Health experts discuss STIs, drug use and more at Northwest Louisiana Community Health town hall

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KSLA) – With the year slowly coming to an end, medical experts from across the region came together to discuss different health concerns.

”We wanted to seize the moment the opportunity and talk about health issues that are presently in northwest Louisiana but necessary ones that are talked about on a regular basis,” said Feamula Bradley.

People from all around northwest Louisiana came together at the Bossier Parish Library to participate in the Northwest Louisiana Community Health town hall Thursday (Dec. 5).

A panel of health experts were ready to talk about a variety of health concerns. One of the which was the concern over the increased spread of sexually transmitted infections and how it can affect newborn babies.

”Each different sexually transmitted infection has different effects, but what we know is most people who have a sexually transmitted infection like gonorrhea or syphilis have no symptoms at all,” said Dr. John Vanchiere, the chief of pediatric infections at LSUHS.

Mothers that acquire syphilis during pregnancy have a high risk of transmitting syphilis germs to their babies, and for their babies, that can lead to death in the womb before the babies are born or severe disease after.

Drug use was also a big talking point from hard drugs to substances like nicotine use in young people. Speakers at the town hall advised attendees how to properly use medications like Narcan and how to help someone who is experiencing an overdose.

The medical experts emphasized the importance of talking to kids and young people early about these issues to better protect them.

”It’s important that we wrap education around many activities and other things that we’re doing so we can make sure the youth and their parents are well aware of different epidemics and health issues that are going on,” said Bradley.

Town hall attendees were also able to speak with different organizations and learn more about health issues impacting the region.

”Each one teaches one. Everyone was given a call of action today and was encouraged to go back to their community, to your friends or faith-based organizations and share this information and to use us. Utilize us as community contacts,” said Bradley.

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