Editorials
Editorials Archive
Organ donations on the rise in La.
Staff Writer,
09-02-2010
If you’re looking for a little good news among the headlines about war, the recession and political disharmony, you’re in luck:
Hospital officials in Louisiana have reached their goal of increasing the state’s registry of potential organ donors by 250,000 people.
The Donate Life Louisiana Registry allows Louisiana residents to give consent for organ and tissue donation for the purpose of transplantation, eliminating the need for family members to make this decision for their loved ones at their time of death.
A special campaign among Louisiana hospitals to expand the registry by 250,000 people recently met its goal. More than 65 hospitals are participating in the DLL Hospital Campaign.
The campaign was a collaboration between the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency and the Louisiana Hospital Association.
More than 1.8 million Louisiana residents have registered as organ donors. By joining the registry, a person gives legal consent for the use of organs, tissues and eyes for transplantation or research at the time of death.
To sign up for the DLL Registry, visit http://www.DonateLifeLa.org.
Becoming a donor can help save a life – and give some very good news to people who desperately need it.
We do stand a chance
Staff Writer,
09-02-2010
As you may have read on today’s front page, a special committee in Lake Arthur is moving full steam ahead to bring in more activities and entertainment to the town. Lake Arthur’s potential at once again being the go-to place for a great time is obvious: its biggest asset is the lake, and it’s the only municipality in the parish that can boast such a scene.
The reason for Jeff Davis Parish needing to cash in on its tourism capability is not only because such ventures can bring major money to this area, money that would eventually be given back to the people in many ways. Honestly, Jeff Davis is in a position to fill a hole in Louisiana’s tourism industry.
While the state as a whole does have a number of amazing attractions, think of where you can actually go and be entertained throughout the year. Lake Charles and Lafayette are the nearest spots with activities that attract all ages and all types of personalities. Beyond that, you won’t find much more nearby.
While neighboring Acadia Parish has some annual favorites, such as the International Rice Festival, Frog Festival and Cajun-rooted Mardi Gras events, it doesn’t attract people without those celebrations. It’s the same in St. Landry Parish and Allen Parish, though Kinder hold its own thanks to Grand Casino Coushatta.
But aside from one or two annual festivals, Mardi Gras and a few Christmas parades, there’s no new blood. People are willing to drive out of town to find what they want, and if we don’t offer it here, they can and will find it elsewhere.
Instead of being content with what is available, we should seek new opportunities that are available to us. Our tourism industry cannot survive solely on annual parades or holiday celebrations. You can find something to do during any major holiday in this area. But people aren’t looking for something to do at Christmas; they want something to do on the weekends and celebrations that do not only come around during the holidays.
Really, our only immediate competition is Lake Charles and Lafayette, but the same interstate that brings people to those cities runs through Jeff Davis, too.
