1 00:00:01,301 --> 00:00:02,669 Support for Louisiana. 2 00:00:02,669 --> 00:00:06,139 The state we're in is provided by Entergy. 3 00:00:06,139 --> 00:00:09,142 Louisiana is strengthening our power grid throughout the state. 4 00:00:09,843 --> 00:00:13,646 We're reinforcing infrastructure to prepare for stronger storms, 5 00:00:14,114 --> 00:00:17,650 reduce outages, and respond quicker when you do need us. 6 00:00:17,751 --> 00:00:20,520 Because together we power lights. 7 00:00:20,520 --> 00:00:24,290 Additional support provided by the Fred B and Ruth B Ziegler Foundation 8 00:00:24,290 --> 00:00:27,427 and the Ziegler Art Museum, located in Jennings City Hall. 9 00:00:27,794 --> 00:00:31,865 The museum focuses on emerging Louisiana artists and is an historical 10 00:00:31,865 --> 00:00:34,868 and cultural center for Southwest Louisiana. 11 00:00:35,702 --> 00:00:39,139 And the Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcasting. 12 00:00:39,406 --> 00:00:42,409 With support from viewers like you. 13 00:00:42,776 --> 00:00:45,211 Meet the new Louisiana Surgeon General 14 00:00:45,211 --> 00:00:48,782 and hear how he plans to move the state's healthcare system forward. 15 00:00:49,482 --> 00:00:54,387 Former Saints player Steve Gleason is giving a voice to those battling ALS. 16 00:00:54,721 --> 00:00:59,392 And find out why Louisiana has some of the sweetest watermelons in the nation. 17 00:00:59,759 --> 00:01:00,794 Let's get started. 18 00:01:09,269 --> 00:01:11,337 Hello everyone, I'm Karen Lichtblau. 19 00:01:11,337 --> 00:01:14,107 Much more on those top stories in a moment on this 20 00:01:14,107 --> 00:01:17,110 week's edition of Louisiana, The State We're In. 21 00:01:17,310 --> 00:01:22,082 But first, Louisiana will pay up to $11 million 22 00:01:22,082 --> 00:01:26,519 to a contractor to manage the state's new education savings accounts. 23 00:01:26,853 --> 00:01:31,391 The law offers some parents grant money to send their children to private schools 24 00:01:31,658 --> 00:01:34,661 and to cover other education related expenses. 25 00:01:34,994 --> 00:01:38,531 New York based Odyssey will set up an application website, 26 00:01:38,798 --> 00:01:41,734 ensure families spend the money properly and provide 27 00:01:41,734 --> 00:01:44,838 other services related to the Essa program. 28 00:01:45,205 --> 00:01:49,876 The company oversees similar programs in other states, but has faced complaints 29 00:01:50,176 --> 00:01:55,014 about delayed payments and allegations it approved and eligible expenses. 30 00:01:55,348 --> 00:01:58,818 State officials say they're confident that the rollout of Louisiana's 31 00:01:58,818 --> 00:02:01,821 program will go smoothly. 32 00:02:02,922 --> 00:02:06,292 Many people in Louisiana have probably been shocked 33 00:02:06,292 --> 00:02:09,796 to see their power bills go up over the summer months. 34 00:02:10,163 --> 00:02:13,700 Public Service Commissioner Eric Cremata recently bragged 35 00:02:13,700 --> 00:02:16,803 at the Republican National Convention that Louisiana 36 00:02:16,803 --> 00:02:19,772 has some of the lowest energy rates in the country. 37 00:02:20,206 --> 00:02:24,210 Jessica Hendrix with the Alliance for Affordable Energy, says Cremata 38 00:02:24,210 --> 00:02:29,210 is technically correct, but that he didn't factor in all the added fees. 39 00:02:30,350 --> 00:02:33,353 People don't necessarily pay the rate they paid the bill. 40 00:02:33,419 --> 00:02:37,157 So even if you're only being charged $0.09 a kilowatt hour 41 00:02:37,157 --> 00:02:41,494 for energy, if you're forced to use 2000 kilowatt 42 00:02:42,662 --> 00:02:43,963 hours a month 43 00:02:43,963 --> 00:02:47,534 to keep your house relatively comfortable, 44 00:02:47,700 --> 00:02:52,405 and then you have all of the riders for resiliency, your bill adds up. 45 00:02:52,405 --> 00:02:54,440 So we've got some of the lowest rates. 46 00:02:54,440 --> 00:02:58,111 He is not incorrect, but we have some of the highest bills. 47 00:02:59,212 --> 00:03:01,414 Hendrix also said Louisiana residents 48 00:03:01,414 --> 00:03:04,484 have some of the highest energy burdens in the country, 49 00:03:04,784 --> 00:03:09,784 meaning they pay between 25 to 30% of their monthly income on utilities. 50 00:03:10,523 --> 00:03:14,194 The group did praise the Public Service Commission for recently 51 00:03:14,194 --> 00:03:18,464 reaching a deal to lower a proposed Entergy rate hike, 52 00:03:19,032 --> 00:03:22,035 and to reduce some of the fees for late payments. 53 00:03:22,936 --> 00:03:25,471 A Baton Rouge woman took to the stage this week 54 00:03:25,471 --> 00:03:28,474 at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. 55 00:03:28,841 --> 00:03:31,711 Caitlin Joshua spoke about her experience 56 00:03:31,711 --> 00:03:35,648 of being denied care during a miscarriage in 2022. 57 00:03:36,149 --> 00:03:40,353 No woman should experience what I endured, but too many have. 58 00:03:41,054 --> 00:03:44,657 They write to me saying, what happened to you happened to me. 59 00:03:45,525 --> 00:03:47,460 Sometimes they're miscarrying. 60 00:03:47,460 --> 00:03:50,730 Scared to tell anyone? Even their doctors. 61 00:03:51,764 --> 00:03:54,133 Joshua was 11 weeks pregnant with her 62 00:03:54,133 --> 00:03:57,971 second child when she began to experience severe pain and bleeding. 63 00:03:58,204 --> 00:04:02,041 She says she was refused care at two emergency rooms 64 00:04:02,308 --> 00:04:06,713 because of Louisiana's abortion ban, which only allows abortions 65 00:04:06,713 --> 00:04:10,750 if the mother's life is at risk or if there's risk to vital organs. 66 00:04:11,184 --> 00:04:15,655 In response to her speech, Attorney General Liz Merrill released a statement 67 00:04:15,655 --> 00:04:18,725 claiming Louisiana law does not prohibit 68 00:04:18,725 --> 00:04:21,728 care for someone having a miscarriage. 69 00:04:21,928 --> 00:04:25,999 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has vowed to restore 70 00:04:26,032 --> 00:04:29,035 the right of abortion care if she's elected. 71 00:04:31,704 --> 00:04:34,140 Well, from hashtags to headlines. 72 00:04:34,140 --> 00:04:36,476 Here's what's trending this week. 73 00:04:36,476 --> 00:04:40,113 Sticking with the Democratic National Convention, Louisiana's 74 00:04:40,113 --> 00:04:45,113 Democratic Party pledged delegates to Vice President Harris and Louisiana. 75 00:04:46,452 --> 00:04:47,353 It's about family. 76 00:04:47,353 --> 00:04:51,057 And I'm surrounded by my family of the delegates of Louisiana. 77 00:04:51,457 --> 00:04:54,227 Actor and Louisiana legend Wendell Pierce 78 00:04:54,227 --> 00:04:57,230 announced the delegates votes with DJ College. 79 00:04:57,330 --> 00:05:00,033 All I do is win. Playing in the background. 80 00:05:00,033 --> 00:05:01,834 That's how it is for New Orleans. 81 00:05:01,834 --> 00:05:04,604 But a lot of people said that that wasn't good enough. 82 00:05:04,604 --> 00:05:08,274 They wanted a more iconic Louisiana song instead. 83 00:05:08,675 --> 00:05:11,377 Louisiana officials say they initially picked Professor 84 00:05:11,377 --> 00:05:14,881 Longhair as Song Big Chief, but they got overruled. 85 00:05:15,214 --> 00:05:19,652 Now, the Harris Walch campaign said, all I Do Is Win embodies 86 00:05:19,652 --> 00:05:23,723 the energy and enthusiasm of their campaign. 87 00:05:24,590 --> 00:05:26,793 Well, it may be scorching 88 00:05:26,793 --> 00:05:30,463 hot outside, but for all of you Starbucks fans, this week 89 00:05:30,463 --> 00:05:35,268 was the unofficial start of the fall coffee chain. 90 00:05:35,335 --> 00:05:39,138 Seasonal favorite pumpkin spice latte? 91 00:05:39,339 --> 00:05:40,573 Drumroll, please. 92 00:05:40,573 --> 00:05:42,308 It was launched on Thursday. 93 00:05:42,308 --> 00:05:47,308 People went wild when they saw the announcement on the Starbucks app. 94 00:05:47,413 --> 00:05:52,413 Now, incidentally, this is the earliest pumpkin spice latte launch ever. 95 00:05:52,952 --> 00:05:54,520 It's going to be interesting to see. 96 00:05:54,520 --> 00:05:55,555 This is one of Starbucks 97 00:05:55,555 --> 00:05:56,356 best sellers, 98 00:05:56,356 --> 00:06:00,026 and it seems like they're banking on a boost from the seasonal products. 99 00:06:00,026 --> 00:06:03,062 The company says about 10% of its overall 100 00:06:03,062 --> 00:06:07,066 sales come from seasonal favorites like the Pumpkin Spice Latte. 101 00:06:07,266 --> 00:06:09,135 So I am watching and waiting to see 102 00:06:09,135 --> 00:06:13,005 when they launch their holiday peppermint specialty drinks. 103 00:06:13,106 --> 00:06:14,807 I don't know if that's going to happen in a few weeks. 104 00:06:14,807 --> 00:06:19,807 Now moving on as Zachary Woman is getting big attention for her gardening 105 00:06:20,713 --> 00:06:25,713 skills, Jeannie Buell harvested acres colossal watermelon that way. 106 00:06:25,952 --> 00:06:28,955 Get this 111 pounds. 107 00:06:29,255 --> 00:06:31,224 It took about three months to grow. 108 00:06:31,224 --> 00:06:32,825 Now, she says she plans to share 109 00:06:32,825 --> 00:06:36,596 the watermelon with students at her granddaughter's school. 110 00:06:36,629 --> 00:06:39,565 I, for one, am curious about this secret sauce. 111 00:06:39,565 --> 00:06:41,501 She used to grow those watermelons. 112 00:06:42,735 --> 00:06:44,070 Well, speaking of watermelons, 113 00:06:44,070 --> 00:06:47,707 Louisiana is known to produce some of the sweetest in the nation. 114 00:06:48,107 --> 00:06:49,742 You'll often see Stan 115 00:06:49,742 --> 00:06:52,745 selling them on the side of the road during the summer months. 116 00:06:52,812 --> 00:06:56,215 And this week's harvest of the month report, our digital team 117 00:06:56,215 --> 00:06:59,652 takes us to Washington Parish to see how Louisiana farmers 118 00:06:59,852 --> 00:07:02,955 grow and harvest the summertime sensation. 119 00:07:03,623 --> 00:07:04,357 Hi, friends. 120 00:07:04,357 --> 00:07:07,493 I'm Krystal Bessey with the Louisiana Farm to School program. 121 00:07:07,860 --> 00:07:09,095 This month's Louisiana 122 00:07:09,095 --> 00:07:12,932 Harvest of the month was so loved by American writer Mark Twain 123 00:07:13,166 --> 00:07:16,669 that he declared, when you taste it, you know what the angels eat. 124 00:07:17,370 --> 00:07:20,273 And it is a heavenly treat on a hot summer day. 125 00:07:20,273 --> 00:07:21,607 It's watermelon. 126 00:07:21,607 --> 00:07:25,945 Louisiana is known to grow some of the sweetest varieties of watermelon. 127 00:07:25,945 --> 00:07:29,782 So today we're in Washington Parish at Perry Talley's Farm. 128 00:07:30,049 --> 00:07:32,752 To learn a little bit more about this angelic fruit. 129 00:07:52,205 --> 00:07:55,808 Watermelons are members of the Q cabbage, a family of gourds 130 00:07:55,808 --> 00:08:00,179 that include other culinary vegetables like cucumbers, squash, and pumpkin. 131 00:08:00,613 --> 00:08:03,683 And they're even considered a fruit and a vegetable. 132 00:08:03,783 --> 00:08:07,787 There are more than 300 varieties of watermelon with certain favorites 133 00:08:07,787 --> 00:08:11,057 in Louisiana, such as Jubilee or Charleston Gray. 134 00:08:11,491 --> 00:08:16,195 But more than variety, the region where watermelon grow and soil quality 135 00:08:16,462 --> 00:08:20,666 play a huge role in creating the most perfect, sweetest watermelon. 136 00:08:21,133 --> 00:08:24,303 I'm here today with Perry Talley and his daughter Vivian, 137 00:08:24,770 --> 00:08:27,773 and he is a Washington Parish watermelon farmer. 138 00:08:27,807 --> 00:08:31,344 He's going to tell us about what makes watermelon so delicious. 139 00:08:31,410 --> 00:08:33,813 Nice to meet you. Thank you so much for having me. 140 00:08:33,813 --> 00:08:36,315 Glad you could come out today. Yeah. Can you tell me 141 00:08:36,315 --> 00:08:39,318 a little bit about your farm and how you got into farming? 142 00:08:39,352 --> 00:08:42,255 Well, we're a wholesale operation. 143 00:08:43,322 --> 00:08:46,893 we it has evolved over decades. 144 00:08:48,194 --> 00:08:51,464 I can remember, my grandfather 145 00:08:51,464 --> 00:08:54,967 going out with a hoe and a nail apron to plant seed by hand. 146 00:08:56,168 --> 00:08:58,538 thank goodness we've come a long way since then. 147 00:08:58,538 --> 00:09:02,241 For years, we have grown watermelons here in Washington Parish. 148 00:09:02,475 --> 00:09:04,377 we are Washington Parish natives. 149 00:09:04,377 --> 00:09:07,547 Part of what makes a Washington parish melon 150 00:09:07,547 --> 00:09:10,850 so great is the soil, the climate. 151 00:09:10,917 --> 00:09:12,718 The varieties have a lot to do with it. 152 00:09:12,718 --> 00:09:15,655 And I believe the people have a lot to do with it, too. So. 153 00:09:15,655 --> 00:09:16,322 That's right. 154 00:09:16,322 --> 00:09:18,891 Got to have that love for grown watermelons. 155 00:09:18,891 --> 00:09:21,894 yeah. 156 00:09:25,531 --> 00:09:28,668 Hi, I'm Julie, my hand from LSU, and I'm here 157 00:09:28,668 --> 00:09:31,704 soaking up the sun at the Talley farm with Vivian. Hi. 158 00:09:32,438 --> 00:09:34,440 Watermelons. A delicious, healthy fruit. 159 00:09:34,440 --> 00:09:36,108 It's soaked with nutrients. 160 00:09:36,108 --> 00:09:39,178 A watermelon is approximately 92% water, 161 00:09:39,178 --> 00:09:42,181 so it's great to eat on a summer day to stay hydrated. 162 00:09:42,448 --> 00:09:47,448 Each juicy bite has plenty of vitamins, but it also has a pigment called lycopene. 163 00:09:47,987 --> 00:09:49,622 It helps your heart stay healthy, 164 00:09:49,622 --> 00:09:52,959 so the more watermelon you eat, the healthier your heart will be. 165 00:09:53,693 --> 00:09:56,696 Did you know you can eat all the parts of the watermelon? 166 00:09:56,929 --> 00:09:58,598 No. You can eat the seeds. 167 00:09:58,598 --> 00:09:59,799 You can eat the rind. 168 00:09:59,799 --> 00:10:02,501 And we're going to talk a little bit more about that later. 169 00:10:02,501 --> 00:10:07,406 I like to combine that sweet flesh, especially when watermelons are in season 170 00:10:07,406 --> 00:10:07,907 like this. 171 00:10:07,907 --> 00:10:11,243 And I cut open a watermelon and have a lot of watermelon left over 172 00:10:11,611 --> 00:10:14,280 and make a salad, I add it to a salad. 173 00:10:14,280 --> 00:10:16,048 This salad has cucumber 174 00:10:16,048 --> 00:10:19,885 and watermelon and red bell peppers and a little fresh basil from my garden. 175 00:10:20,286 --> 00:10:25,257 You can also eat the rind and I like it pickled and it's easy to do 176 00:10:25,591 --> 00:10:28,394 so after you've eaten all the delicious flesh 177 00:10:28,394 --> 00:10:31,964 from the watermelon, you take some rind like this 178 00:10:32,732 --> 00:10:36,002 and get most of the red part of the rind off. 179 00:10:36,002 --> 00:10:40,306 Peel the green part of the rind, and we're going to use a vegetable peeler 180 00:10:40,306 --> 00:10:44,210 to do that, and then cut it into some small pickle shaped pieces. 181 00:10:46,612 --> 00:10:47,213 And pack 182 00:10:47,213 --> 00:10:50,883 them into this jar that has the pickling liquid in it. 183 00:10:50,983 --> 00:10:54,654 It's got some salt and some vinegar and sugar. 184 00:10:54,987 --> 00:10:59,987 Sometimes I put some spices like star anise or some cloves, black peppercorns. 185 00:11:01,727 --> 00:11:05,297 Sometimes people like to put a little hollow pino in it to make it hot. 186 00:11:05,331 --> 00:11:07,767 The reason you have to pack it is, as you notice, 187 00:11:07,767 --> 00:11:11,504 the watermelon is floating right now, and we want to get it down into that juice 188 00:11:11,737 --> 00:11:13,472 and then let it sit overnight. 189 00:11:13,472 --> 00:11:15,241 If you can wait. 190 00:11:15,241 --> 00:11:16,208 And it's delicious. 191 00:11:16,208 --> 00:11:19,211 When it's done. 192 00:11:25,851 --> 00:11:26,218 Today 193 00:11:26,218 --> 00:11:29,622 we're going to maximize our lycopene intake with a cool smoothie. 194 00:11:29,822 --> 00:11:31,624 So these are some frozen strawberries. 195 00:11:31,624 --> 00:11:34,627 We're just going to fill this about halfway full. 196 00:11:34,860 --> 00:11:37,763 We're going to top it with about the same amount. 197 00:11:39,031 --> 00:11:41,133 Pick out some that don't have a lot of seeds in them. 198 00:11:41,133 --> 00:11:44,336 I mean you can do it with the seeds, but they get in the way a little bit. 199 00:11:44,704 --> 00:11:48,074 I'm going to put just a little bit of water to get this watermelon water 200 00:11:48,074 --> 00:11:51,077 to get started. 201 00:11:57,216 --> 00:12:00,219 Let's cook. 202 00:12:00,653 --> 00:12:01,954 All right. 203 00:12:01,954 --> 00:12:04,457 So we've blended it together. It's smooth. 204 00:12:04,457 --> 00:12:05,958 And now we're going to enjoy it. 205 00:12:05,958 --> 00:12:10,396 The watermelon so sweet that you don't need to add any sugar to it. 206 00:12:10,396 --> 00:12:12,465 And it's really warm here this morning. 207 00:12:12,465 --> 00:12:13,599 Would you like to try this. 208 00:12:13,599 --> 00:12:16,602 Yeah. Okay. Great. 209 00:12:16,802 --> 00:12:19,805 If it tastes. 210 00:12:19,972 --> 00:12:21,073 Oh, this is really good. 211 00:12:21,073 --> 00:12:21,373 Is it? 212 00:12:21,373 --> 00:12:24,310 Oh, very good and cool and refreshing. 213 00:12:24,310 --> 00:12:27,646 Those frozen strawberries gave it another little tang. 214 00:12:27,880 --> 00:12:28,981 Gets it. Yeah. 215 00:12:28,981 --> 00:12:33,252 So now that I have all this watermelon, how should I store it in the. 216 00:12:33,452 --> 00:12:35,521 Should I store it in the refrigerator? 217 00:12:35,521 --> 00:12:38,691 Yes. Once it's cut from the run, you should start in the refrigerator. 218 00:12:38,691 --> 00:12:41,393 Okay, so how about before it's cut? 219 00:12:41,393 --> 00:12:44,630 Before it's cut, you should store it in a warm, 220 00:12:44,630 --> 00:12:47,066 dry place, but not too hot, or it will spoil. 221 00:12:47,066 --> 00:12:47,867 Oh, okay. 222 00:12:47,867 --> 00:12:48,901 That's good to know. 223 00:12:48,901 --> 00:12:53,873 All of the recipes that we've created today and that we've shown you on 224 00:12:53,873 --> 00:12:58,844 this table are going to be available on the Seeds to Success website. 225 00:12:59,512 --> 00:13:02,248 You can check out extended versions of harvest of the month 226 00:13:02,248 --> 00:13:04,550 at LPB, Morgan Harvest. 227 00:13:04,550 --> 00:13:06,452 And while you're there, 228 00:13:06,452 --> 00:13:10,623 take a look at our digital first programs like Ritual and Safe Haven. 229 00:13:10,990 --> 00:13:13,993 Again, that's all@lp.org. 230 00:13:14,093 --> 00:13:16,695 Louisiana has joined a growing number 231 00:13:16,695 --> 00:13:19,865 of states, creating the position of Surgeon General. 232 00:13:20,199 --> 00:13:24,069 Governor Jeff Landry appointed Doctor Ralph Abraham to the role 233 00:13:24,069 --> 00:13:25,304 earlier this year. 234 00:13:25,304 --> 00:13:29,341 Now, in this week's Louisiana speech, I sat down with Doctor Abraham 235 00:13:29,341 --> 00:13:31,177 to talk about his new title 236 00:13:31,177 --> 00:13:34,713 and how he hopes to improve Louisiana's poor health rankings. 237 00:13:36,482 --> 00:13:37,683 I am joined by 238 00:13:37,683 --> 00:13:42,154 Louisiana's newly appointed surgeon general, Doctor Ralph Abraham. 239 00:13:42,154 --> 00:13:45,090 Thank you so much for joining us here in sad to be Here. 240 00:13:45,090 --> 00:13:48,861 So, viewers here, this is a new role that it was created. 241 00:13:48,861 --> 00:13:52,531 And I think the first question that viewers want to know is what exactly 242 00:13:52,531 --> 00:13:56,101 does, Louisiana Surgeon General do? 243 00:13:56,302 --> 00:14:01,140 When Governor Landry got elected, he envisioned this role, teamed up 244 00:14:01,140 --> 00:14:06,140 with the legislature to create the role of Surgeon General LDH. 245 00:14:07,012 --> 00:14:10,683 The Louisiana Department of Health is a large organization. 246 00:14:11,684 --> 00:14:14,620 Medicaid, water, 247 00:14:14,620 --> 00:14:16,121 public health. 248 00:14:16,121 --> 00:14:19,491 We encompass many entities. 249 00:14:20,492 --> 00:14:23,462 The governor's vision, along with mine, 250 00:14:23,462 --> 00:14:26,532 was that we needed a surgeon general 251 00:14:27,032 --> 00:14:31,637 to bring all agencies together across the state, 252 00:14:32,137 --> 00:14:37,137 whether that be hospitals, boards, physicians, communities, 253 00:14:38,010 --> 00:14:42,147 to pool resources for all of Louisiana 254 00:14:42,481 --> 00:14:47,481 to make their health better, to improve our health outcomes. 255 00:14:48,921 --> 00:14:53,225 Unfortunately, right now, Louisiana is not doing well 256 00:14:53,225 --> 00:14:57,229 in national rankings, and we intend to improve that. 257 00:14:57,863 --> 00:15:01,367 So let's talk about some tangible ways that you're going to come in 258 00:15:01,367 --> 00:15:02,868 and do that right. 259 00:15:02,868 --> 00:15:05,304 We need our people healthier. 260 00:15:05,304 --> 00:15:10,304 My job as surgeon General is to find the means to make that happen. 261 00:15:10,442 --> 00:15:14,847 We just came from a huge meeting of Louisiana 262 00:15:14,847 --> 00:15:18,150 doctors, met with them, got their input. 263 00:15:18,150 --> 00:15:21,420 We've had many meetings with our hospital systems. 264 00:15:22,588 --> 00:15:24,857 What are their best practices now? 265 00:15:24,857 --> 00:15:27,993 They all have areas that they are expert in, 266 00:15:28,527 --> 00:15:31,964 and we want to pull those, connect those dots and 267 00:15:32,998 --> 00:15:35,935 move in the direction that we know we need to move it. 268 00:15:35,935 --> 00:15:40,935 So what can Louisiana do at the policy level to improve health outcomes? 269 00:15:41,407 --> 00:15:44,777 Policy is where the rubber meets the road. 270 00:15:44,777 --> 00:15:45,911 Literally. 271 00:15:45,911 --> 00:15:49,882 We can blame a lot of things as to why we're not doing well, 272 00:15:49,882 --> 00:15:53,452 but health policy to your point, is the key. 273 00:15:54,186 --> 00:15:57,723 We've got to have put policy where we are 274 00:15:57,723 --> 00:16:02,294 looking at the causes of why are chronic diseases, about 275 00:16:02,294 --> 00:16:06,832 why are maternal mortality and morbidity is not well, 276 00:16:07,266 --> 00:16:11,370 why our infant mortality and morbidity is not well. 277 00:16:12,171 --> 00:16:15,541 We have had conversations from the national level 278 00:16:15,941 --> 00:16:20,279 to the state level to the local level as to what we need to do, 279 00:16:20,312 --> 00:16:23,916 what exactly it is that can move that needle. 280 00:16:24,483 --> 00:16:28,620 And we're learning very quickly that it's going to take resources, 281 00:16:29,121 --> 00:16:32,257 it's going to take commitment, and it's 282 00:16:32,257 --> 00:16:35,861 going to take community by in which we've got. 283 00:16:36,495 --> 00:16:38,430 So in order for 284 00:16:39,498 --> 00:16:40,666 Louisiana to improve 285 00:16:40,666 --> 00:16:43,736 its health outcomes, clearly at the policy level, 286 00:16:43,736 --> 00:16:48,173 and there needs to be, a component of social services 287 00:16:48,440 --> 00:16:52,711 support for people that are economically challenged, 288 00:16:52,878 --> 00:16:56,315 that don't have the resources to good food, good health care. 289 00:16:57,816 --> 00:17:00,586 do you see that as a challenge 290 00:17:00,586 --> 00:17:03,856 in your position to push for social policy to improve outcomes? 291 00:17:03,856 --> 00:17:06,692 Well, it's a challenge, but we're meeting the challenge at LDH. 292 00:17:06,692 --> 00:17:09,028 We've got those people in place. 293 00:17:09,028 --> 00:17:12,097 We've got those experts, that know 294 00:17:12,464 --> 00:17:15,234 how to address those issues. 295 00:17:15,234 --> 00:17:20,234 We are asking that if they need help, call us, call me. 296 00:17:20,639 --> 00:17:22,141 And the resources are there. 297 00:17:22,141 --> 00:17:24,376 They are there. Yes. And they have been there. 298 00:17:24,376 --> 00:17:28,313 unfortunately, I think we've been lack in history 299 00:17:28,313 --> 00:17:32,251 of the LDH to advertise all that we have available. 300 00:17:32,584 --> 00:17:36,588 And we are making light speed changes to ensure 301 00:17:36,989 --> 00:17:39,625 that people know how to reach us and how to reach out. 302 00:17:39,625 --> 00:17:42,061 What is your personal priority? 303 00:17:42,061 --> 00:17:42,761 What is 304 00:17:42,761 --> 00:17:46,331 what is the most important thing that you would like to tackle in this position? 305 00:17:46,532 --> 00:17:50,335 There there's not just one, but you know, the thing that comes to the top, 306 00:17:50,335 --> 00:17:51,437 I think, is mental health. 307 00:17:52,905 --> 00:17:55,407 We struggle every day in 308 00:17:55,407 --> 00:17:59,011 America, not just in Louisiana with this mental health crisis. 309 00:17:59,611 --> 00:18:03,982 The governor in the legislature just came off a very successful crime session. 310 00:18:04,917 --> 00:18:08,554 I know as a physician they knew legislatures and certainly the governor. 311 00:18:08,554 --> 00:18:11,557 And I've had this discussion more than once that 312 00:18:12,524 --> 00:18:16,395 many people that are arrested have a mental issue. 313 00:18:16,628 --> 00:18:19,965 And if we can intervene before they commit that crime, 314 00:18:20,365 --> 00:18:24,870 we've not only help that person, but we save the state a lot of money, too. 315 00:18:24,870 --> 00:18:27,039 So it's a win win. 316 00:18:27,039 --> 00:18:30,042 So mental health for sure. 317 00:18:30,309 --> 00:18:34,613 Children, of course, are near and dear to all of us, and I see them 318 00:18:34,613 --> 00:18:37,749 and families that are struggling just to meet educational needs. 319 00:18:38,851 --> 00:18:40,752 A child cannot learn 320 00:18:40,752 --> 00:18:43,755 if they're hungry or if they're unhealthy. 321 00:18:43,789 --> 00:18:48,093 And again, that's my job as surgeon general to find those agencies. 322 00:18:48,093 --> 00:18:48,827 If we don't do it, 323 00:18:48,827 --> 00:18:53,432 they don't need to provide those resources for those children, for those families. 324 00:18:54,233 --> 00:18:56,835 So the requirement for this position 325 00:18:56,835 --> 00:19:00,739 is that the individual is a medical doctor or a physician. 326 00:19:00,739 --> 00:19:01,807 Right. 327 00:19:01,807 --> 00:19:03,575 Tell us a little bit about your background. 328 00:19:03,575 --> 00:19:06,178 Well, I grew up in rural Louisiana. 329 00:19:06,178 --> 00:19:07,412 It's still where I live. 330 00:19:07,412 --> 00:19:10,415 I grew up as a boy there where I practice medicine. 331 00:19:11,150 --> 00:19:13,785 First, I went to veterinary 332 00:19:13,785 --> 00:19:16,922 medical school in Baton Rouge, right here, practice 333 00:19:16,922 --> 00:19:20,726 veterinary medicine for ten years, saw that there was a huge need 334 00:19:21,693 --> 00:19:22,694 for access 335 00:19:22,694 --> 00:19:25,697 in the rural community just to see a doctor. 336 00:19:26,465 --> 00:19:27,766 I said, well, maybe I can do that. 337 00:19:27,766 --> 00:19:30,502 So as a mid 30s, 338 00:19:30,502 --> 00:19:33,672 gentleman, I went back to medical school, was fortunate enough to get in. 339 00:19:34,339 --> 00:19:38,677 I came back to the community that I live in, and that's where I practice medicine. 340 00:19:38,977 --> 00:19:39,211 All right. 341 00:19:39,211 --> 00:19:42,848 Well, thank you so much for joining us and introducing yourself to our viewers. 342 00:19:42,848 --> 00:19:44,349 And welcome to your new position. 343 00:19:44,349 --> 00:19:47,352 I'm going to look forward to it. 344 00:19:48,520 --> 00:19:51,523 Groundbreaking new technology is giving hope 345 00:19:51,623 --> 00:19:55,827 to people facing the struggle of neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. 346 00:19:56,261 --> 00:19:59,998 The mission is personal to former New Orleans Saints Steve Gleason 347 00:20:00,265 --> 00:20:03,035 and members of his nonprofit foundation. 348 00:20:03,035 --> 00:20:08,035 I sat down with the experts to learn about the speech Accessibility Project, aimed 349 00:20:08,106 --> 00:20:12,945 at training voice recognition software to better understand all speech patterns. 350 00:20:14,780 --> 00:20:16,815 You're a great guy. 351 00:20:16,815 --> 00:20:21,687 Joe Redman is capturing his donors, his way of speaking, his signature 352 00:20:21,687 --> 00:20:22,688 sayings. 353 00:20:22,688 --> 00:20:26,925 The recordings will speak for Joe after he can no longer speak. 354 00:20:27,526 --> 00:20:30,696 The former disc jockey and record promoter began 355 00:20:30,696 --> 00:20:34,299 losing his speech after he was diagnosed with ALS, 356 00:20:34,600 --> 00:20:39,037 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. 357 00:20:39,905 --> 00:20:42,908 I have a very slow progressing, 358 00:20:43,041 --> 00:20:47,379 but they sound like those in 2012 359 00:20:48,180 --> 00:20:51,817 and you get the lowest rate now. 360 00:20:51,817 --> 00:20:55,520 But I was in the red light waiting years 361 00:20:55,921 --> 00:21:00,425 and the promotion that national for up to and five. 362 00:21:00,626 --> 00:21:03,629 So it during my whole world 363 00:21:03,629 --> 00:21:08,133 with my speaking with Joe is banking his voice 364 00:21:08,133 --> 00:21:11,970 and recording phrases for the Speech Accessibility Project. 365 00:21:12,204 --> 00:21:14,873 Working with the Team Gleason Foundation. 366 00:21:14,873 --> 00:21:18,410 It's a nonprofit organization founded by former New Orleans 367 00:21:18,410 --> 00:21:21,613 Saint Steve Gleason, who is battling ALS. 368 00:21:23,148 --> 00:21:26,151 You're very tight. 369 00:21:28,987 --> 00:21:32,391 The Speech Accessibility Project trains voice 370 00:21:32,391 --> 00:21:36,528 assisted technology to better understand nontraditional speech. 371 00:21:36,928 --> 00:21:41,166 Team Gleason is recruiting individuals diagnosed with ALS 372 00:21:41,333 --> 00:21:45,337 to read and record sets of phrases to feed into the database. 373 00:21:46,405 --> 00:21:48,540 The goal of this project is to improve 374 00:21:48,540 --> 00:21:51,343 voice recognition software, 375 00:21:51,343 --> 00:21:54,346 so that individuals, as their voice may change over time, 376 00:21:54,513 --> 00:21:58,150 are still able to have access to your voice assistance, your your, 377 00:21:59,484 --> 00:22:02,421 voice command features and other things of that nature. 378 00:22:02,421 --> 00:22:04,256 So the way this project works. 379 00:22:04,256 --> 00:22:09,256 So Team Gleason is partnered with, the Beckman Institute of Advanced Sciences 380 00:22:09,661 --> 00:22:13,932 and Technology, with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 381 00:22:14,132 --> 00:22:16,835 We're working with individuals living with ALS. 382 00:22:16,835 --> 00:22:21,835 So I tropic lateral sclerosis and as well as plus so primarily lateral sclerosis. 383 00:22:23,342 --> 00:22:26,845 The voice samples help train voice recognition tools 384 00:22:26,845 --> 00:22:29,848 such as Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant. 385 00:22:29,948 --> 00:22:32,617 Participants make 600 voice recordings, 386 00:22:32,617 --> 00:22:35,654 which takes anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to complete. 387 00:22:36,054 --> 00:22:39,691 The goal is to evolve voice command technology 388 00:22:39,991 --> 00:22:43,462 so that it is equal opportunity for all speech patterns. 389 00:22:43,829 --> 00:22:46,832 Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft 390 00:22:46,832 --> 00:22:50,736 are all helping fund the Speech Accessibility Project. 391 00:22:51,670 --> 00:22:56,308 As of June 2024, we've collected over 235,000 voice samples. 392 00:22:56,742 --> 00:22:59,344 And, the tool that they're developing 393 00:22:59,344 --> 00:23:03,815 for this project initially was, able to recognize 394 00:23:03,815 --> 00:23:07,786 about 80% of the speech, but 20% of that was not being processed. 395 00:23:07,786 --> 00:23:11,823 So, as your voice may change, it might be frustrating, 396 00:23:12,157 --> 00:23:17,157 to, to not have access to those alexas and your series that you've grown to love. 397 00:23:18,363 --> 00:23:23,363 And so since we've started, we've got that number down from 20%, down to 12%. 398 00:23:23,635 --> 00:23:27,172 So now essentially 88% is being able to be recognized. 399 00:23:29,674 --> 00:23:31,443 Whenever you hear the like. 400 00:23:31,443 --> 00:23:34,279 That means that you selected a letter. 401 00:23:34,279 --> 00:23:37,449 Emily Kaufmann is a speech pathologist with Team Gleason. 402 00:23:37,783 --> 00:23:41,853 She's been working with Joe to bank his voice and to learn skills 403 00:23:41,853 --> 00:23:44,856 such as eye tracking, to operate smart devices. 404 00:23:45,590 --> 00:23:48,860 Voice preservation is the best place to start working with someone, 405 00:23:48,860 --> 00:23:51,863 because you have the opportunity to develop that relationship 406 00:23:52,130 --> 00:23:56,268 and get to know them and, save their voice for those who can hear it later on. 407 00:23:56,368 --> 00:24:00,338 We see local patients from the very beginning of their diagnosis throughout. 408 00:24:00,605 --> 00:24:04,409 So such as Joe was talking about, they'll come in and do voice banking, 409 00:24:04,443 --> 00:24:05,544 message banking. 410 00:24:05,544 --> 00:24:09,314 But if things change and you know, he loses the ability to use his hands, 411 00:24:09,314 --> 00:24:13,051 we'll find a way for him to continue texting, making phone calls, 412 00:24:13,051 --> 00:24:14,820 using his computer. 413 00:24:14,820 --> 00:24:16,822 or if things change and he loses his voice, 414 00:24:16,822 --> 00:24:19,825 we'll find a way for him to continue communicating. 415 00:24:20,292 --> 00:24:24,296 Team Gleason provides local clinical services, a nationwide. 416 00:24:24,563 --> 00:24:28,066 The organization loans equipment such as communication devices, 417 00:24:28,300 --> 00:24:32,270 and it repairs and loans portable powered wheelchairs to individuals 418 00:24:32,270 --> 00:24:36,675 with ALS, ALS, or persons living with ALS. 419 00:24:36,975 --> 00:24:40,111 So when a spouse comes into our clinic at Team Gleason, 420 00:24:40,345 --> 00:24:42,280 we're able to help them from the start. 421 00:24:42,280 --> 00:24:45,650 Without insurance, without any of these other stipulations. 422 00:24:45,650 --> 00:24:48,386 So we're able to really give them what they need. 423 00:24:48,386 --> 00:24:51,990 We believe here technology is secure until they find a cure. 424 00:24:52,224 --> 00:24:56,294 So we're able to give them back what this disease has taken away 425 00:24:56,328 --> 00:24:57,429 through technology. 426 00:24:58,396 --> 00:25:01,132 Gleason's inspiration is palpable 427 00:25:01,132 --> 00:25:04,769 at Team Gleason's New Orleans headquarters in the Vincent Tower. 428 00:25:05,103 --> 00:25:08,974 His strength and struggle, expressed in a recent autobiography. 429 00:25:08,974 --> 00:25:13,974 And at the 2024 SBA Awards, where he received the 2024 430 00:25:14,079 --> 00:25:16,081 Arthur Ashe Courage Award. 431 00:25:16,081 --> 00:25:18,850 Moving many to tears. 432 00:25:18,850 --> 00:25:23,488 If we can listen, understand and help alleviate each other's suffering, 433 00:25:23,822 --> 00:25:26,791 then truly all things are possible. 434 00:25:28,293 --> 00:25:31,263 Thank you again for this incredible honor. 435 00:25:31,296 --> 00:25:33,532 I love you all. 436 00:25:33,532 --> 00:25:36,902 Gleason continues to motivate on and off the field. 437 00:25:37,235 --> 00:25:40,105 New Orleans Saint Thomas Morstead is pledging 438 00:25:40,105 --> 00:25:43,608 to donate $1,000 to Team Gleason for every punt. 439 00:25:43,608 --> 00:25:46,611 He lands inside the 20 yard line this season. 440 00:25:47,412 --> 00:25:50,715 It seems like the diagnosis of ALS is on the rise. 441 00:25:50,982 --> 00:25:54,619 It definitely is on the rise as more neurologists 442 00:25:54,619 --> 00:25:57,622 know how to diagnose it and diagnose it earlier. 443 00:25:57,689 --> 00:25:58,523 It's on the rise, 444 00:25:58,523 --> 00:26:03,428 and that's also why we see a rise in our services at Team Gleason. 445 00:26:03,695 --> 00:26:07,232 When I first started, we were getting maybe 30 requests per month, and now we're 446 00:26:07,232 --> 00:26:08,266 getting 700. 447 00:26:09,601 --> 00:26:10,702 Steve Gleason was 448 00:26:10,702 --> 00:26:13,705 diagnosed with ALS in 2011. 449 00:26:13,772 --> 00:26:17,475 A year later, Joe received the same diagnosis, 450 00:26:17,776 --> 00:26:21,880 uniting the two in a common fight to make life better 451 00:26:21,880 --> 00:26:25,150 for those struggling with neurodegenerative diseases. 452 00:26:26,284 --> 00:26:28,620 Sharing model. 453 00:26:28,620 --> 00:26:31,690 And to be able to get back 454 00:26:31,690 --> 00:26:35,827 and people with their nontraditional 455 00:26:35,827 --> 00:26:38,830 speaking is very for them 456 00:26:38,930 --> 00:26:41,633 and voice breaking because 457 00:26:41,633 --> 00:26:45,604 by voice in church in lent or go or the my I, 458 00:26:46,171 --> 00:26:49,374 I know I definitely it can be. 459 00:26:49,608 --> 00:26:54,608 So I want to encourage others to make their voices heard 460 00:26:55,413 --> 00:26:58,617 that they, you know, they feel that they they give me 461 00:26:58,617 --> 00:27:01,620 they gave. 462 00:27:06,791 --> 00:27:08,193 That's our show for this week. 463 00:27:08,193 --> 00:27:12,497 Remember, you can watch anything LPB anytime, wherever you are 464 00:27:12,497 --> 00:27:14,265 with our LPB app. 465 00:27:14,265 --> 00:27:17,268 You can catch LPB news and public affairs shows, 466 00:27:17,268 --> 00:27:21,272 as well as other Louisiana programs you've come to enjoy over the years. 467 00:27:21,439 --> 00:27:24,376 And please like us on Facebook 468 00:27:24,376 --> 00:27:28,546 and Instagram for everyone at Louisiana Public Broadcasting. 469 00:27:28,647 --> 00:27:30,048 I'm Karen LeBlanc. 470 00:27:30,048 --> 00:27:33,118 Until next time. That's the state we're in. 471 00:27:41,526 --> 00:27:42,894 Support for Louisiana, 472 00:27:42,894 --> 00:27:46,364 the state we're in is provided by Entergy. 473 00:27:46,364 --> 00:27:49,367 Louisiana is strengthening our power grid throughout the state. 474 00:27:50,068 --> 00:27:53,872 We're reinforcing infrastructure to prepare for stronger storms, 475 00:27:54,339 --> 00:27:57,876 reduce outages, and respond quicker when you do need us. 476 00:27:57,976 --> 00:28:00,779 Because together, we power life. 477 00:28:00,779 --> 00:28:02,914 Additional support provided by the Fred B 478 00:28:02,914 --> 00:28:05,917 and Ruth B Ziegler Foundation and the Ziegler Art Museum. 479 00:28:05,917 --> 00:28:10,889 Located in Jennings City Hall, the museum focuses on emerging Louisiana artists 480 00:28:11,089 --> 00:28:14,492 and is an historical and cultural center for Southwest Louisiana 481 00:28:16,194 --> 00:28:18,830 and by Visit Baton Rouge. 482 00:28:18,830 --> 00:28:22,100 And the Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcasting 483 00:28:22,100 --> 00:28:24,169 and viewers like you. Thank you.