By Gail Brigham

For the Daily News

The Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services heard a presentation from Emma Dixon of AARP during a monthly meeting on June 28 at Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church.

She said that payday lenders knowingly trap thousands of Louisianans in long-term cycles of debt that often results in bankruptcy, bank account overdrafts and delinquency on other bills. Payday lending also drains money from local and state economies, and it is correlated with higher rates of violent crime, property crime and home foreclosure. She encouraged members of the coalition to get involved in AARP Bogalusa Chapter 4032 as well as St. Tammany SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together).

State Rep. Malinda Brumfield White gave a brief update on the recent session and Debbie Meyers from FEMA informed the coalition of the Washington Parish case numbers.

Tiffany Crain reported on the Drug Free Communities grant, which has been renewed for the third year, and donations were collected for Washington Parish Council on Aging.

The coalition involves people who represent businesses, civic organizations, health care professionals, law enforcement, media, parents, faith organizations, schools, state government agencies, substance abuse organizations, youth and youth-serving organizations. The coalition is open to all.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 26, at 9:30 a.m. at Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial United Methodist Church, with a preliminary committee meeting at 8:30 a.m. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

Gail Brigham is the president of the Washington Parish Coalition on Human Services.