Since 2021, Louisiana ranks in the top half of the nation in the number of human trafficking cases emanating from the state – 126 in the last two years.
So what can be done to help lower those numbers and keep residents of the Pelican State safer?
Donna Edwards, wife of Gov. John Bel Edwards, is looking to cut into those trafficking numbers with her Louisiana First Foundation, and the state’s First Lady joined Newell Normand on WWL Radio to discuss her efforts.
Those efforts include a new documentary produced by the foundation with the help of Emmy-winning television news veteran Karen Swensen that focuses on Metanoia, a secret healing center run by nuns to help survivors of human trafficking.
“The more awareness we can bring to this horrific crime, the more prevention we can bring and the more lives we can save,” Edwards said. “And that’s what this is all about: saving lives.”
Edwards said that before she educated herself, she didn’t know human trafficking was such a local problem in the state of Louisiana, but that once she learned the truth, she felt compelled to find some way to help.
And she believes this documentary will make others feel the same.
“I know that the viewers that watch this will be touched beyond belief,” she said. “And they’re going to… want to know what they can do to help.”
“Turning the Tide: A Story of Hell, Healing and Hope” premiered on WYES-TV in New Orleans on October 23. It will be rebroadcast October 25 at 10 pm and October 30 at 9pm, and it’s available anytime on the station’s YouTube channel.
You can hear the full conversation with Donna Edwards by clicking the link above.