LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It took three seconds to countdown the ribbon cutting, five years in the making, for the Norton West Louisville Hospital.
Delissa Minge starts work Monday in patient reception at the new hospital located at 28th and Broadway.
"I'm greeting you at the door and welcoming you in," she said. "I'm just ready. We're ready to roll out on Veterans Day and do this!"
For a century and a half, west Louisville went without life-saving care close to home.
"Monday morning, when those doors go open, that's no longer true," Norton CEO Russ Cox told the crowd of hundreds who gathered Friday for the hospital's blessing ceremony. "It's time!"
Friday's ceremony was a time for cherishing the victory, gospel music filling the air as folks from all across the city clapped in unison. But it was also a time for acknowledging the painful past that robbed a community of what it needed.
"The pain of discrimination, and racism, that have led to 150 years without a hospital," Gov. Andy Beshear said.
Reflection continued in prayer. The hospital's chaplain blessed the grounds, employees solemnly bowing their head, given the sacred charge of healing the community.
"To wake up and to come here, see the children, see the elders, see everybody from all diversities, race, creed and color, and we have this beautiful, Black woman leading the charge, it just means a lot," Rhonda Mathies said, a long-time activist who attended the event.
Leading that charge, Corenza Townsend, the hospital's chief administrator.
"Let's do this, y'all!" She cheered, encouraging the crowd to put their applause towards the nearly 400 employees hired on at the hospital. "This is what this was built for. This is what we were built for."
Imbued with purpose, mother Questa Moran knows her work here is part of a history she can share with her children when they drive by.
"This is a historical moment for everyone involved," Moran said. "And some day, you know, they may want to be a part of it. So it opens doors for them as well."
Doors she said took too long to open, but the moment has finally come.
The hospital comes with a food pantry, emergency department, x-ray capabilities and more.
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