New Orleans East resident Gregory Davis says he realized his community needed a health care facility after one of his 10 children had to be taken to an emergency room across town because there was no hospital nearby.

Dissatisfied with the long-distance drive and the service he received, Davis took action and created his own health care facility.

Located next to Methodist Hospital, which closed after Hurricane Katrina, the Champion Medical Center and Urgent Care at 9890 Lake Forest Blvd. will begin accepting patients on Tuesday. 

“This area needs a place with staff that isn’t overworked and underpaid,” said Davis, a former boxer and now the chief executive director of the facility. “We need doctors who care about the community and not just working for a paycheck.”

 Davis named the Champion Medical Center for his own nickname during his boxing days, “True Champ.” The 1,600-square-foot facility, which cost about $250,000, will be staffed with a pediatrician, family practitioner, nurse practitioner, medical assistant, doctor of internal medicine and physical therapist.

He said that the center would accept all patients regardless of their financial situation and would charge “the lowest cost possible” and would “work with patients” on their payments. 

“The benefits of the center’s opening are seeing people feeling comfortable reinvesting in the area’s properties and communities,” said state Rep. Ann Duplessis, who represents District 2, which includes New Orleans East. “This facility will enhance the area.”  

Duplessis praised Davis, who grew up on the streets of Chicago.

 ”I’m really proud of him,” she said. “He is using his resources to do good things in the community.  I like to say he is ‘Doing good for the hood.’”

Davis said he plans to eventually open a pharmacy in the New Orleans East area.  He said he does not question the center’s ability to sustain itself, saying that he has spoken to many New Orleans East residents who are ready to be  Champion’s  patients. 

State Rep. Austin Badon is also supporting the new health care center. 

“Residents have to drive downtown or uptown to get the health care they need,” Badon said.  “This should not be. I applaud Gregory Davis for addressing this need in the community.  People need affordable and available health care.”