#UMCisVital. In spring 2018, the State of Louisiana faced a more than $650 million budget deficit for the fast-approaching fiscal year. This budget crisis threatened to devastate an array of state services, potentially shuttering State-funded hospitals and medical centers, with University Medical Center New Orleans, home to Reverend Avery C. Alexander Academic Research Hospital, among those facing dire consequences. Berni Consulting, on behalf of LCMC Health, developed and managed a public affairs campaign that advocated for fully funding UMC and saving the nearly 2,500 jobs it provides. “UMC Is Vital” needed to engage local residents, employees and business leaders to convince Louisiana Legislature to fully fund State hospitals.