MPR news and documentary programming highlighting medical and political commentary on the changing landscape of American health care. Minnesota is not only home to Mayo Clinic, UCare, and Hazelden, it has been at the forefront of the health discussion, from the state’s historic tobacco settlement case to the idea of prepaid health plans (later known as HMOs).
Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary or created after 2005 can be found on our main content pages of MPR News, YourClassical MPR, The Current, APM Reports, and Marketplace.
October 10, 2018 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports that the two major-party candidates for governor tangled in Willmar over who would best address the needs of rural Minnesota. Republican Jeff Johnson and Democrat Tim Walz spent 90 minutes debating transportation, health care, immigration, and other issues.
April 5, 2019 - On this episode of MPR News with Angela Davis, MPR’s Mike Mulcahy talks with DFL Governor Tim Walz about his term so far and how he'll seek agreement with lawmakers on the state's next two-year budget. Walz also answers listener questions.
May 29, 2019 - MPR’s Brian Bierschbach interviews Governor Tim Walz as he prepares to sign an education bill that tops 20 billion dollars, with more budget bill signatures coming. Walz says he believes the state budget moves Minnesota forward even though he had to leave some priorities behind.
September 30, 2019 - MPR’s Catharine Richert reports on unlicensed midwifery in Minnesota. Segment includes history behind the legality in state, as well as perspectives from a patient, midwife, politician, lawyer, and medical professional.
October 1, 2019 - MPR’s Catharine Richert profiles Rebekah Knapp, a midwife in western Minnesota. Knapp describes aspects of her profession, including her spiritual viewpoint and working with Amish cultures.
December 28, 2020 - MPR’s Catharine Richert profiles Jeanette Rupert, a South Minneapolis nurse who spends her days between ICU and neighborhood health effort as pandemic ravages communities of color.
May 3, 2022 - On this segment of North Star Journey, MPR’s Peter Cox looks at how a growing class of young Hmong doctors, nurses, and public health leaders recognized COVID’s threat and worked to guide people toward science-based answers.
May 17, 2023 - MPR News shares a special broadcast from Call to Mind, American Public Media’s initiative to foster conversations about mental health. Program includes experts’ insights on queer youth mental health, new data from the Trevor Project about the consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, stories of families in different parts of the country who face state laws that prevent trans people from accessing gender-affirming care, and the voices of young people attending the Miami Beach Pride festival.