Minnesota plays a unique role in the arena of health, with impactful political/cultural moments, and important contributions from institutions such as Mayo Clinic, Hazelden, UCare, among others. Over the decades, MPR News and American RadioWorks have produced a breadth of reports and programming specifically dedicated to the subject of health. This collection includes interviews, debates, speeches, and documentaries that provide greater detail to the many facets of healthcare, from both a local and national perspective.
July 26, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with a women’s rights activist about Brother Peace program, who details St. Cloud rally to fight against various forms of abuse by men on women and children. Conversation focuses on need for men to be active in standing up against men who harass, control, and foster inequality.
August 12, 1991 - Daniel Callahan, the director and co-founder of the Hastings Center for Research and Education in Biomedical Ethics, speaking at a Minneapolis Health Care Technology Symposium sponsored by Group Health Incorporated. Dr. Callahan’s address was on the topic of allocation of health care resources. Following speech, Callahan answered audience questions. Callahan is an elected member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, and author and editor of more than 30 books, including "What Kind of Life: The Limits of Medical Progress.”
August 15, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten talks with Arthur Caplan, University of Minnesota professor in the Departments of Philosophy and Surgery, about the ethics of suicide as it is seen in western culture.
September 4, 1991 - Dr. Susan Erbaugh comments on her concerns over how modern media presents murder in the news and the negative stress it imparts on children. Erbaugh believes that media needs to be aware of news stories presentation and that parents should have a dialog with their children over the exposure.
September 20, 1991 - Joseph Califano Jr., former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under the Carter administration, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Califano’s address was on the topic of health care. Following address, Califano answered audience questions. Califano has written a new book called "Triumph and Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson: The White House Years". He is a leading advocate of health care reform. He also encourages private businesses to help develop policies to ensure access to health care. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
October 3, 1991 - Franklin Thomas, president of the Ford Foundation, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Thomas’s address was titled "Drugs, Poverty and Crime: Why the Inner City is in All Our Backyards." After speech, Thomas answered audience questions. Ed Spencer, chairman of the board of the Ford Foundation and a board member of the Minnesota Meeting, introduced Thomas. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
October 16, 1991 - Midday’s Bob Potter interviews C. Everett Koop, the former U.S. Surgeon General. Topics of discussion include senate confirmation hearings, abortion, and his book "Koop: The Memoirs of America's Family Doctor." Koop also answers listener questions.
November 1, 1991 - Minnesota Public Radio presents “Choosing Death,” a documentary which examines the issues of doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia. Documentary includes interviews with patients, doctors, ethicists, and a visit to Holland, the only country in the world where euthanasia is performed openly.
January 11, 1992 - Joanne Slavin, nutritionist from the University of Minnesota, takes listener's questions about food, provides insights into healthy food habits for the new year, talks about the cholesterol debate.
January 16, 1992 - Minneapolis Mayor Don Fraser shares details on his talks with President George Bush on commission to focus on families in U.S. cities, and how to help foster healthy environment and support for them.