"Secondary Cause of Death" (Kenner)
March 21, 2011Wed., March 23
March 23, 2011
Kristi Pitre might be the kind of person who attracts a lot of friends, but what she needs is a lot of fans.
As community coordinator for South Louisiana Home Health Care, Pitre has taken on a leading role in attempting to collect electric box fans, or funds for purchasing the equipment, to donate to elderly residents of the region.
“[The Terrebonne Council on Aging] is running out of fans,” Pitre said. “Their budget was cut and this is one of the areas that they don’t have money for.”
Pitre is no stranger to collecting fans to offer senior members of the community that require relief from warm south Louisiana weather. She headed such a drive while in high school in 1997. She also led a second effort a few years ago. “But now we need more,” she said.
According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during a select 24-year period, an average 7,991 people died from heat exhaustion per year. Most of those deaths were small children and elderly adults.
“Some of them don’t have air conditioners. Some are afraid to run their air conditioners because of the cost. They need something,” Pitre said.
Terrebonne Council on Aging Executive Director Diana Edmonson said that her organization serves 5,000 unduplicated clients every year. Other elderly residents take part in the Meals on Wheels, health events and added programs offered to them. “And they do need our help,” she said.
Donations may be made at the Terrebonne Council on Aging office at 995 W. Tunnel in Houma, South Louisiana Home Health Care at 7517 Park Ave. in Houma, at the Shady Oaks Senior Center at 6516 W. Main in Houma, or at the Tri-Parish Times office at 4924 La. Highway 311 in Houma. For those unable to bring a fan to one of the drop off locations call (985) 860-7448.
South Louisiana Home Health Care community coordinator Kristi Pitre is ready to pick up electric fans for elderly residents of the region who are facing unhealthy conditions as hot weather approaches. MIKE NIXON
