 
"We have, really, a public health problem that is
in some ways becoming epidemic in proportion,"
Dr. Daniel Angres on the 1/1/03 report on
Youth rinking Increase.
Replies by legislative/Gov Canidates
to our 2003 survey
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Louisiana knows far too many Social Ills, that add up in both lives lost, and
dollars spent.
Louisiana provides 8% of the population in
need of Alcohol/Drug treatment with availability, the national average
is 21%. Below you will find links to problems that have been
identified as areas impacted in states attempting to "clean-up" the
wreckage of addiction related illness, rather than stop the cycle,
provide treatment, and comprehensive community support systems.
Addiction, Substance Abuse,
Alcohol/Other Drugs Create serious problems
Education, Healthcare, Social Services,
Judicial, Corrections, Public Safety, Economic Development, are all
areas impacted in both dollars spent, and quality of life in our
communities. Unhealthy communities will struggle. Addiction
is the nation's number one public health problem, and Louisiana has not
tackled this "elephant" in the living rooms of citizens.
The negative impact of poverty, incarceration, and illiteracy becomes critical
when we as a state attempt to reduce state spending and grow our
economy. Living in denial of these problems, won't allow us to
move forward. So below is an effort to identify the fact that we have real problems, that
require intensive, comprehensive, collaborative efforts to improve
systems that are not working.
Some 80% of those incarcerated have
untreated substance abuse problems. Jail is not medical treatment,
and most will return to our communities, still facing their addiction,
with little hope of contributing to the tax base. We need
comprehensive support systems, that return those with the ability and
skills to succeed. A Trained healthy workforce, means more
industry attracted to the state, improved quality of education, safer
communities, and improved overall community support systems, that is
what we hope to grow out of HopeNetworks.
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Problems, Struggles,
Issues Low Ranking Lists :
2006 Louisiana "Least Livable State"
LA 2nd in DWI fatalities
LA 46th
in Integrity
Unemployment/
layoffs stats
LA least healthy state
LA 1st in "Out-migration"
LA is the 49th "smartest state"
LA public schools are 3rd worst
LA at the bottom of healthcare for the elderly and
disabled
LA last in wealth of our citizens
LA is most dangerous state in which to live
Louisiana's economy 49th out of 50
LA roads second worst in the nation.
LA 49th in places to
live.
LA is
only southern state to lose population
LA last in cash for research
LA first in teen use of steroids
LA first in the percentage of income used to pay rent
LA
second in rate of poverty
LA first in rate of incarceration
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