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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Andrew Litchy, N.D., about naturopathic medicine and its role in modern healthcare.

Dr. Litchy is a naturopathic doctor who treats people of all ages, focusing on digestive and cardiovascular health, chronic illnesses, and overall wellness. He is also a faculty member, meditation teacher, and collaborator with research programs aimed at integrating naturopathic approaches and mindfulness practices into broader healthcare solutions.

Join us for an enlightening discussion about the principles and applications of naturopathic medicine, and stay tuned to gain fresh perspectives on holistic health.

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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 about Health Insurance.

Listen along as the team attempts to make sense of a variety of health insurance complexities. This episode is merely an introduction with more detailed episodes to come.

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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. Chrystian Pereira, an accomplished leader in pharmaceutical care and health systems, to discuss the pressing issue of pharmacy deserts and their impact on community health.

Dr. Chrystian Pereira, Pharm.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in the department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems. As the Director for Interprofessional Education, Dr. Pereira spearheads initiatives that enhance collaborative care across health professions. In addition to his role at the College of Pharmacy, he practices as a clinical pharmacist and trains diverse healthcare learners at Smiley’s Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Pereira’s expertise extends to the Center for Interprofessional Health, where he has been a key faculty member since its inception in 2021.

With a unique lens on healthcare accessibility and education, Dr. Pereira delves into the factors driving pharmacy deserts, the challenges they pose for underserved communities, and innovative strategies for improving medication access and health outcomes.

Join us as Dr. Pereira shares his journey as an educator and clinical pharmacist, his perspectives on policy and community partnerships, and his vision for fostering equitable healthcare through interprofessional collaboration.

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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 chat with Dr. Kathleen Garland to better understand pediatric blood disorders.

Dr. Kathleen (Kate) Garland is a pediatric hematologist at Children's Minnesota, specializing in hemostasis and thrombosis with a passion for advancing care through clinical trials and research. With training from East Tennessee State University, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, and Oregon Health & Science University, she excels in delivering evidence-based, technology-driven care and mentoring the next generation of hematology specialists.

Listen along as Dr. Garland shares her expertise on pediatric blood disorders and their impact on children and families.

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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 and Clarence chat with three incredible leaders in public health and policy: Dr. Tom Kottke, Dr. Amy Lansky, and Dr. Alison Cuellar.

Dr. Tom Kottke is the Medical Director for Well-Being at HealthPartners and a Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. With a career dedicated to cardiovascular health and preventive medicine, Dr. Kottke brings a wealth of experience in evidence-based practice and public health leadership. A member of the inaugural U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, he has contributed to federal guidelines on tobacco treatment and co-chaired the National Quality Forum’s Cardiovascular Standing Committee. Dr. Kottke earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota and his Master of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease, Dr. Kottke's work exemplifies his passion for creating healthier communities.

Dr. Amy Lansky serves as the Director of the Community Guide Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she leads efforts to deliver evidence-based public health solutions. Over her extensive career, Dr. Lansky has driven innovation in HIV prevention, surveillance, and policy, including serving as Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy. She holds a PhD and MPH from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Swarthmore College. With over 80 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Lansky is a recognized leader in advancing public health through strategic partnerships and data-driven interventions.

Dr. Alison Cuellar is a Professor of Health Administration and Policy at George Mason University and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Her research spans behavioral health, criminal justice, Medicaid policy, and health system innovations, with a focus on equitable care and evidence-based improvements. Dr. Cuellar has contributed to the National Academies' efforts to promote health equity and transformation in youth care systems. With a PhD in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a track record of impactful policy research, Dr. Cuellar brings critical insights to community and system-level health initiatives.

Join us as Dr. Kottke, Dr. Lansky, and Dr. Cuellar share their insights, professional journeys, and visions for advancing public health through evidence-based strategies and policy innovation.

All related information can be found here.

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.