“We approached the state…about how we might be able to help solve the problem with Southeast closing.”
—Meridian Behavioral Health Systems CEO Wes Mason, discussing his company’s selection as the private firm to take over operations of the privatized Southeast Louisiana Hospital (SELH) last October.
“Meridian was the only company that met all of DHH’s requirements and expectations…”
—DHH Public Information Officer Ken Pastorick, on the selection of Meridian, which operates Northlake Behavioral Health System, formerly SELH. (Northlake has been notified by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services that deficiencies at the facility have caused it to lose eligibility to participate in Medicare.)
Louisiana Voice 
Now what will happen to all the residents that have been there for many years, where will they go, what will they do, how will they live without the care that was provided to them at SELH? Many fine people have worked there and taken care of and treated these individuals like family. Without being able to have Medicare & Medicaid Services, will a private facility “take on the responsibility” that the governor has dumped on them, I think not. No matter how good a facility like Northlake is, they are in it for a profit!. What next can Jindal do to destroy more lives of Louisiana citizens? Wait until the other foot falls, who will be next? Time will tell and more hurt will come at what cost, we just have to wait and see since the legislature doesn’t seem to care either.