September 8, 2004 - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry campaigned in Rochester today. He met with a group of about 150 local folks in the back yard of a Rochester residence to talk about healthcare. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally was there and joins us now on the line.
November 5, 2004 - Economists are still looking for signs the job market is healthy again. But for those who are not healthy themselves even looking for a job is a major challenge, in good times and bad. More than 20 percent of working-age Minnesotans have a disability of some sort. Others are recovering from addiction that sent their working lives off the rails. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich looks at the market for Minnesota's so-called "challenged job-seekers."
November 29, 2004 - When it comes to health care, Governor Pawlenty thinks there's strength in numbers. So much so that he's formed an informal alliance of state government, large employers and labor groups. Pawlenty hopes the large group can initiate changes in the health care marketplace that will lower costs and improve quality. He also plans on eliminating some required paperwork for providers and wants improvements to medical technology. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
December 6, 2004 - MPR’s Perry Finelli interviews Dr. Pat Walker, medical director at the Center for International Health at Regions Hospital, about mass health screening clinics for new refugees.
December 8, 2004 -
December 10, 2004 - MPR’s David Molpus interviews Cheryl Thomas, who runs Women's Human Rights Program at the Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights. Thomas discusses the domestic violence facing women in immigrant communities here in Minnesota.
December 10, 2004 -
December 13, 2004 - A high profile, national attorney and two Minnesota hospitals were in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis today to argue how much charity care a non-profit hospital should provide. Plaintiffs across the country have been filing lawsuits against non-profit hospitals for failing to provide an adequate level of charity care to the uninsured and the poor. Allina Hospitals and Clinics and Fairview Health Services say they provide enough care and are asking a judge to dismiss the lawsuit. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
December 23, 2004 - There's something of a building boom going on with health care facilities around the Twin Cities. HealthPartners, Allina and HealthEast all recently announced major expansion plans. The groups say the construction will help improve care and patient satisfaction. But others worry it will increase health care costs. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
December 23, 2004 - MPR’s Jim Bickal reports that Joe Mauer faces a much greater risk of developing arthritis at some point in his career after a left knee injury in the second game of his rookie season last year. The Minnesota Twins catcher is back home in St. Paul for the holidays after spending several months in Florida for rehabilitation.