NEW ORLEANS Five years after Hurricane Katrina, Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock returned Sunday to the New Orleans high school she helped rebuild for the opening of an on-campus health clinic.
Bullock, whose adopted son was born in New Orleans, joined a host of educators, school supporters and politicians, including U.S. Sens. Mary Landrieu and David Vitter and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, for the clinics ribbon-cutting ceremony, which coincided with the storms anniversary.
"Were here to celebrate an anniversary and though that might be hard for some, I choose to emphasize the word celebrate. Sometimes tragedies bring out the very best in people and its one of the reasons why we stand in this school of excellence today," Bullock told about 100 people gathered in the auditorium of Warren Easton Charter High School, which was rebuilt after Katrina swamped the campus.
In addition to a contribution from Bullock, the $700,000 medical and dental clinic received grants from The Kellogg Foundation and The San Francisco 49ers Foundation. Its set to open in the fall and will provide services ranging from flu shots to emergency care.
Bullock previously donated money to Easton, the citys oldest public high school, for renovations, scholarships and supplies including new band uniforms.
"Shes helped shine a light on us and our efforts," said Alexina Medley, Eastons principal. "Without her, we would not have returned as soon as we did. Shes come to our rescue several times and in a pinch, shes definitely helped us out."
Janell Batiste, 44, whose 14-year-old daughter Jasmine is a freshman at Easton, said the community needs the clinic.
"It will definitely help those students who dont have insurance," she said. "I think there should be these types of facilities in all the schools."
Cassondra Ferrand, the schools nurse who helped spearhead the clinic project, said Tulane Medical Center will provide physicians for the clinic, which will also have nurse practitioners and social workers.
Ferrand said the clinic is badly needed in an area thats been underserved since Katrina.
"This corridor used to have a slew of doctors and dentists but post-Katrina, theres nothing," she said.
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