15. Abortion is Healthcare ft. Emily Richter

The CDC signed off on the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11. Dr. Lichtsinn gives us some background information on how it happened and shares important information for parents. 

Like most parents, Katie Dohman is wondering what this school year has in store. And she's tired. Katie joins to share her story of advocating for her kids, parenting/working/existing through a pandemic and posits, how can we make sure nobody burns out?  If you’re looking for a bit more from Katie, check out this article from The Cut, Does Anyone Want to Hear About Burned-Out Moms Anymore?

The Minnesota Council on Disability is a mainstay at the Minnesota State Fair, which kicks off today. It's a time for education, connection, and of course, good food. But this year, the Council made the difficult decision to forego the Fair, prioritizing health, safety and leading by example. David Dively, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council on Disability joins us to share the story of this decision and a slight tangent on the new movie CODA (Child of Deaf Adults).  And, please take a moment to read the Minnesota Council on Disability's open letter, available here. 

The delta variant of COVID-19 is now the dominant strain in Minnesota. In this episode, Dr. Hannah Lichtsinn explains why the delta variant is particularly dangerous, how we can mitigate the risk of catching COVID-19 (even if we're vaccinated) and spreading it to others, and what it all means for the coming months. And we couldn't resist a little gymnastics talk after St. Paul's Suni Lee won gold a few hours before we recorded!  For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, check out the MN Department of Health Vaccine Connector: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/ 

In honor of Twin Cities Pride Weekend, Alissa Light and Nathalie Crowley talk about Family Tree Clinic, a leading reproductive and sexual health care clinic. Through education and programs like their LGBTQ Health Access Initiative, Family Tree is proof that we can center healthcare on the needs of our communities, treat all patients with dignity and respect, and that a well-educated community is a healthier community.  Check out Family Tree's website for more information: https://www.familytreeclinic.org/

We've heard the phrase "immunocompromised" a lot in the last year (plus), usually in the context of who may have additional risks when it comes to COVID-19. Our guest today, Steve Romenesko, is one such person. He is a double transplant recipient and, as he says, a professional sick person. Steve shares his twenty-year and counting story with us, and sheds some light on new research about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in transplant patients.  For more information on the study Steve is taking part in, check out our blog. 

This week, Our Stories. is spending some time thinking about stepping forward and into the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and what comes after. Wes Burdine, owner of the Black Hart of St. Paul, joins us to share his pandemic story of closing down, trying new things, and now stepping forward.  For our Minnesota United FC fans listening, check out Wes's podcast, FiftyFive.One. Oh, and if you haven't been to the Black Hart, I recommend a visit when it's safe for you!

It's Black Maternal Health Week and we are joined by J'Mag Karbeah, a PhD student in the School of Public Health  in the Division of Health Policy Management's Health Services Research, Policy and Administration program at the University of Minnesota. Black Maternal Health Week was founded and is led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to "amplify the voices of Black mamas and center the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements." J'Mag speaks to the reproductive justice framework that she uses to approach her research, and shares her intersectional approach to understanding Black Maternal health and healthcare as a whole. 

It's a short and sweet update from Dr. Hannah Lichtsinn about variants, rising case numbers and vaccines. Plus, a clue as to what Hayley will be baking Hannah for her birthday when we can once again gather together!

Emily Richter joins Hayley to share her reproductive healthcare story. We also dig into some of the restrictive laws on the books in Minnesota and a bill that would repeal some of those laws. This episode was produced with the help of our partners in health justice at UnRestrict Minnesota. UnRestrict MN is hosting Reproductive Freedom Lobby Day on Friday, March 12, 2021. Join us by signing up here. For more information on UnRestrict MN, check out their website.