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.
October 17, 1995 - Michael Moen, director of Disease Prevention and Control Division at Minnesota Health Department, comments on state of public health system in the country and in Minnesota. Topic of battling infectious diseases is highlighted.
October 27, 1995 - Bonnie Campbell, director of the U.S. Justice Department's Violence Against Women office; Sheila Wellstone, U.S. senator Wellstone’s spouse; and Chief Judge Donovan Frank, of the 6th Judicial District in Northeastern Minnesota, discuss domestic violence and the Violence Against Women Act. The program guests also answer listener questions.
November 16, 1995 - Minnesota Health Department’s Francie Mantak discusses data results on active smokers in the country. While men are smoking dramatically less, women and youth smoking is not showing same decline.
February 6, 1996 - Jean Bay, a health services manager at Honeywell, provides details on Life Savers Health Incentive Program, in which company offers monetary prizes to employees that succeed in improving one’s health by utilizing the program.
March 22, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton about children in society and her book entitled It Takes a Village.
March 28, 1996 - As part of a collection of reports looking at the transgender experience, MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Andrea Jenkins, who is transitioning from male to female. Jenkins shares her path, both physically and psychologically. Roberts also speaks with experts about the transgender life.
March 28, 1996 - Robert Leech, executive director of Minnesota Board of Medical Practices, comments on a Public Citizen study that shows doctors that continue to practice despite violations, some being serious crimes.
April 3, 1996 - As part of a collection of reports looking at the transgender experience, MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Terry, who is transitioning from female to male; and Scott Gerdes, who has already transitioned from female to male. Terry and Scott talk about finding true self in gender identity. Roberts also speaks with experts about the transition medical process.
April 17, 1996 - MPR’s John Rabe talks with Susan Gibel, of Gay and Lesbian Community Action Council (GLCAC), about the avenues for assistance in Minnesota regarding same-sex domestic abuse.
April 18, 1996 - Midday discusses infectious diseases and the updates the latest information about the Ebola virus, TB (Tuberculosis), BSE (mad cow disease), meningitis, influenza, AIDS, and other diseases with guest Michael Osterholm, a state epidemiologist. Listeners call in with questions.