When King Drew Medical Center opened in South L.A. in 1972 it was more than just a hospital. It was a symbol of hope and empowerment for L.A.’s African-American community. The hospital represented healing for people still recovering from the Watts riots. But over time, that promise faded. King Drew had such a bad reputation it was known as “Killer King.” The hospital was finally shut down eight years ago -- after aLos Angeles Times investigation detailed years of malpractice and mismanagement. This summer, a brand new facility is opening in its place. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital starts treating patients in July. Is it the beginning of a new era?
New Hospital, New Hope to Replace King Drew Medical Center
Credits
Guests:
Charles Ornstein - ProPublica -
@charlesornstein,
Jasmyne Cannick - social and political commentator -
@jasmyne,
Mark Ghaly - Deputy Director for Community Health for the LA County Dept of Health Services
Host:
Madeleine Brand
Producers:
Jolie Myers,
Matt Holzman,
Anna Scott,
Christian Bordal