Category: New Orleans lifestyle

Rising Fentanyl Overdoses: A Public Health Crisis

The death toll from fentanyl use in conjunction with other opioids has escalated dramatically, reaching unprecedented levels since the mid-2010s, as the potent synthetic opioid increasingly saturates the market and contributes to a growing public health crisis. Nitrous oxide also became a growing concern as party-goers were ingesting the gas to get high at alarming rates causing increasing overdoses as well. GHB is the club drug preference that can be crushed up and snorted like the old standby cocaine. There’s a laundry list of opioids that continue to plague our streets. No wonder it’s so difficult for addicts to get sober and stay sober! They have to battle the temptations daily of all of the triggers out there in the world that caused them to use in the first place. It’s not just a matter of will power!

SOBRIETY IS A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION

While drug abuse can change the brain, time and treatments can change it too. With the support people need to navigate triggers, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and make healthy lifestyle changes, people can heal from addiction. Researchers have developed therapies to to support recovery, which include safe, effective medications to overcome some opioid substance abuse disorders. When a person reaches the level of addiction, they have lost control over substance use. Just like any other person with a disease, they need to be able to get quality, evidence-based treatment and care. With the help of their family and support system, people with substance abuse disorders have substantially higher chances of recovery and survival.

ADDICTION IS A CHRONIC DISEASE

RESOURCES:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

SAMHSA’S NATIONAL HELPLINE: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or www.samhsa.gov for FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, 24/7, 365 day-per-year treatment referral information in English and Spanish for individuals and families facing substance abuse and/or mental health disorders.

MEDLINEplus Health Information on Substance Use Disorders (National Library of Medicine, NIH)

www.medlineplus.gov Trusted health information on drug use, addiction, and mental health disorders from the National Library of Medicine.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Call 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741. www.afsp.org 

GLORIOUS SPRINGTIME

THE KIND OF WEATHER THAT JUST MAKES YOU FEEL SO HAPPY

It was 80 degrees with clear skies today in New Orleans and you just wanted to be outdoors to enjoy the gorgeous weather. There was a nice breeze so you did not feel hot or sticky as you would in summertime. God could not have created a more perfect day! Poems, stories, and songs try to capture the grandeur of what God has created in this kind of day.

The best part about this type of day is that families gathered for picnics and barbeques along the lakefront. They broke bread together, the adults talked, and the children played. There was music and laughter as everyone was enjoying the beautiful weather. They were so happy to be able to do this after being quarantined for so long and having to wear masks for so long. It was such a joy to gather together freely without having to be masked and enjoy each others company once again.

People were also out in full force in the parks and along the bayous. There were cyclers, joggers, and paddle boaters. Young and old were partaking in all sorts of outdoor activities. It was difficult not to keep the sunroof closed on a day like today! I for one cannot thank God enough for this glorious, energizing weather!

ACTION STEPS:

  1. Plant a devotional garden to the Blessed Mother: first place a statue of the Blessed Mother in your garden, then plant flowers that grow in your area that glorify the Blessed Mother, such as roses, rosemary, marigolds, sweet alyssum, lily of the valley, impatiens, petunias, foxglove, bleeding hearts, hyacinth. Place a garden bench or swing where you can meditate and say your rosary.
  2. Pray the rosary daily!
  3. Keep a Prayer Journal and journal your gratitude to God for all of His blessings in your life as well as your special intentions.

SENSELESS VIOLENCE

CARJACKINGS ARE OUT OF CONTROL IN

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

On March 21, 2022, New Orleanians were shocked and horrified to hear about the murder as the result of a carjacking of 73 year old Linda Frickey. Frickey had just put her things in her car after work and was prepared to return home when 4 teens ran up to her car with intent to carjack her. The 17 year old male of the group pulled Frickey from the driver’s seat, assaulted her, jumped into the car, and sped off into traffic. Frickey was caught up in the vehicle’s seat belt and was drug by the vehicle as it sped off. The force was so great, it tore off one of Frickey’s arms before her body broke loose from the seat belt as the four teens continued to travel at a top speed. Frickey went into shock and bled to death as she was waiting for the EMS vehicle to arrive. Concerned citizens were horrified at the site and rushed to her aid but there was nothing they could do to save her. However, it was because of those witnesses and their videos as well as nearby crime cameras the teens were quickly caught by the New Orleans Police Department. It is because there was so much outrage that the New Orleans District Attorney was quick to respond and will prosecute the teens to the fullest extent of the law. The four girls in the vehicle were fifteen years old but none of them at any time tried to stop the male driver out of concern for the elderly woman they were dragging along the street and the screams they could hear from her agony as she was being drug along the way. There was no compassion shown for that grandmother who was one month away from retirement or the family that has been left behind without her.

This is the most recent horror story of its kind. It’s most unfortunate that there have been far too many other stories related to gun violence or carjackings resulting in death in New Orleans! New Orleanians were outraged to learn that with New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams had allowed far too many felony cases, many of which were violent crimes slip through the cracks. From 2019 – 2022, homicides have increased by 93%, shootings have increased by 220%, carjackings have increased by 450%, and robberies have increased by 74%. As reported by Fox 8, DA Jason Williams addressed the increase in “701 Releases” by his office in a press conference in February 2022. “701 Releases” refers to an article in Louisiana State Criminal Court that gives defendants the right to a speedy trial. It sets a time limit on how long the district attorney must file charges. In most cases, if the DA fails to bring charges, the defendant is released from jail after two months behind bars. If the defendant is already out on bond, in most cases, they are released from their bond obligations after 150 days. The number of “701 Releases” was staggering in 2021 allowing violent offenders to go free to commit more violent crimes as repeat offenders. The 17 year old male in the Frickey carjacking was arrested as an adult in a carjacking as a 15 year old by the prior District Attorney Leon Cannizarro, however, he was released along with the other offenders when DA Jason Williams came into office to repeat the same offense.

My prayers go out to all of the victims of violent crimes, their loved ones, and the citizens of the City of New Orleans who are also victims of these crimes. I pray for the criminals that they find peace in their lives. I pray for the first responders and the criminal justice system that they make the correct decisions for the good of the whole society. I pray for families, that they can foster love and support for each family member demonstrating that love from conception to the grave.

ACTION STEPS:

  1. PRAY THE ROSARY FOR PEACE: http://www.marian.org
  2. PRAY THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET FOR PEACE: www.thedivinemercy.org

MYSTERIOUS & CURIOUS PLACE

NEW ORLEANS MY HOME

By Sallie F. Arnoult

Father of all waters and Mother River have drawn us all to this mysterious and curious place;

We’ve traversed the high seas from many distant lands to come to this strange land we’ve come to call home;

We’ve fought the elements and toiled together side by side in strife and adversity though we’ve survived the centuries;

Our joy, our pain, blood, sweat, and tears flow with Mother River that gives life and takes life in this mysterious and curious place.


Some drawn here in freedom, others delivered enslaved, while others were driven from their homeland, we’ve built this place we call home in spite of our differences.

Intermingling throughout time, commingling our personal histories like weaving a delicate tapestry, 

we’ve woven our differences together in this mysterious and curious place. 

We do not know where we’re going until we know where we have been,

with the ebb and flow of past sins propelling us into the future of this mysterious and curious place.


Bewitched, bewildered, beleaguered, and beguiled as we move through the tapestry of the centuries in this mysterious and curious place.

The foundation we have built upon crumbling beneath our feet and the sea slowly swallowing us up, we tread water as we move forward.  Angry misguided youth ruling the streets as the Lords of Mischief and leaders turning a blind eye.

Mother River will provide for us until the sea swallows up this mysterious and curious place.

RACISM IS PERPETUATED IN AMERICA

FEAR AND HATRED FUEL RACISM

I recently went through the pharmacy pick-up window at my local CVS pharmacy where my mother had her prescriptions filled regularly. On this particular day, there were 5 cars in line, including mine, (for descriptive purposes only) the 4 other cars were inhabited by black people and we were the only white people in line. The young pharmacy technician, who was also black, asked my mothers name and date of birth but the waiting began. She then proceeded to wait on every other car in line, including the car that had been in line behind us. They had gotten agitated and moved to the other line for faster service. When I realized that even the car that had been behind me had been waited on, I drove around to the front and went inside the store. As I approached the pharmacy counter, I excitedly asked, “Am I the wrong skin color to get waited on in the drive-through lane?” The pharmacy manager, a young white male shouted at me, “YOU’RE ACCOSTING ME! YOU’RE RUDE! AND YOU’RE RACIST! THIS CONVERSATION IS OVER! YOU’RE DONE!” In that moment, he would not listen to a word I had to say (not even if it was an apology) and my mother could no longer have prescriptions filled at that particular location. You can get cancelled by standing up for yourself in an instant! What these young people do not understand is that they are perpetuating racism, not eradicating it, and through their vindictiveness, they are spreading hatred along with fear. The type of action that young man took was much like the actions taken under the National Socialist Movement in Nazi Germany. ALL OF THIS WAS DONE IN THE EMPLOY OF CVS PHARMACY! I called and reported this incident to the corporate office when I returned home. I have not heard a single word from the CVS Corporate Office since I notified them of what had transpired. However, when I returned to that same drive- through today, I was notified by the pharmacist my mother could no longer have her prescriptions filled at that particular location. I asked her to kindly have her prescriptions transferred to another location which she politely agreed to and for which I was relieved. I do not want to be a party to that kind of hatred, however benign it may appear on the surface. That young man was so righteous but what he was doing was the wrong thing for what he thought was the right reason. Incidences like these collectively perpetuate racism and divisiveness in America. They will not be eradicated until we all truly understand what racism and division are doing to our society.

I have always been taught that racism is discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of one race by members of another race. Racism cannot be eradicated by laws. However, minds can be changed and do change about individual beliefs of differences among humans based upon skin color and culture through studies of history, language, culture, arts, music and food. Everything in society can and should be used as a teaching moment because we should use historical markers as what should or should not be repeated from history. When we understand where we came from as a community, how our community as a whole developed (including the ugly parts of our history), then we can move toward a more forgiving, harmonious future. Forgiveness includes: 1) asking for forgiveness from the person you have offended; 2) forgiving others for their transgressions against you; and 3) asking for forgiveness from the Heavenly Father for your trespasses. All 3 elements must be present to be truly forgiven. Matthew 6:14-15… “If you forgive the faults of others, your Heavenly Father will forgive you yours. If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you.”

ST. ELIZABETH OF THE TRINITY:

”During painful times, when you’re feeling a terrible void, think of how God is enlarging the capacity of your Soul so it can receive Him. Look upon each pain as a love token coming directly to you from God in order for you to unite you to Him.”

Then find forgiveness in your heart towards your transgressors so as not to harbor hate and hostility. Pray for your own forgiveness for those you have sinned against. It has been scientifically proven through DNA testing that we all originally descend from one woman. Until 7000 years ago when people began to migrate North, we were all people of color according to genome studies. Because of the climate differences, pigmentation began to lighten in order to absorb the sun through the dense clouds and precipitation. Race and culture are man-made institutions. We have far more in common than that which has been designed politically to divide us. Trust in God’s mercy! Keep praying always…

WHAT IS YOUR CODE OF ETHICS?

WHAT IS ESSENTIAL TO YOUR BEING FOR YOUR CONSCIENCE TO BE CLEAR AND YOUR HEART TO FEEL FREE TO LOVE?

We all need a code of ethics to act as a compass to guide us through everyday life. We are given free will to choose our own path, to choose right from wrong. It is when we choose right over wrong that we achieve good things in our lives and our lives go well. God has a plan for each of our lives, and when we choose to follow His plan for our lives, right over wrong, our lives work out as they were meant to work out. However, we have much hardship, sorrow, and pain in our lives when we do not follow the path God has planned for our lives.

WHAT DO YOU CARE MOST ABOUT?

I personally care most about my Mother and my family. They are the VIPs in this world in my view. My dog, Bella, fell into this category too because we are the stewards of our pets. They become our family and are dependent upon us for everything they need for their care. God is also paramount in my life. Prayer is part of my daily life, not only the recitation of prayer but also by doing random good deeds for others and spreading joy wherever possible.

WHAT HAVE YOU INVESTED THE MOST TIME, ENERGY, AND EMOTION IN?

Beyond my family, I have invested the most time, energy, and emotion in my volunteer work. I believe that volunteerism in our community is extremely important and that more people should become invested in volunteerism. When you give your time, energy, and emotion to something that strikes a chord with your code of ethics, your guiding principles, you receive so much personal satisfaction in return.

WHAT GIVES MEANING TO YOUR LIFE?

For me personally, it is my faith that gives meaning to my life. I pray for people who do not have faith and choose evil over good. No single race of people throughout history has had a monopoly on pain and suffering. All of mankind, at one point in time or another, has been persecuted for a political or religious belief as well as the color of their skin. There has been so much evil throughout history and is among us today. I pray for protection of the faithful and urge the faithful to pray their rosary daily as our Lady of Fatima has instructed us to do through little Jacinta. According to Saint Jacinta Marto, “If man only knew what eternity is, they would do everything in their power to change their lives.”

WHAT GIVES YOU DIRECTION AND PURPOSE?

My faith and my sense of duty give my life direction and purpose. I am secure in my beliefs and am not shaken by naysayers. I have an honest, straight-forward approach to all aspects of life. If I realize I am in the wrong, I am quick to make it right and apologize for my actions. Never do I try to cover up a wrong doing… I own it, make it right, and make my apologies where they are due. Why? It is the right thing to do. We all make mistakes, and do the wrong things for the right reasons, but that does not make them right. Then, pray for forgiveness. Be the best version of yourself at all times! ####

I Know What it Means to Live in New Orleans and Love It

… this mysterious and curious place along the Mighty Mississippi River, which drew us all here.

When I read the stories I reposted by Our French Oasis, I saw in them the roots of New Orleans culture.  Couple that with Spanish culture and Afro-Caribbean culture, and you have the foundation of our Creole heritage.  Later came Cajun, American, Italian, German, Irish, Jewish, Latino, and other influences.  I do not think others realize it but French, Spanish, and Afro-Carribean languages were spoken here long before English was our native tongue.  English was made the official language after the Americans made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Peoples of African ancestry have made the most profound and lasting influences on our culture.  Initially brought to Louisiana as slaves, there were also Free People of Color of mixed ancestry, known today as Creoles.  Although slavery is a hot button political issue today, it was the foundation for the economic engine that ran our state in the beginning of our existence. They gave their lives for the place we call home.  The women who worked in the plantation homes had a greater influence on the residents of those homes because they reared the children and cooked the meals, much like housekeepers throughout the ages.  These women introduced ingredients from Africa and African dishes to our tables while using native ingredients as well.  Our music was born out of the pain of these people.  Worship is elevated to another level with this music.  Many of the glorious structures around us were built by slaves and their descendants.  Most of the masters of the trades were once of African descent.  Folks would have to move around with blinders on not to see all of the Afro-Carribean influences on the development of New Orleans… this mysterious and curious place along the Mighty Mississippi River, which drew us all here.

Before we were all drawn here, this area was inhabited by Native Americans.   The Mardi Gras Indians were born out of the inter-relationship of these natives and the slaves.  The costumes of the Mardi Gras Indians take a year and many beaders to construct.  Each year these costumes have a different theme and are expertly designed.  They embody the profound and lasting influences people of Native American as well as African ancestry still have on New Orleans today.