North Minneapolis residents now have access to a monthly free community salad bar, sponsored by Natural Me Apothecary and the Metro Food Justice Network, to combat food insecurity and promote healthy eating.
Health + Wellness
Find stories and resources by some of the state’s top Black physicians that aim to address current disparities in prevention and treatment within our communities.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Fifteen Years of the ACA: Impact on Black Women’s Reproductive Care
The ACA has expanded contraceptive access and reduced the uninsured rate among Black Americans, but Black women still face systemic racism and financial barriers to care, and the future of the ACA is uncertain.
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Fighting the opioid crisis
HF1379 is a bill that would allow patients to file a voluntary non-opioid directive, which could be a critical step in combating opioid addiction in Minnesota, particularly in Black communities that have been disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Breaking free: Fighting “Big Tobacco’s” deadly grip on Black communities
Damone Presley, a peer recovery specialist and certified nicotine specialist, has been working to encourage the community to quit smoking for the better part of his life, and is now helping others to do the same.
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Stress: It can affect you more than you know
Emotional stress can affect all areas of the body and can be hard to treat, making it important to prioritize daily habits such as food and eating, movement and exercise, sleep and restoration, and stress management to offset the negative effects of stress.
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Recovery from substance abuse needs peer and community support
The Twin Cities Recovery Project is working to address the racial disparities in drug-related arrests and substance use disorder outcomes in Minnesota by offering resources and training to people of color, while also providing harm reduction services to individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Gov. Walz would tap private insurers to help keep health care affordable
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has proposed a plan to maintain access to affordable health care by shifting the funding for the state’s reinsurance program from the general fund to private insurers, which could help lower premiums for individuals buying insurance on the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
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The corporate war against breastfeeding
A new grant from the CDC will help Minneapolis expand breastfeeding and lactation services, focusing on improving health outcomes for communities of color, and also addressing corporate lobbying efforts that may impact local breastfeeding practices.
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Your Box Braids Could Be a Health Hazard
Consumer Reports found that synthetic hair used for braids and other styles contains toxic chemicals, including lead and cancer-causing substances, raising concerns about long-term health effects.
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UMN Students Report Mental Health Crisis on Campus
Many University of Minnesota students report long wait times and unresponsive care from campus counseling services, prompting some to seek therapy outside the university.
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Equitable health care champions discuss heart health
Rep. Ilhan Omar hosted a panel discussion on Black women’s heart health at the NorthPoint Conference Center in Minneapolis, highlighting the importance of mental health in cardiovascular recovery and the need for culturally competent care.
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RFK Jr.: Black Kids on ADHD Drugs Should be ‘Re-parented’
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has raised concerns about Black children being overmedicated and suggested government-run farms could be a solution, which has sparked criticism for its resemblance to forced family separations and lack of scientific backing.
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Cultural representation improves addiction recovery
Ivan Nelson, executive director of African American Survivor Services, is working to address systemic disparities in addiction and recovery for African Americans, providing culturally competent care and addressing generational trauma.
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What’s at stake for Black youth as feds cut funds
The Annex Teen Clinic, a trusted resource for young people in Minnesota, faces challenges due to proposed policy changes and potential restrictions on Title X funding, but remains committed to providing confidential, affordable, and culturally competent sexual and reproductive health care.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
DEI rollback threatens Black/Native health program
The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program, funded by the CDC, aims to improve the health of Black and other residents of color in Minneapolis by addressing chronic disease prevention and vaccinations, with some uncertainty about future funding due to changes in federal funding policies.
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Breaking the stigma of opioid overdose
The stigma surrounding opioid addiction and overdoses in Hennepin County is rooted in misconceptions and can hinder recovery efforts, but a more compassionate approach can empower those in need to seek help without fear and reduce harm.
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Woman arrested after miscarriage sues
A grand jury has declined to indict Brittany Watts, who was initially charged with felony abuse of a corpse, after she was investigated for handling a home miscarriage. Advocates have criticized the treatment she received from doctors and police, arguing that it is a clear case of reproductive injustice.
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The Mali Center: Embedding Health, Wealth and Wellness into St. Paul’s North End Neighborhood
Tyrone Minor, a fitness instructor and entrepreneur, has transformed his passion for health and wellness into a community hub, The Mali Center, a health and wellness lifestyle center in the North End neighborhood, which is home to several businesses and nonprofits focused on improving the generational wealth and health of the community.
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Find out if you’re eligible for MinnesotaCare 24/7/365
MinnesotaCare is a lower-cost health insurance program that can be applied for year-round, with free help from a navigator in your community, and provides comprehensive coverage for people who live in Minnesota.
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Tips for supporting a loved one with addiction
Supporting a loved one with addiction is challenging, but it’s crucial to offer love and support while maintaining boundaries and avoiding accusatory language, and to recognize that addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder.