TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) \u2014 ABC 27 spoke with one neighbor born at FAMU’s former hospital in 1954. <\/p>\n
Shauna Smith shares why this history is so important in discussions about the future of healthcare.That’s as representation continues to be a key topic of discussion in the FSU-TMH deal over new ownership of the hospital. Watch the video below to hear how neighbors are raising awareness about the history of FAMU’s hospital.<\/p>\n
FAMU HOSPTIAL HISTORY<\/p>\n
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:<\/p>\n
What now stands as the Foote-Hilyer Administration Center used to be FAMU’s hospital. <\/p>\n
“I was born in 1954,” shared neighbor, Shauna Smith, who’s family has close ties to the hospital. <\/p>\n
“Well, I was born on the fourth floor in the hospital,” said Smith. “As a matter of fact, my mother worked there as a volunteer for an organization called the Gray Ladies.”<\/p>\n
The hospital closed in 1971 due to a lack of funding, and now neighbors are trying to keep its history alive through social media initiatives. <\/p>\n
Smith runs a Facebook group called FAMU Hospital Babies, and Sheena Austin, CEO of non-profit Sheena Monae Movement, is sharing videos focused on uncovering parts of history. <\/p>\n
“We won’t know any of these untold stories if we don’t dive back into history and learn about everything that was going on with our ancestors,” said Austin. <\/p>\n
These videos have included looking into FAMU’s hospital<\/p>\n
Austin said these conversations are even more important now as discussions continue over the TMH-FSU deal, where representation on the hospital’s board has been a big topic of conversation. <\/p>\n
A recent proposal shared to ABC 27 by TMH showed an expanded board of 19 seats, including one for FAMU and one for TSC. <\/p>\n
Austin said she wants a greater focus on inclusivity. <\/p>\n
“So a big focus for you is access and representation?” <\/p>\n
“Yes. Yes. Access and representation,” said Austin. <\/p>\n
Smith said she still has questions about the merger, which she is hoping to get answered at an upcoming town hall<\/a> in Frenchtown by the NAACP and Tallahassee ALERT. <\/p>\n “I want Florida A&M University’s role and impact and power and influence in this community to get fair representation as we move forward with the TMH, whatever’s going to happen,” said Smith. <\/p>\n That town hall is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Watson Temple Church. <\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n