Fighting for survival l Hidden America: Children of the Mountains PART 3/6

Summary

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared war on poverty in Inez, Kentucky, and four years later, Bobby Kennedy traveled the Appalachian region to understand the struggles of its people. Despite efforts and some improvements, Central Appalachia still faces economic challenges, with low income levels and a lack of opportunities. The region also battles a prescription drug epidemic, impacting families and communities, as seen through the story of Erica Floyd, a young girl trying to help her mother overcome addiction. The narrative highlights the resilience of the people and the ongoing fight against poverty and substance abuse.

Takeaways

• 🏭 Joblessness in the Inés area is primarily due to a lack of industrialization and the decline of the coal mining industry.
• 🎤 Lyndon B. Johnson declared war on poverty in Inez, Kentucky in 1964, and Bobby Kennedy visited to inspire Appalachian pride in 1968.
• 🏫 Investments in new schools and highways have helped some communities flourish, but not all areas have seen the same level of improvement.
• 🏞 Despite some progress, many people in the Appalachian region remain poor, with lower educational attainment and health issues.
• 💰 Coal companies have profited immensely from the region, but the local population has not seen corresponding benefits.
• 💊 Prescription drug abuse is a significant issue in Appalachia, with pharmaceutical companies being criticized for their role.
• 💸 In 2007, Purdue Pharma was fined $635 million for misleading the public about the addictiveness of OxyContin.
• 👮‍♀️ Law enforcement struggles with the drug trade, where prescription drugs like OxyContin have a high street value.
• 👨‍👧 The impact of drug addiction reaches children, with stories of families affected by parental substance abuse.
• 🏠 The collapse of the coal industry has led to abandoned towns and a sense of defeatism among some residents.
• 👧 The story of Erica Floyd illustrates the resilience of children in the face of addiction and the challenges of growing up in such environments.

Q & A

What was the primary cause of joblessness in the Inez area in 1964?

The primary cause of joblessness in the Inez area in 1964 was a general lack of industrialization and losses in the coal mining industry.

Which U.S. President declared war on poverty in Inez, Kentucky?

Lyndon Baines Johnson declared war on poverty in Inez, Kentucky.

How did Bobby Kennedy's visit impact the region according to Bill Gorman?

According to Bill Gorman, Bobby Kennedy's visit led to an influx of money for new schools and highways, which helped many communities flourish.

What is the current economic situation in the depressed counties of Central Appalachia?

Families in the depressed counties of Central Appalachia have an average annual income less than the cost of a new car, which is the second lowest in the nation.

What is the impact of coal companies on the mountains in Central Appalachia?

Coal companies have taken billions in profit out of the mountains, leaving the local population poor, with less educational attainment and often poorer health.

Why has prescription drug abuse become a thriving industry in Appalachia?

Prescription drug abuse has become a thriving industry in Appalachia due to the easy availability of drugs like oxycontin, lortab, and xanax, and the lack of strict regulation or enforcement.

What was the fine imposed on Purdue Pharma in 2007, and for what reason?

Purdue Pharma was fined $635 million in 2007 for deliberately misleading people about the addictiveness of the drug oxycontin.

What is the street value of a pill of oxycontin in Harlan County?

The street value of a pill of oxycontin in Harlan County is such that dealers can make more money in one weekend there than they can in an entire month on the streets of major cities like Chicago, Detroit, or New York.

Who is Erica Floyd and what is her story?

Erica Floyd is a young girl from Harlan County whose mother is battling addiction. Despite her mother's struggles, Erica remains hopeful and tries to help her mother, even walking her home from the streets at night.

What does Erica's story say about the impact of drug addiction on families in Appalachia?

Erica's story illustrates the devastating impact of drug addiction on families in Appalachia, where children are often left to care for addicted parents and struggle with the emotional and physical consequences of addiction.

What is the role of Operation Unite in addressing drug issues in the region?

Operation Unite is a law enforcement and education initiative aimed at addressing drug issues in the region, with Karen Engle as its executive director, focusing on education and enforcement to combat the drug trade.