Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. Kumi Smith, Associate Professor in the Division of Epidemiology & Community Health at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, about the opioid crisis.

Dr. Smith's research focuses on health disparities at the intersection of infectious diseases, substance use, and unstable housing. She develops structural interventions to support clinical workers in delivering culturally specific and trauma-informed care for marginalized patients. Her expertise spans HIV, STIs, infectious disease dynamics, intervention science, sexual health, and healthcare stigma.

Join us for an insightful discussion on the opioid crisis, its impact on public health, and the interventions needed to create more equitable and effective care systems.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at huemanpartnership.org.

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. Steven Fu, Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota and Director of the VA Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research (CCDOR), about Veteran Health.

Dr. Fu's research focuses on smoking cessation and tobacco-related health disparities, particularly among diverse and disadvantaged populations. His work aims to improve the delivery and utilization of tobacco dependence treatments, ensuring better health outcomes for those who have served. With an extensive background in medicine and public health, Dr. Fu brings valuable insights into the challenges and advancements in Veteran healthcare.

Join us for an enlightening discussion on Veteran Health, and stay tuned to gain fresh perspectives on improving care for those who have served.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at huemanpartnership.org.

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. Thomas E. Kottke, Kathleen Anderson, & Thea Williams about firearm storage and safety.

Dr. Thomas E. Kottke is the medical director for well-being at HealthPartners, a professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, and a health services researcher at the HealthPartners Institute. With a background in internal medicine, cardiology, and public health, his work focuses on preventive care and community well-being.

Kathleen Anderson is a clinical social worker, mother of three, and a volunteer educator with Be SMART, a national campaign dedicated to promoting secure firearm storage. Through education and advocacy, she helps raise awareness about the role safe storage plays in preventing accidental shootings, suicides, and gun theft.

Thea Williams works at Hennepin County Medical Center, supporting families who have lost a loved one to firearm violence. She oversees multiple community outreach programs connected to the Next Step Program, a hospital-based violence intervention initiative. Her work includes managing the Monthly Women’s Group, the Harriet Initiative, and the Summer Basketball program, all aimed at fostering healing and community engagement.

Join us for an insightful discussion on firearm safety, the importance of secure storage, and practical steps to help protect families and communities.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at huemanpartnership.org.