400 medical appointments in 2023, along with 425 forensic interviews. The team provides comprehensive care and resources including medical evaluation, forensic interviews, and therapeutic support. With the opening of the Morgan Rae Center for Hope, these vital services will expand to help as many as 2,000 children annually. 

Expanding Life-Saving and Lifechanging Pediatric Services 

The Morgan Rae Center for Hope, built through a transformational $1.5 million gift from philanthropist Jessica Brandt, will nearly double the hospital’s capacity to offer specialized care to children suffering from abuse. This facility expansion will bring together a team of child abuse pediatricians, social workers, forensics interviewers, and case managers under one roof to provide comprehensive care for the complex needs of children who have experienced severe trauma and abuse.

Lucio A. Fragoso, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans, emphasizes the gravity of the care provided by the child abuse pediatrics programs: “The children are dealing with unimaginable trauma, and their healing takes years of compassionate and sustained care, not just a single visit. Expanding these services through the Morgan Rae Center for Hope is critical to our mission, and will enable us to reach even more kids in need.” 

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Child Abuse Care 

The hospital’s child abuse pediatrics programs are unique in their multidisciplinary approach. For children who have endured physical or sexual abuse, it’s not just about treating immediate needs – it’s about addressing the long-term psychological and emotional impacts as well. The Morgan Rae Center for Hope will provide a full spectrum of care, from forensic medical exams and therapeutic counseling to long-term case management and support for families. 

The center’s dedicated space for forensic interviews will ensure that each child has a safe, supportive environment to tell their story, while therapeutic services will help children process their trauma and begin the healing process. These programs are vital not only to the immediate well-being of children but also to their long-term ability to thrive and regain trust in others.

Building a Safe Future for Louisiana’s Children  

As the largest facility of its kind in Louisiana, the Morgan Rae Center for Hope will be a beacon for children who have experienced neglect or abuse, offering them the support and care they need to heal. The home-like design of the center features child and family-centered design elements, conference spaces for multidisciplinary case reviews, and a welcoming atmosphere that reduces the anxiety and fear these children often feel.

Children’s Hospital’s child abuse pediatrics programs also play a crucial role in educating and training professionals throughout Louisiana on child abuse prevention, detection, and care. By expanding the physical space and the team of specialists, the Morgan Rae Center for Hope will become an even greater resource for healthcare providers, social services, and law enforcement, helping to improve the outcomes for children across the region.

Established in 1985, Children’s Hospital’s CARE Center has provided medical care to child victims at no cost to their families since that time. With the opening of the new, expanded Morgan Rae Center for Hope, Children’s Hospital invites the community to support this life-saving work. “We know that so many more children need our help,” says Fragoso. “Thanks to Jessica Brandt’s generosity, we are expanding our ability to give these children the care and support they deserve, but there’s more to be done.”

To learn more about the Morgan Rae Center for Hope and how you can help protect Louisiana’s most vulnerable children, visit chnola.org. 

504.547.7891 | 200 Henry Clay Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118