It’s a daunting challenge given that Louisiana ranks among the worst states in nearly every health measure, but there are three of us locally who are energized by our roles in this statewide effort to improve the lives of literally tens of thousands of Louisiana residents.

Beep, beep. Beep, beep. Beep, beep. It was that noise, the unmistakable sound of a kitchen timer in the background, that offered insight into Dale Smith Thomas, featured speaker for the third annual Women Who Care, Share luncheon benefitting the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana.