Reverend Monsignor Emile J. Fossier
June 25, 2007U.S. weekly oil and gas rig count down by 2
June 27, 2007
A group of Tri-parish volunteers with the American Cancer Society recently paid lawmakers in Baton Rouge a visit to discuss cancer-related issues.
The residents met with state Sens. Reggie Dupre, D-Bourg; Butch Gautreaux, D-Morgan City; and Reps. Loulan Pitre, R-Cut Off; and Jack D. Smith, D-Franklin.
The group is advocating for the creation of a state-funded project that will provide colorectal cancer screenings to the uninsured and underserved in key markets across the state.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
“We know there is a great need to provide cancer screenings to those who do not have the luxury of health insurance,” said Jane Adkins, of Houma. Colorectal cancer disproportionately affects the underserved population and providing screenings will help save lives, she explained.
Also on the lobbying trip were Debby Acosta of Morgan City; Gloria Roy of Bayou Vista; Mary Messer of Cut Off; Polly Danos of Cut Off; Denise Duplantis of Raceland; Mae Hitt of Raceland; and Mike Knoblach of Thibodaux.
The group also advocated in support of the state’s smoke-free workplace law, passed by the legislature in 2006.
“There are some people who are trying to water-down our smoke-free law with exceptions,” Adkins said. “This is an opportunity for us to urge officials know the successful the smoke-free law has been in saving lives all over Louisiana.”
According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts and Figures, the disease will kill an estimated 9,550 Louisianans and another 22,540 residents will be diagnosed with cancer in 2007.
Photo courtesy of American Cancer Society Area representatives of the American Cancer Society recently visited in Baton Rouge with lawmakers to discuss cancer issues. Pictured are, front row, from left: Debby Acosta, Mary Messer, Polly Danos and Gloria Roy; back row: Denise Duplantis, Mae Hitt, Jane Adkins and Mike Knoblach.
