Community Activities in Louisiana
News and Events 2024
Hurricane Francine
On September 11, 2024, Category 1 Hurricane Francine made landfall just southeast of Assumption Parish, bringing ~8 to 10 inches of rain and wind gusts upwards of 70 mph. Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel broadcast live through Francine’s landfall, just a few miles outside of Assumption Parish. Ninety percent of the Parish lost power, and a 72-hour water conservation advisory was initiated. While most residents’ power was restored within 48 hours, some remained without power for up to a week. Schools in the area remained closed for several days, and some homes and businesses suffered significant structural damage—mostly to roofs, fencing, and exterior structures. The Assumption Parish Community Center, home to the RURAL MEU during the Study’s time in Assumption, served as a shelter for over 100 residents who were displaced due to medical or other emergent necessity until their residence was safe to return to. While many residents in Assumption have returned to their “normal” routines, there are many who will be picking up the pieces for some time to come. Through connections made through RURAL, Erin Theriot, the Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC), volunteered her time to other community groups to help in different ways, currently supporting others by educating and guiding eligible residents in navigating the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application.
News Segments Highlighting the RURAL Study
Stephanie Broyles, PI of the Louisiana Core, worked with a local news station KTVE/KARD, to create a video highlighting the RURAL Study. The video captures a glimpse inside the MEU, gives a summary of the research variables that are being compared, and encourages local participation in Franklin Parish. The video was also posted on MyAklaMiss’s website and Facebook page. Click here to view the video and read the accompanying article!
Kevin Carroll, the CEC for Franklin Parish, was interviewed by local news station KNOE. In the segment, Kevin discussed how Franklin Parish is 70% worse than the national average on numerous health metrics. Kevin Carroll encouraged Franklin Parish residents to participate in RURAL! Click here to view the news segment!
Franklin Parish MEU Kickoff and Open House
The RURAL Heart and Lung Study Kickoff Event in Franklin Parish Louisiana on August 13th was attended by local elected officials, hospital staff, CAB members, and other community members. Louisiana State PI, Dr. Stephanie Broyles, CEC Kevin Carroll, and community consultant Rev. James Anderson III welcomed the guests, who were given tours of the MEU by the staff.
Church Events with Reverend Anderson
As part of the ongoing outreach in Franklin Parish, CEC Kevin Carroll and community consultant Rev. James Anderson III have visited multiple churches with predominantly Black membership to inform them about the RURAL Heart and Lung Study, engage them about health concerns in the area, and answer any questions they have. Pictured is Rev. Anderson addressing two of the congregations visited.
Additional Information
Check out the RURAL Study in Louisiana’s Facebook pages for Assumption Parish and Franklin Parish.
To learn more about the participant experience in the RURAL Study, visit the Study Participants webpage.
If you have any questions or comments, please call us at 1-888-RURALST (1- 888-787-2578) or email us at RURALstudy@uab.edu