TRACC Coalition Hosts Annual Town Hall Meeting on Friday, June 23, 2023

HAMMOND---The TRACC Coalition in conjunction with Tangipahoa Parish Government – Office of Community Development will hold a Town Hall Meeting to discuss substance abuse and how it is impacting Tangipahoa Parish.

TRACC (Tangipahoa - Reshaping Attitudes for Community Change) wants to raise awareness about the emerging drug trends and mobilize the community to take action to mitigate the negative consequences affecting residents. Alcohol, tobacco & drug use is a pressing public health concern. This issue affects the health, well-being and safety of our nation’s youth, their families, and our community.

The Center for Disease Control reports Louisiana with the nation’s highest rate of under- 21 drinkers among its alcohol-related deaths. Louisiana taxpayers spent $3.8 billion because of the consequences of excessive alcohol use in 2010; adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to $5.1 billion in 2022. These estimated costs include medical care for injuries or treatment, criminal justice expenses, and loss wages for workdays missed by parents and underage adults. According to the 2018 Louisiana Caring Communities Youth Survey (CCYS), only 24% of 12th grade students in Tangipahoa Parish reported trying natural tobacco products (cigarettes or chewing tobacco), whereas 47% reported using e-cigarette (vape) products in their lifetime. The 2018 LA CCYS also reflects 30% of 12th graders reporting lifetime marijuana use, which exceeds natural tobacco use by 6%. Nationally, overdose deaths involving opioids increased 520% from 1999 to 2019. In Louisiana, opioids are a factor in 39% of all overdose deaths. These numbers show an alarming risk for our young people and must be addressed!

The coalition will be discussing the progress that's been made over the last fifteen years and where we go from here. TRACC wants to invite the public to attend and give input on ways to continue reducing drug use. The Town Hall Meeting will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the large conference room at the Tangipahoa Parish Government Clausen Building, 15485 W. Club Deluxe Road in Hammond. This meeting is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so reserve your seat by emailingtracc@tangipahoa.org or calling (985) 542-7138 today! For additional information please contact Taylor Addison at (985) 542-7138.