February 2025 Edition - Access Press

Volume 36, Number 2

February 2025

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‘Quad-demic’ of illness reported

QUAD-DEMIC To page 3

Ann Roscoe remembered Page 5 An Arc MN 'father' Page 2 Special Olympics leader Page 6 Facility celebrated Page 7

New state budget proposal could bring cuts to disability services Disability community advocates and organizational leaders are mobilizing in response to sweeping budget cuts proposed

by Gov. Tim Walz. The cuts, which focus largely on disability services and special education, were announced at a time of turmoil at the capitol.

The legislative session began January 14. The House’s power struggle created uncertainty for anyone bringing forward legislation. As of late January, almost 500 bills were introduced in the Senate. Fewer than 200 bills were introduced in the House, all by Republicans.

DFLers, sworn in before the session began,

Transit changes Page 9

staged a boycott until legal issues were resolved by the Minnesota Supreme Court January 24.

The budget proposal is raising the most alarm, with disability advocacy groups meeting to hone their messages and counter the cuts. One message, discussed at a recent Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) meeting, is that advocate are willing and able to work with state officials to find costs savings while preserving key aspects of programs.

Another issue eyed warily is what federal PROPOSAL To page 4

Harpstead steps down after five-plus years leading DHS Minnesota will have a new Department of Human Services (DHS) commissioner as Jodi Harpstead steps down as of February 3. She has led the agency for more than five years.

Minnesotans with disabilities, their allies and service organizations are scrutinizing what the change in leadership at DHS will mean, on top of ongoing changes structurally to the department. Harpstead has been leading DHS through the major task of splitting into three smaller entities. DHS as one state department has had about 7,400 workers. Its budget as reached about $30 billion per year.

That has drawn criticism from some state lawmakers, who consider DHS to have gotten too large and unwieldy.

Two years ago work began to split off a direct care and treatment agency to oversee facilities including psychiatric hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers and sex offender treatment program. Another step was to create a Department of Children, Youth and Families. A third part of the ongoing transition is for DHS’s focus to be on other programs and services including Medicaid and Medicare.

Harpstead released a statement after her departure was announced. “I have been so proud to be the commissioner of the caring, competent, and high-capacity Department of Human Services. I’m pleased that we were able to balance new, stronger process controls with greater responsiveness to community partners, worked with the DHS grants and contracts team to imagine a redesign of the agency’s thousands of grants, and built an unparalleled team of strong senior leaders.”

Harpstead’s future plans have not been announced.

Gov. Tim Walz expressed gratitude to Harpstead. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to Commissioner Harpstead for answering the call of public service five and a

Jodi Harpstead half years ago,” he said. “I am proud of her work running the most complex and wide-ranging agency in state government. I am especially proud of how Commissioner Harpstead supported the enterprise-wide work to separate DHS into three separate agencies, which will make each of them more effective, more accountable, and easier to manage.”

Harpstead took the helm at DHS in August 2019. She succeeded Tony Lourey, who resigned after six months on the job. She came to DHS from Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota (LSS), where she had served as president and CEO since September 2011. Before her tenure at

DHS

Call it the “quad-demic.” Minnesotans have faced a surge in four illnesses this winter, battling COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus. Surges in illnesses are typically seen during the winter months. But this winter season’s illnesses have health care professionals calling for everyone to take extra steps to stay healthy and safe.

People with disabilities, especially those with compromised immune systems, must especially be vigilant to ward off illness. Vaccines, masking, frequent hand washing and staying home during illnesses are all measures advised.

A check with area hospitals, clinics and care facilities around the state indicates that many have gone into what is called their “surge” mode. This can take several forms, such as requiring that everyone mask up and take other health precautions. Visitors may be limited or even banned for a time.

Because emergency rooms are often quite busy, people who do feel ill have been encouraged to do telehealth virtual visits or calls when possible.

Both the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) track disease trends. The CDC has released national reports on a weekly basis.

Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across the country, according to the CDC. COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas of the country.

In contrast, RSV activity has peaked in many areas. Emergency room visits for all three conditions are on the rise.

Flu is the most prevalent of respiratory illnesses, with high rates of illness in most of the state’s counties. As January drew to a close, MDH was reported that Minnesota was nearing the 3,400 mark in terms hospitalizations for flu. That number is for the winter season of 2024-2025.

Historically the highest number is 4,375 for winter 2023-2024.

Most cases or 58 percent have been in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Data thus far skews toward elders aged 65 and older as accounting for most cases.

The CDC continues to report elevated levels of flu. That level is expected to continue for several more weeks. Nationwide, there have been at least 12 million illnesses, 160,000 hospitalizations and 6,600 deaths from flu so far this season.

When looking at respiratory illnesses as a whole, Minnesota ranks high when compared to other states.

The CDC providers updated, integrated information each week about COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity.

NEWS DIGEST

LSS, she had spent 23 years at Medtronic She has a long record of community service, including volunteer leadership at Lutheran Services in America, ARRM and Augsburg University.

She took the helm at DHS during a time of upheaval at the department in the wake of Lourey’s department. Among the first issues she faced were concerns about Medicaid overpayment to tribes and fraud in the child care assistance program. Less than a year into her tenure, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

While Harpstead made fiscal accountability and fraud prevention a focus, fraud has continued to draw scrutiny. Most recently the focus has been on two autism programs alleged to have improperly received a combined $20 million in Medicaid claims. The fraud case centered on Feeding Our Future has also been one that has drawn much criticism.

Operations of specific facets of DHS program have also been questioned, in how Minnesota Sex Offender Treatment Program, which has been under increased pressure to release more of the people in its program. The Office of the Legislative Auditor has called out for better management of housing and behavioral health funding. Yet another issue is tens of millions of dollars owed by medical providers and care facilities, and the need to step up collections.

No timeline to appoint a successor has been announced.

Access Press thanks this month's issue spotlight!

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FEBRUARY 2025 Volume 36, Number 2

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EDITORIAL

Every child, everywhere needs an accessible place to play Remember when some of us couldn’t enjoy an average neighborhood park or school’s playground? We’d look longingly at the slides and swings, the merry-go-rounds, the climbing and swinging apparatus, the little playhouses and the bouncy animals provided for other children.

We really liked that cool sandbox with the clamshell shovel children could crank and use. It looked like so much fun to scoop up sand and fill the dump trucks - if only we could have gotten into the sandbox or manually operated the shovel.

Sitting on the sidelines is not a great childhood memory.

Remember when the dedication of even a few accessible playground features was considered to be front-page news? The TV cameras would line up for the dedication event. But out of 20 swings, we got one or two we could use. Hooray! Something was better than nothing.

So much has changed. Things have gotten better. Many more children in our disability community benefit from have access that is routinely considered with children’s recreational projects today. We have universal or all-access playgrounds in many communities. We have more ball fields designed for young athletes with disabilities.

Learning of new accessible facilities is routine, at least in larger communities.

It’s a big, big deal for children and families who have worked toward getting such facilities built. In terms of news value, these kinds of facilities are something that has become much more standard. The facilities are still no less important but that means less attention when a ribbon is cut and a facility opens.

We Minnesotans with disabilities should expect that many things in our lives should

One issue we at Access Press have long observed with inclusive play facilities is that getting them built is all too often a case of haves and have-nots. More often than not, private fundraising and local private resources are involved. become standard. That’s why those who care about playground access should consider following a proposal being brought to the 2025 Minnesota Legislature.

The idea, brought forward by advocate Danielle Indovino Cawley, is for schoolbased inclusive playground grants. The proposal is one in a package of bills being worked on by members of the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD).

One issue we at Access Press have long observed with inclusive play facilities is that getting them built is all too often a case of haves and have-nots. More often than not, private fundraising and local private resources are involved.

Children with disabilities in smaller,

rural communities or communities that lack resources are sitting on the sidelines.

Many of us may know parents, grandparents and other caregivers who have to drive long distances to find an accessible place for children to play.

The bill would create a state grant program, much like those already in place for such capital needs as solar panels or electric-powered school buses. The intent is to create a grant fund that could pay for several inclusive playgrounds each year for Minnesota’s statewide public schools.

Schools could apply for grants, with the possibility of providing supplemental dollars from local government grants, private foundation grants or fundraising.

We are especially struck by this part of

the bill summary, which states that “Play is the work of childhood. Research has shown that access to time and areas for free play is important to the social emotional development of children. In most schools in our state children with disabilities, in particular those with mobility concerns, are left out of free place spaces at schools. Most playgrounds have wood chip, sand or pebble surfacing along with play structures that do not allow a child to access them without adult assistance. Most playgrounds have a single accessible swing and then an area of blacktop that children are left to play on.”

“Many students in the state of Minnesota still don’t have access to the playgrounds at their schools. Children, especially those with mobility devices, are left to sit on the blacktop to watch their peers play. Many districts do not have the money to refurbish their playgrounds a therefore efforts to add accessible playgrounds to schools has relied on private fundraising,” the legislative summary stated. “Giving schools the resources they need to create and maintain accessible play spaces will allow for children to have the freedom to play and grow together.”

Every child, everywhere, should have the chance to use an accessible swing or sensorystimulating equipment. Playgrounds everywhere also need fences, to keep children safely inside. We’ve had too many cases of children who wandering dying due to drowning. Or, children become injured when they leave the safety of a caregiver. It only takes a minute for a child to elope and be put in danger.

It brings to mind the days when so many of us former children were left out. Look into the pending legislation and let state leaders know your thoughts.

HISTORY NOTE

The Arc Minnesota’s founding fathers include a pioneering doctor The Arc Minnesota celebrates 75 years’ service in 2025. Dr. Reynold Archibald Jensen is one of its many founding fathers.

So who was he?

Archived news accounts provide a look at Jensen and his long career. He was born in Sleepy Eye in 1903, to Hans and Martine Jensen. His mother was an immigrant from Denmark. He maintained lifelong ties to his hometown with a membership in the Sleepy Eye Keystone Masonic Lodge 74. He became a 32nd degree level Mason.

Jensen didn’t go into the medical field right away, first teaching country school at Prairieview, Brown County in 1920. He was 17 years old when his teaching career began.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1935. He went to the East Coast to further his education, at the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia and the Judge Baker Guidance Center in Boston. He expanded his academic background to include psychiatry and pediatrics.

While working with Dr. Eric Kent Clark, director of psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical School in New York, Jensen got the opportunity to return to Minnesota.

In 1938 Clark became head of the new child psychiatry department at the University of Minnesota, bringing Jensen with him.

Jensen was a popular speaker for women’s organizations, community service groups and parents’ groups in the Twin Cities area.

He appeared on panels and gave solo talks on a wide range of physical and mental health issues. He was often contacted by journalists to weigh in professionally on child health and child mental health topics.

Jensen was part of a transformative movement for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We often see use the phrases “mental retardation” and “mental illness” interchangeably in the past.

He was part of a move to end that.

One issue he championed in 1947 was to question the practice of immediately

separating children born with IDD from their parents. He urged against that practice.

In September 1950 the National Association of Parents and Friends of the Mentally Retarded held its first-ever national convention of parents in Minneapolis. A September 30, 1950 Minneapolis Star article includes Jensen’s advice to the fledgling group, urging parents to fight the prejudice and shame their children faced. He called for research into IDD. Jensen also cited the success groups organized around other medical conditions had had “and predicted the new association should be reasonably successful itself during the next 25 years.”

He served as director of the Division of Child Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota Medical School, from 1956 to 1968. He was part of a group that made groundbreaking strides in children’s mental health. He published many papers.

Jensen was on countless health, mental health and IDD committees.

One fun fact was that he was considered to be a gourmet cook among the U of M faculty, and had recipes published in the 1958 “Curriculum for Cooks” cookbook published by the University Hospitals Auxiliary and Faculty Women’s Club . The 1958 cookbook included his recipes for cheese spread, pork chop casserole and glögg. (Glögg is a fragrant Swedish spiced wine punch spiked with whiskey and rum.)

Jensen later moved to the St. Cloud area.

There he served as a consultant for the VA Medical Center. In a 1978 St. Cloud Daily Times story about retirees, he said, “Retirement doesn’t mean to withdraw, but to do something else.”

The History Note is a monthly column produced in cooperation with the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Past History Notes and other disability history may be found at www.mnddc.org

EDITORIAL: Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed.

We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Editorial material and advertising do not necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press.

DEADLINE: 15th of each month.

Website: accesspress.org email: access@accesspress.org phone: 651-644-2133 Editor............................................................................................................................................................................................. Jane McClure Board of Directors...........................................................................................Tim S. Benjamin, Catherine Hunter, Jane Larson (Chair), .................................................................................................Brandon Miller, Lynda Milne, Manley Olson, John Tschida, Kay Willshire Business Operations and Advertising Manager.........................................................................................................Mary Graba Advertising Sales................................................................................................................................................................Rhett Lundgren Production........................................................................................................................................................................................ In-Fin Tuan Digital Production....................................................................................................................................................................Scott Stadum Co-Founder/Publisher Wm. A. Smith, Jr. (1990-96) Co-Founder/Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief Charles F. Smith (1990-2001) Editor-in-Chief/Executive Director Tim Benjamin (2001-2020)

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FEBRUARY 2025 Volume 36, Number 2

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CHARLIEISSUE SMITHSPOTLIGHT AWARD DETAILS FORTHCOMINGDEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES | MINNESOTA

Find out if you qualify for MinnesotaCare health insurance Getting cost-effective health insurance can have a big impact on your life.

But what if you don’t get affordable insurance through your job and you’re not eligible for Medical Assistance?

What if you’re over 65 and can’t get Medicare?

Don’t give up! You may qualify for MinnesotaCare, a state health insurance program that makes it easier for people to find the health care coverage they need.

MinnesotaCare is different from Medical Assistance, which is Minnesota’s Medicaid program.

MinnesotaCare is also different from Medicare, the federal program for people 65 and older and for people with disabilities.

You may be eligible for MinnesotaCare if you live in Minnesota, meet the income limits and don’t have access to affordable health insurance.

Some people who have MinnesotaCare pay a monthly premium based on their income, while others have no premium.

QUAD-DEMIC From page 1

RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Its symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses (like the flu or COVID-19). RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses. It usually peaks in December and January, according to the CDC .

MDH has reported that RSV hospitalizations across the state also reached their highest level in nearly a year.

Some people 21 and older who have MinnesotaCare pay cost-sharing, or copayments.

If you’re over 65 and can’t get Medicare, you may also be eligible for MinnesotaCare.

Your health matters. So does your financial well-being. Going without health insurance could be financially devastating if you get sick or have an accident.

Minnesota created MinnesotaCare over 30 years ago to make it easier for people to get affordable health insurance, even if they didn’t qualify for Medical Assistance.

That’s because having health insurance makes it much easier to get the health care you and your family need. Health insurance helps you pay for your appointments and medications.

MinnesotaCare pays for everything from immunizations and annual checkups to emergency care, behavioral health services, and dental and vision services.

MinnesotaCare is lower-cost health insurance designed to help people get the health care coverage they need. Depending on your income, MinnesotaCare may be free.

For more information about MinnesotaCare, visit https://mn.gov/dhs/ minnesotacare.

Find out if you qualify by connecting with a free navigator today.

Navigators speak your language and live in your community. They can help you learn about MinnesotaCare and other health insurance options and submit your application.

COVID-19 levels detected in wastewater rose nearly 40 percent over the last two weeks as well, according to the University of Minnesota Wastewater Surveillance Study.

Overall COVID levels still remain lower than other peaks in the virus over the past few years.

Track CDC respiratory disease monitoring at https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/ data/index.html Then there is norovirus, which is the subject of warnings from the CDC. The stomach ailment is on the rise nationally.

Norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis

among people of all ages in the United States.

Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Norovirus is also the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States. It spreads when people who are sick exposure others, are in close contact, or touch surfaces.

Long COVID report released MDH has released a first-of-its-kind survey on the Long COVID experience in Minnesota.

A staff team contacted 20,000 people who had COVID-19. 1,270 completed the interview.

The key takeaways are that more than

Their job is to help you understand what’s available and get what you need.

There is no charge for their services.

Having health insurance and getting regular medical care can help keep you, your family and your entire community healthier. Staying in charge of your health supports your overall well-being.

Don’t wait to find out if you qualify for MinnesotaCare.

Go to https://mnsure.org and click on the “Assister Directory” to find free help from a navigator near you.

Or visit the Disability Hub at https:// disabilityhubmn.org/ or call 1-866-3332466 for help and answers about your health insurance options.

If you’re age 65 or older, call the Senior Linkage Line at 1-800-333-2433 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit https://mn.gov/seniorlinkage-line/ for more information about health insurance options.

Sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Human Services 40 percent of respondents told MDH they suffered from lingering symptoms for at least three months after infection.

Pointing to national survey data in the results report, Murray estimated it’s more likely that roughly percent of Minnesotans or 365,000 people have had long COVID. The most common long-lasting symptoms included tiredness, fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog and coughing. Most people also said they struggled with daily activities.

See the study results at https://www.health. state.mn.us/diseases/longcovid/data.html

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It’s a great way for an advertiser to prepare copy, with photos, and tell readers about themselves. It’s also a great way to highlight a special month focused on a specific disability or topic. Spotlights include a page 1 promotion and a page 3 article.

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FEBRUARY 2025 Volume 36, Number 2

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FROM OUR COMMUNITY

He has questions about ICI program on competitive integrated employment The January 2025 issue of Access Press included an article, “Subminimum wages are eyed for change at federal level"” written by Jane McClure. The article was informative, but I am puzzled over the results of a grant funded project that was discussed.

Danielle Mahoehney from the University of Minnesota Institute for Community

Inclusion (ICI) reported that clients with intellectual/development disabilities (I/DD) from eight participating service providers were provided supports enabling them to move to competitive integrated employment (CIE).

From a population of 689 individuals being paid special minimum wages, 43 were successful in moving to CIE, or about 6 percent. There

was no detail shared as to where the remaining 600+ people ended up, especially how many lost employment in those providers who relinquished their 14(c) certificates.

Is this project considered to be a success?

Does it provide a model that should be replicated across Minnesota? The article goes on to say that none of the 689 participants lost services

after the service providers in the project relinquished their 14(c) certificates. As a parent of a person with I/DD who has been happily employed under the provisions of 14(c) for many years and a Minnesota taxpayer for 50 years, these results are NOT successful.

James S. Clapper North Oaks

ICI responds

services, and a couple still were not ready to offer CIE-focused services to people they support. So not everyone who was in 14c employment received support to transition to CIE during the project period. Our hope is that these providers will continue to build employment services and begin to support people to make the transition to CIE. Transformation takes time, and we will see a lag in the outcomes.

Also, we cannot accurately report what has happened with each of the 689 people who were originally in SMW employment. This is because the eight providers who participated in the Transition to Competitive Wages (TCW) grant program were selected around the same time that ICI was selected as the technical assistance center (spring 2022). They jumped into their

transformation work as ICI/MTI worked to build up the plans and processes for the TA center. A part of this was developing a data collection plan. Working with DHS, ICI/MTI chose to use an individual outcome data collection system developed by the University of MassachusettsBoston's Institute for Community Inclusion.

Our first data collection period was in the fall of 2022. By that point, many of the providers had already begun shifting people into other services, and two providers had already ended their use of subminimum wage (SMW). Because of how these timelines worked out, we don't have a “pretransition” data set for the providers and can't accurately report on how individual outcomes changed “before” and “after.” What we can say is that no one lost services due to their provider's

transformation. People shifted into a combination of CIE, group employment, center-based employment at or above minimum wage, and/or day supports. We know that there are a number of people who chose to not pursue employment when 14c ended. We also know there are people who are not working but who want to work and are waiting for providers to have the services in place to support them. If all day and employment providers across Minnesota committed now to developing strong employment services that utilize best practices such as customized employment to support people with IDD to find and keep competitive, integrated employment then Minnesota would be well positioned when SMW is eventually phased out to support people to continue to work.

It is incorrect that “clients with intellectual/ development disabilities (I/DD) from eight participating service providers were provided supports enabling them to move to competitive integrated employment (CIE).” The Minnesota Transformation Initiative (MTI) supported the eight providers to transition their service models.

We did not provide supports to people to move into CIE. This distinction is important, because several of the providers we supported did not have any employment services that supported people to transition into CIE when we began working with them. We provided technical assistance over an 18 month period to those providers to build those services from scratch. At the end of the project time, some providers were just launching those

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Letters should be no more than 500 words, with 750 words per commentary. Ask the editors if more space is needed.

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PROPOSAL

allocated through waivers, but not decrease the number of people getting waiver services.

Inflation is projected at 6 percent per year. Walz would reduce that to 2 percent, which advocates contend wouldn’t even begin to cover costs.

Another cut is a 5 percent reduction in special education transportation spending.

Walz also focuses on stepped up efforts to combat fraud. Much of the $45 million eyed for fraud prevention in his budget is for social services.

Another proposal would lower the state sales tax rate by 0.075 percent across the board. Walz called that the first state sales tax decrease in Minnesota’s history. The 6.875 percent state sales tax rate would be 6.8. He also would expand the sales tax to cover so-called wealth services provided by investors, bankers and lawyers.

The budget also proposes increasing the surcharge currently levied on health maintenance organizations from 0.6 percent to 1.25 percent of total premium revenue.

January 28 special election, filling the Senate District 60 seat vacated by Kari Dziedzic’s death in December after battling cancer. The election was held after Access Press went to press.

Then there is the House and its fight over control and what constitutes a quorum.

All House seats were on the 2024 ballot. At first election results showed a 67-67 tie, initially leading to an agreement to share leadership.

Then two elections were challenged.

DFLer Brad Tabke retained his District 54A House seat in a fight over a recount and missing ballots. But DFLer Curtis Johnson left his District 40B seat after he didn’t meet residency requirements. A dispute over a special election date means it may be March before a replacement is elected.

Republicans with their one-vote majority quickly dropped shared leadership and took control. The DFL boycott was met with a threat to have missing members brought in by state troopers.

Legal challenges came from House DFLers and Secretary of State Steve Simon over what constitutes a quorum or number of members needed to do business.

The Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments January 23 and ruled January 24. The court’s decision means that 68 members must be present to conduct business. Republicans hold 67 seats in the 134-member House.

The court state that justices “assume the parties will now conform to this order without the necessity of issuing a formal writ.”

Republicans still have a one-vote majority.

Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth (R-Cold

Spring) released a statement: “This decision drives home the fact that House Democrats are disrespecting not just their own constituents, but the entire state of Minnesota by refusing to do their jobs.

House Republicans will be showing up to work on Monday — it’s time for the Democrats’ walkout to end and for the legislature to get on with its work.”

DFL Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman also released a statement: “Republicans tried to seize power that the voters did not give them. Now that it is clear Republicans must work with Democrats for the House to operate, I am hopeful we will be able to shortly negotiate an acceptable path forward. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and return to the negotiating table immediately.”

In the wake of everything happening, MNCCD and Minnesota Council on Disability have postponed legislative forums. The state council moved its forum from January 27 to March 14. MNCCD postponed its January 28 session start-up. No new date was available.

With House DFLers boycotting the first two weeks of session, work on House legislation is behind. That’s a worry in a budget year when the state must have a new spending plan in place by July 1.

It’s been a tale of two chambers. The Senate is split between DFLers and Republicans, 33-33.

Both parties agreed to share leadership of the chamber and committees.

The balance tipped by one seat after a

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Legislative and health care coverage is by Editor Jane McClure.

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A numbers game

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Programs

From page 1 cuts could mean on top of what happens at the state level.

“This budget is responsible, measured, and honest, and it starts with one goal: fiscal responsibility,” said Walz. “Our plan sets Minnesota up for success in the future by addressing long-term budget challenges and protecting the investments we made to improve lives, including universal meals, paid family and medical leave, and tax cuts for seniors and middle-class families.”

Recently state officials have emphasized that the two biggest deficit drivers are longterm disability care and special education transportation costs. The proposed budget would reduce state spending on the Medicaid waivers used by more than 70,000 low-income Minnesotans with disabilities.

Minnesota faces a projected $5.1 billion deficit for the 2028-2029 biennium. In comparison, the surplus for 2025-2026 is just $616 million.

In announcing his $66 billion budget proposal, Walz noted that per person spending under waivers is more than $50,000 annually.

Waivers cover needs including personal care, employment support, transportation and home health services.

But people seeking services are bringing more complex needs to the table, in the midst of a severe, ongoing staffing shortage.

Walz would reduce growth in what is

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FEBRUARY 2025 Volume 36, Number 2

Pg 5

Ann Roscoe is remembered as a compassionate and dedicated advocate for Minnesotans with disabilities and elders. She held a strong work ethic as well as a razorsharp sense of humor through her career, in which she made immeasurable contributions to the state’s disability community.

She had a keen interest in helping people with disabilities live their lives to the fullest.

The Duluth resident and her husband Larry Roscoe died in December 2024. She was 77 and he was 75.

Roscoe’s career included work at Courage Center, Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL). She also had expertise and work experience in gerontology.

Roscoe had lived experience with disability all of her life. Her sister Jill was diabetic and died as a young woman. Roscoe also took care of her elderly mother.

She once noted that her career taught her a lot about people with disabilities and the organizations that serve them. She was very candid about her own disabilities, including depression and the need for several hip replacements. In later years she wore a hip brace.

In one of her many newspaper letters to the editor, Roscoe wrote about disability and civil rights. “Like other civil rights movements, progress moves slowly. That doesn't mean nothing is happening. We recognize this and celebrate how far we've come. We also acknowledge how far we have to go.”

Ann Marie Carlson grew up in the Wheaton area, one of two daughters of Maurice and Linnea Carlson. She graduated from Wheaton High School in 1965 and

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Remembering Ann Roscoe and her dedication to Minnesotans with disabilities

Ann Roscoe went to the University of Minnesota-Morris.

She and Kay Willshire, who would go on to become a disability advocate, lived on the same dormitory floor as first-year students.

Years later, the two met at a Courage Center event and resumed their friendship. The two worked together on the Access Press Board.

Willshire remembers Roscoe as a great friend, who was easy to talk to. Roscoe was also a good organizer. “She was really valuable in a meeting,” Willshire said. “She kept us

all on track and made good and thoughtful comments. I really valued her presence on our board and her support of Access Press.”

Even after leaving the board, Roscoe helped with ideas and planning for awards events.

Linda Wolford and Roscoe became good friends when the two worked together at the DHS more than 20 years ago. “She was such a great colleague and she cared so much about people and the work,” Wolford said.

Federal grants in hand, they worked on developing a consumer-directed personal care attendant (PCA) model for Minnesota. They later co-wrote a guidebook for service users.

“This was shortly after ‘PCA Choice’ was developed but no one knew how to direct their own services,” Wolford said. “Since I was a user of services and had been for years and Ann was such a strong advocate for people with disabilities, we made a great team! She was so thoughtful and also had a really dry sense of humor.”

The humor helped during their work on the guidebook. Wolford remembered Roscoe bringing in a book titled Avoiding PCAs from Hell. Wolford said, “We had a good chuckle about it.”

Roscoe chafed at the DHS bureaucracy, and went to work for MCIL. MCIL coworker Betty Culver remembers Roscoe as someone who was kind and supportive of others. “Ann always had her door open. If any staff member wanted to talk, Ann was a great listener.

After I retired we kept in touch and became great friends.”

Cindy Held Tarshish, director of ADA Minnesota, was also one of Roscoe’s close friends. “I had the privilege of not only being colleagues with Ann for many years but the honor of calling her one of my dear friends

as well,” Tarshish said. The two met 34 years ago, when Roscoe worked at Courage Center and Tarshish worked at the MS Society. They immediately started planning the first-ever Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) conference in Minnesota. “ I believe it was called ‘The ADA is Good for Business’,” said Tarshish. They worked with longtime Minnesota Council on Disability staffer Margot Imdieke Cross.

Wolford said she last saw Roscoe at Imdieke Cross’s celebration of life in summer 2024.

“Once again she was at the registration table helping – just like usual.”

ADA Minnesota is part of MCIL, so Tarshish was pleased to be working in the same office as Roscoe. “Working beside Ann at MCIL was inspiring,” Tarshish said. “The way she authentically provided services to individuals with disabilities and supervised staff was understated and impactful at the same time. Ann was a true behind the scenes person, often giving credit to others for her efforts. I recall her working on the MCIL annual meeting, supervising the core services department, and answering consumer calls without breaking a sweat.”

Roscoe continued working on the ADA celebration committee even after she retired in 2013 and moved up north.

Having a fully accessible home in Duluth was a priority for the Roscoes. It made it easier for friends with disabilities to visit them.

The Roscoes were found dead in a vehicle parked at Duluth International Airport on December 20, 2024. Duluth Police had searched for the couple after getting a call about a man in suicidal crisis. Their deaths were ruled a double suicide.

No services will be held.

HEALTH NOTE

Improved use of Medicaid eyed for American Indian communities A new state report – co-created with community leaders – offers reflection, guidance and recommendations for action to better use Medicaid to support the health and well-being of American Indian communities.

“Pathways to Racial Equity in Medicaid: Improving the Health and Opportunity of American Indians in Minnesota” is meant to address the ongoing health disparities experienced by American Indian communities in Minnesota.

The report from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is the result of extensive community engagement, incorporating guidance from American Indian community members, Tribal leaders and health care providers. The findings underscore the urgent need for systemic changes in health care delivery to center Indigenous knowledge and practices. The report calls for a fundamental rethinking of how health is defined and how health systems operate, advocating for an approach that embraces holistic, culturally relevant practices rather than Western biomedical models.

“Improving how we administer Medicaid is crucial as we collectively work toward achieving health equity with American Indian communities in Minnesota,” said Dr. Nathan Chomilo, Medicaid Medical Director and the report’s lead author. “The time for action is now. It is imperative that we implement these recommendations to create a health care system that is truly responsive and culturally inclusive for all people in

• • • • • •

• • • • • •

Minnesota.”

The report includes three main calls for action: • Invest in traditional healing. To expand access to traditional healing services, the report proposes engaging with Tribal Nations and urban American Indian clinics to explore covering traditional healing practices through Medicaid. This could include applying for a federal waiver or incorporating traditional healing into Medicaid to address social drivers of health.

• Reframe definitions of health and well-being. A collaborative effort with Tribal Nations and urban American Indian communities is vital to developing a shared definition of health and well-being that reflects Indigenous values and cultural practices. The report encourages DHS to work with federal partners to ensure that Medicaid rules and regulations support this vision.

This aligns with the 2022 guidance from the White House on Indigenous knowledge.

• Establish a Pathways to American Indian and Tribal Health Integration (PATH-I) Team: Creating a dedicated PATH-I team at DHS would enhance community engagement and ensure that cultural competence is integrated across state agencies. The team would focus on ongoing dialogue with community members, share information about Medicaid resources, and improve coordination among state and local health systems.

There remains much for state officials and

• • • • • •

• • • •

workers to learn from, and to create together with, urban American Indian communities and Tribal Nations.

“As a Native person who has been on Medicaid in Minnesota and now works for DHS, I have personally experienced the frustrations of Medicaid’s complicated application process and barriers to care,” said Takayla Lightfield, the report’s lead facilitator. “Being able sit down and to talk with other Native people during a shared meal and hear their stories directly presented two opportunities: talking about recent changes in Medicaid coverage that community members were not aware of, and coming up with ideas together on how changes can continue to be made to Medicaid for the betterment of our relatives’ lives. There’s a lot more work to be done, and community needs to be included.”

“Through this experience, I have learned to translate the daily challenges my patients face into advocacy at the policy level, to help focus on their holistic health rather than individual issues,” said Dr. Charity Reynolds, medical director for Fond du Lac Human Services Division and a co-creator of the report. “It’s

crucial that decision-making processes include representation from the communities being served, ensuring that those impacted have a seat at the table.”

“I appreciated the collective work we did together as community partners and leaders on this report,” said Dr. Antony Stately, CEO of the Native American Community Clinic (NACC) and a co-creator of the report. “It was helpful for me to hear the perspectives of others, learn their experiences of frustration and success in serving our community, and witness the power of putting our minds together to imagine creative solutions for improving the health and well-being of our relatives.”

DHS will begin to implement the report’s recommendations immediately, working closely with American Indian communities.

The agency encourages community members, Tribal Nations, providers and community-based organizations to engage in ongoing dialogue.

(Source: Minnesota DHS)

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FEBRUARY 2025 Volume 36, Number 2

Pg 6

PEOPLE & PLACES

Change in leadership takes effect at Special Olympics Minnesota Bill Fish has taken the helm at Special Olympics Minnesota, effective January 1.

Fish succeeds Dave Dorn. Dorn is retiring after 19 years of dedicated service that transformed the organization into a leading force for inclusion across the state.

The organization’s board of directors, which includes athlete representatives, conducted the search process for a new CEO. Board members are confident that Fish’s vision and commitment to the organization’s mission will guide Special Olympics Minnesota into a new era of growth and impact.

“Bill has a deep understanding of our organization and genuine care for our community that ensures he will lead our staff, volunteers and athletes with humility and excellence,” said Dave Larson, board chair of Special Olympics Minnesota.

Fish brings more than 30 years of experience with the Special Olympics movement. He most recently served as the organization’s chief development officer. He has been a driving force behind some of the organization’s most successful events and campaigns, including the Polar Plunge and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. “I am honored and excited to step into this new role,” said Fish. “Dave has set a

Minnesota. With the 2026 USA Games approaching, Dorn and the board believe it is important for a new leader to take charge now and guide the organization through the games and continue building on its momentum in the years that follow.

Dorn fostered a period of unprecedented growth for Special Olympics Minnesota.

During his tenure, the organization expanded its programming to reach more athletes and implemented key initiatives such as Unified Champion Schools. Dorn’s leadership was instrumental in securing the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota—an achievement that will leave a lasting legacy for the state and organization.

Reflecting on his time, Dorn said, “It’s impossible to choose just a few favorite memories because every event, season and year has been filled with remarkable moments.

What stands out most is the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of meeting.”

Dorn worked with Fish on a handoff of leadership during the fall. He will now serve as a liaison between Special Olympics Minnesota and the local organizing committee for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

Bill Fish remarkable standard, and I look forward to building on that foundation to advance our mission of creating a more inclusive world for

people with intellectual disabilities.”

The transition marks an exciting and strategic moment for Special Olympics

Appointees announced for state boards, commissions and committees

Anna Shields

PROACT

Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have announced numerous appointments to state boards, commissions and committees that affect the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities.

Several appointments were announced to the Minnesota Council on Disability.

Leah Carpenter, Shakopee; Laura Isenor, Pine Island; Abraham Tieman, Rochester; Jeremy Tyler, Monticello; Jessica Werlein, Little Canada and Robert Wudlick, Excelsior are all new members.

The Minnesota Council on Disability provides leadership to advocate for the rights of Minnesotans with disabilities, collaborate with the public and private sectors as a policy and technical resource advisor, and advise various state agencies and the governor on matters that pertain to persons with disabilities.

Several new members were named to the Executive Board of Direct Care and

Treatment. They are Paul Goering, St. Paul; Kathryn Kallas, Orono; Mary Maertens, Marshall, Carol Olson, New Prague; Chelsea Rivers, Chaska and Prachi Striker, St. Anthony. Each represent a specific professional area related to the board’s work.

The Executive Board of Direct Care and Treatment (DCT) is responsible for managing the DCT division of the Department of Human Services. The board will establish strategic planning, and policies and procedures for the DCT, and oversee the chief executive officer. The board is responsible for the recommendation of policy changes, budget requests and capital investment requests to the governor’s office, the state legislature and Minnesota Management and Budget.

Several appointments and reappointments were made to the Statewide Independent Living Council. Deborah Gleason, Minnetonka and Stephen Larson, Brainerd

were reappointed.

New appointees are Jacob Knaffla, Hibbing; Frances Lane, St. Paul; Kelly Lemke, Duluth; Amy McClellan; Bethany Schwerr, Coon Rapids and Morris Thompson, Eden Prairie, MN. The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (MNSILC) works collaboratively with the Centers for Independent Living to create, monitor, review, and evaluate the State Plan for Independent Living. MNSILC coordinates activities with other entities in the state that provide services similar or complementary to independent living services.

Linda Giersdorf, Mankato, was reappointed to the Minnesota Board on Aging.

The Minnesota Board on Aging develops, coordinates, evaluates, and administers federal and state funds for programs for the aging, makes grants to seven area agencies on aging and nonprofit agencies, and serves as an

advocate for older persons.

The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind has two reappointments. Hannah Harriman, Stillwater, is back as an industry representative. Patrick Vellia, Minneapolis, returns as a deaf-blind community representative.

The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind advises the commissioner of employment and economic development about programs of State Services for the Blind and performs other functions as provided in state and federal statute.

State leaders are always seeking qualified and diverse individuals who are passionate about using their knowledge, skills, and lived experiences to serve the state of Minnesota. A list of boards and commissions, including open positions, can be found at https:// commissionsandappointments.sos.state.mn.us/ Position

ProAct names new program director

individuals with varying levels of ability and need,” Shields said. “I love working with and getting to know participants and being a part of their journey. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue working with ProAct and following my passion.”

ProAct supports more than 700 individuals across four sites in Eagan, Red Wing, Shakopee and Hudson, WI.

as chief information officer, a new position.

Pierce most recently served as CIO at Salo, a Minneapolis-based professional staffing services firm.

Pierce spent 30 years working in technology for agribusiness giant Cargill Inc. He currently serves as a member of the Edina City Council.

In the announcement about Pierce’s appointment, MDI said it’s demonstrating a “commitment to innovative tech.”

MDI offers manufacturing job opportunities for people with disabilities.

ProAct Inc. an in-center, virtual, and community-based service provider for individuals with disabilities, has announced the hiring of Anna Shields as program director for employment services and individualized home supports.

Shields worked at ProAct between 2001 and 2023. She will serve a key role in shaping ProAct’s future by expanding and improving services and the lives of participants who seek to build and maintain independence.

“At a very young age, I found my passion for identifying how best to support

MDI announces new post MDI (Minnesota Diversified Industries), a Minneapolis nonprofit maker of plastic container products for business, has announced the appointment of James Pierce

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FEBRUARY 2025 Volume 36, Number 2

PEOPLE & PLACES

Pg 7

Dakota County residents in need of mental health options will have a new service center.

The Dakota County Crisis and Recovery Center in West St. Paul is a partnership between the county and the nonprofit service provider Guild, Inc. The new center will be a place for clients dealing with many different types and degrees of mental illness. Clients will be able to receive the care they need to start their recovery journey. Most importantly, the center will allow clients to receive treatment without having to travel long distances for care.

The Dakota County Crisis and Recovery Center is about 15,000 square feet in size.

It features 16 bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms, office space, laundry facilities, two kitchens, a shared living room, therapeutic and meditation rooms, and more. Its environment is specifically designed to promote calm and healing. The goal is to have all clients to feel comfortable and at ease while they are there.

The center includes a crisis residential service program, run by Guild, where adults experiencing an acute mental health crisis can

SUBMITTED PHOTO

New Dakota County facility to provide mental health services, housing

The new center ready for clients. receive care and support for up to 10 days. There is also an intensive residential treatment service program, run by Guild, that provides up to 90 days of focused treatment interventions for adults who may be transitioning from or need an alternative to psychiatric hospital care.

Another key feature is a 24-hour mental health assessment and crisis service, run by

Dakota County, to connect clients to resources and recovery support in the community.

The facility recently hosted the Dakota County Project Committee. Committee members had the opportunity to tour the building and see all of the exciting updates in-person.

Construction of the facility began in fall 2023.

The project is in the northeast portion

of the parking lot at the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul. The site is near public transit, government services, shopping, community support programs, green space and other amenities that have been identified as important to people who are accessing mental health services.

The public-nonprofit partnership has been hailed as a model, with state and federal support, and the support of generous donors.

The O’Gara family gave the largest single donation in Guild history to furnish and cover operations for the center’s first year. The space is hailed as providing space a lifeline to countless residents, offering healing, support, and a sense of belonging.

Guild leaders know from their three decades of experience that people living with mental illness heal best when they feel the support of their loved ones, support system, and chosen community around them.

A celebratory ribbon cutting and open house ceremony is 9 a.m. Monday, February 3 at Dakota County Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road, West St. Paul.

Achieve's Weaver announces upcoming retirement after 14 years' service Achieve Services’ CEO Tom Weaver has announced his retirement this summer, after leading the organization for the past 14 years.

Weaver assumed the CEO role at Achieve Services in 2011 when the Minnesota Legislature was in the process of changing the way disability service providers were reimbursed. That change threatened to significantly impact Achieve’s bottom line.

Part of the solution for Achieve was to significantly increase its fundraising efforts.

During Weaver’s tenure, Achieve increased fundraising revenues from less than $60,000 in 2011, to more than $600,000 in 2024.

Reflecting on a career that spanned law, public service, lobbying and energy, Weaver said, “This has been, by far, the most gratifying work of my career. I have been incredibly blessed to work with so many truly amazing people, and I leave this job with my heart full of gratitude and appreciation.”

What is Weaver’s legacy? “I’d like to think I’m leaving Achieve in a much stronger financial position than it was when I started, and that we’ve cultivated an amazing team that is 100% committed to serving our participants,” he said.

“And that is also why I’m comfortable stepping away at this time – Achieve will be in good hands.”

Other accomplishments include starting

Tom Weaver “Achieve Clean,” a company that bottled and sold an environmentally-friendly laundry detergent, while creating jobs for Achieve participants. The nonprofit launched an in-house band, Dance at Your Own Risk, which has recorded 11 CDs. Its arts program recently combined the talent of 40 participants, and 20 staff and volunteers to create five large interactive butterfly murals at Northtown Mall.

f

Zats helped found Groves Academy Marjorie Zats was a multi-talented woman whose interest in aiding her son led to the founding of what is now Groves Learning Organization. Zats died in late December 2024 after a brief illness. She was 90 and lived in St. Lous Park.

Marjorie “Margie” Joy Cohen Zats had many interests, including education. A tribute from Groves stated, “Motivated by her son’s dyslexia, she played a pivotal role in creating Groves Academy in 1972, a groundbreaking institution. Thanks to her vision and dedication, Groves has grown to support over 11,000 students annually, transforming countless lives.”

Zats and other parents were instrumental in founding Groves, at a time when such educational options were limited. She continued to stay involved there for many years.

Zats had many other talents. Inspired by

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instrumental in educating our elected officials on the needs of the people Achieve serves, so that our clients continue to have the full array of options in their work settings.”

Weaver cites a strong team effort for Achieve’s accomplishments. “Whatever successes we’ve had in the last 14 years are entirely due to the culture of collaboration and the spirit of doing whatever it takes to best serve our participants. From our engaged board of directors, to our talented senior staff and rockstar front-line professionals, to our community of dedicated supporters – all have been critical partners in achieving our accomplishments and successes” he said.

The one remaining issue Weaver cites is the potential elimination of on-site employment opportunities, something Achieve opposes.

“State and federal ‘advocates’ are pushing to repeal 14c – a federal provision that allows people with disabilities to be paid based on production, encouraging employers to hire disabled workers who might not work as fast as others. So far, we’ve succeeded in beating back efforts to repeal 14c, but it’s a continuing battle,” he said.

The search for Weaver’s successor is being led by the Ballinger/Leafblad executive search firm.

In Memoriam f

cooking classes she had taken in Paris, she taught at Byerly's cooking school and authored two cookbooks. She also won ribbons for baking and winemaking from the Minnesota State Fair.

She turned to writing in her later years, channeling her wit into several short story collections and novels. In 2023, she won first place in the humor category of the Midwest Independent Publishers Association awards.

In her own words, taken from her final short story collection (to be published this spring): “We are friends, no matter that we've never met.

We know each other and are richer for it. And so, my associate in life, I close this final chapter with what a friend would say - when you open the curtain of your day, may sunlight engulf the hours.”

She is survived by two sons and their families, a brother and many other family members. Services have been held. Memorials preferred to Groves Learning Organization.

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During the 2024 legislative session, Achieve and Anoka County were awarded a large grant to make improvements to Achieve’s space in the Anoka County Human Services Building.

Board members said Weaver will be missed.

“We will certainly miss Tom’s leadership and commitment. He has provided Achieve with the essential tools required for future success,” said Achieve Board Chair, Tami Hagen. “His emphasis on and his ability to fight for independence and accountability for all is commendable.

Furthermore, his decision to lead a non-profit organization rather than remain in the public/ private sector illustrates the depth of his character and dedication to service.”

“Two things stand out for me in Tom’s time as CEO of Achieve,” said Board Member Kathy Svanda. “As a member of the organization’s board of directors, I value his ability to manage a unique nonprofit, making it very successful and financially secure. As the parent of a participant, I truly appreciate his personal connection to his staff and the people Achieve serves. This is a place filled with smiles where everyone is valued and respected.”

“Tom is leaving Achieve Services far stronger than it was 14 years ago. Tom’s experience in the law and lobbying has truly been an asset,” said Board Member Susan Holden. “He has been

Bentson was beloved neighbor Carl Bentson was known in his West End neighborhood as “Mister Positive.” He worked for decades at St. Paul Public Schools’ Bridgeview School, which he attended as a youngster. He cleared sidewalks for neighbors and was a friend to many.

Bentson died in December after a bout with advanced esophageal cancer. He was 62.

He was one of more than 160 foster children raised by St. Paul’s Vashti Risdall. Before that Bentson had lived in a state institution. He was born with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, a genetic condition that causes intellectual and behavioral disabilities. He attended the Bridge View School in St. Paul and worked there as a custodian for decades.

After Risdall’s death, neighbor and friend Karen Koeppe became Bentson’s caregiver and advocate. He had his own house, which he decorated for every holiday. And when it

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snowed, he always made a snowman.

Bentson didn’t drive, and got around on various bicycles, which he adorned with reflectors and lights. In his younger days he rode more than 8,000 miles per year.

Documentary maker Mike Hazard captured Bentson’s story in “Mister Positive.” See it at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qy6DczHLVGM Services are pending.

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FEBRUARY 2025 Volume 36, Number 2

Pg 8

REGIONAL NEWS

PCA College Service Corps finds success in its initial year; clients needed pieced together help from his wife, parents and siblings. He hopes the PCA College Corps continues and expands.

“It would be great to just have that revolving door of young professionals that are eager to learn,” Ingram said.

So far, 20 students are participating, said Jesse Bethke Gomez, CEO of MCIL, which is leading the pilot project. But he said 50 students have applied and they would like to serve 50 people over two years, then bring lessons learned to state leaders in 2026 so they can contemplate scaling up the program.

“I couldn’t be more distressed at the PCA urgency, and yet more delighted to see how we’re making these connections one at a time,” Bethke Gomez said.

PCAs and home health aides hold Minnesota’s most in-demand jobs, according to state labor market data, and the demand for their work is expected to continue to grow with an aging population.

Low wages in the field have contributed to the worker shortage. Students participating in the College Corps receive standard pay through the PCA agencies they are working with.

Everson said she earns $19 an hour.

But on top of that, corps members receive

taxable bonus awards: $1,500 for those working 10 weeks and 100 hours, up to $4,500 for students who commit to 30 weeks and 300 hours. The pilot program is funded by a $350,000 donation from the Margaret A.

Cargill Fund and $500,000 from the state.

More people are needed to participate in this pilot program. Learn more at https://mcil-mn. org/services/pca-college-service-corps/

Anoka makes needed changes

Baumgartner clarified that even without the addendum, the city is still committed to give each of its citizens “ a safe environment to live.”

He said the change does not affect a landlord’s ability to perform background checks on prospective tenants.

Council Member Erik Skogquist said that the changes will ultimately limit the things that the city could initiate regarding repeat issues at rentals. He said that the change would be to “address unintended consequences” of the addendum, bringing up the DOJ’s hypothetical example of a family being evicted due to domestic violence cases perpetrated by one member of the family.

Anoka Police Department Chief Eric Peterson added that domestic calls were not counted towards the crime-free policy and no Anoka renter has ever been evicted for being a victim of domestic violence.

(Source: ABC Newspapers, Star Tribune)

slated to receive $480,000 in financial support from the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing and $545,000 from Rochester's state housing aid. First Homes is also donating a lot to the site, which is otherwise completely owned by Three Rivers.

“I think teamwork and timing are kind of the two keys (to success in the recent state application),” Laura Helle, Three Rivers' housing development director, said of the project dubbed Eastside Apartments for early planning purposes. “Sometimes it's just the right time for the project and being persistent pays off.”

Plans call for the creation of nine onebedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom units and nine three-bedroom options.

It will also include some supportive housing options for qualified tenants, with a full-time housing advocate working out of the building.

(Source: Rochester Post-Bulletin)

New housing is planned

Center is expanding

The fourth time's the charm for Three Rivers Community Action. On its fourth try the southeastern Minnesota housing nonprofit won state financing support for a planned 36-unit affordable apartment complex aimed to address the need for affordable housing options.

Five of the planned apartments will be for people with disabilities.

The proposed block-long Rochester complex was among 76 projects receiving a combined $191 million in statewide support.

“We're thrilled that more Minnesotans will soon have access to safe, stable and affordable housing in communities throughout the state,” Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho said in announcing the statewide funding aimed at creating 2,276 homes.

It is one of 21 rental projects approved throughout the state. It will be supported through 4 percent state tax credits and the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program. It is expected to receive approximately $19 million in financing support, which will include loans, for the proposed $20 million project.

The local community action agency is also

The Occupational Development Center (ODC) in Bemidji helps people with disabilities gain their independence and take advantage of opportunities throughout the region. It has recently expanded to take on day center activity previously offered elsewhere in the community.

Established in 1971 in Thief River Falls, the ODC had already expanded its operations to nine locations and serves around 800 people a year in northern Minnesota. Services include resume building, job seeking and developing interview skills so that a client may attain gainful employment. The ODC also offers its own work opportunities where individuals can work up to 30 hours a week, receiving pay and benefits through the ODC. The Bemidji ODC location has sought to expand its services — notably day services.

For the past three and a half years, Kacey Malterud has worked for the ODC. She explained the day services transition.

“We were approached a few months ago by another provider in Bemidji who was no longer offering day services,” Malterud said. “They asked us if we would possibly be interested.”

The change came after a site visit to the

former day service provider, by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. A correction order was issued, which the provider was unable to comply with. The decision was made to discontinue day services, so the ODC stepped in.

During a 2024 December Beltrami County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board passed a measure recognizing the ODC’s takeover of the day services. The intent is to serve those helped by the former provider, and to eventually expand services to others.

The transition requires other steps for the ODC, including receiving a license from the state of Minnesota.

Malterud spoke of the variety of day services and the tailoring of such services to those seeking to improve their lives. “We offer services to people with disabilities and it’s based on their goals, what they want to achieve,” she said. “If somebody wants to gain skills for independent living, we will work with them on that. We will work with them on things like community safety, how to cross the street, how to use public transportation, how to access public resources … We like to use day services as a stepping stone to employment.

(Source: Bemidji Pioneer)

Following a ruling from the Department of Justice that stated Anoka’s Crime Free Housing policy violated the Americans With Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act, the Anoka City Council has amended its city code to reflect the federal agency’s decision.

“A lot of cities have crime and drug free housing policies like this one, unfortunately we were the ones that the DOJ decided to pressure,” Anoka City Attorney Scott Baumgartner said. “(After a work session) the council decided that the benefits did not outweigh the monitoring requirements that the city would have to do (to maintain a crime/ drug free housing policy).”

The changes remove the crime-free/drugfree addendum from city code, which had allowed the city to revoke rental licenses for properties in violation of the addendum, and allowed for landlords to pursue eviction for repeat offenders of the policy.

The Anoka City Council in December cut the rules from its rental licensing ordinance that allowed the city to yank a landlord’s license over failure to evict renters making several 911 calls deemed to be a “nuisance” or unfounded. The action came after the DOJ reached an agreement with the city that required Anoka to pay $175,000 to compensate individuals harmed by the program.

“It allowed too much leeway for police to decide if something is a nuisance,” said Sue Abderholden, executive director of the National Association of Mental Illness in Minnesota. “By the city saying, ‘If you get too many 911 calls you’ll lose your rental license,’ that puts pressure on a landlord to evict people who might be having a mental health crisis.”

Several Twin Cities suburbs in recent years have issued tougher regulations for rental properties as multifamily development proliferates throughout the metro. But some argue strict standards issued under rental license programs have disproportionately targeted renters with disabilities, people of color and survivors of domestic violence.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, along with other organizations, sent a letter this past fall requesting Attorney General Keith Ellison issue guidance to cities detailing the consequences of such ordinances.

The office has been in communication with the ACLU on the issue, AG spokesman Brian Evans said.

A press release from the DOJ said that “people with mental health disabilities and their families or service providers refrained from calling for help to avoid risking their current housing or future housing prospects.”

Alongside removal of the addendum, the city council, in conjunction with the Anoka Police Department, plans to bolster educational opportunities and training for landlords in the city.

“The DOJ views the use of the ordinance as a potential violator (of federal laws),” Baumgartener said. “Because of all that, we have to pull back on what we’ve been trying to do to protect tenants from unruly tenants while we continue with the education of landlords to be better landlords.”

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Minnesota’s personal care assistant (PCA) College Service Corps has enjoyed success in its first year as a pilot program. But not surprisingly, the need for PCAs continues as people with disabilities fight to stay in their home communities. It is hoped the program can counter the severe shortage of PCAs in Minnesota. But more clients need to apply.

The program also provides college students, many of whom are looking at health-carerelated careers, with extra cash and experience caring for people.

Kirk Ingram and Maddie Everson are an example of the program, run by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL). Every morning she logs into his computer and puts on his headset, offering him a sip of water. As Ingram gets to work at his home office, Everson heads to the kitchen to put away dishes. Next, she’ll fold laundry, maybe do some occupational therapy homework.

The University of Minnesota Rochester graduate student is one of the first members of Minnesota’s PCA) College Service Corps.

Ingram, who was paralyzed from the neck down in a 2015 diving accident, said he hadn’t been able to find anyone to be his personal care assistant since the pandemic. Instead, he

Deaths are tracked

Here’s a question asked by the Star tribune: How often do residents of Minnesota nursing homes and assisted-living facilities die as a result of maltreatment?

Recent deaths highlight the lack of statewide historical data for such deaths at adult care facilities.

While the state provides public details of its investigations of suspected maltreatment at facilities, summary data totaling those deaths would give a needed picture of the scope of REGIONAL NEWS To page 11

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REGIONAL NEWS

FEBRUARY 2025 Volume 36, Number 2

Pg 9

Metro Mobility-certified transit riders in the Twin Cities area have more options available, depending upon where they travel and where they live.

Even more changes will be coming in the spring when Metropolitan Council officials review and adopt the Metro Transit Network Now plan. That plan will make changes to regular route bus service throughout the region. Those changes will restore some levels of bus service. Many routes were cut back or dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Metro Transit officials have been meeting with community groups to explain the changes.

The changes come after a rough end to 2024 for some paratransit riders in the east metro area. A driver shortage for a Metro Mobility Contractor meant delays and cancellations for some riders for a time in December. The shortage affected the contractor Transdev.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines require that the Metropolitan Council provide Metro Mobility service within ¾-mile of any all-day, local, regularroute service: the federally-mandated ADA service area. The state requires that Metro Mobility serve the Transit Taxing District — the state’s mandated service area.

In an interview with the Pioneer Press, a Metro Mobility official noted the challenge of finding drivers during the holiday season, as fewer applications are seen at that time.

Metro mobility worked with Transdev to address the problems.

Certified riders have other options. As of January 1, the fare for Metro Mobilitycertified riders on Metro Transit buses, METRO lines, and Northstar is 1¢. Riders must use the Metro Mobility ID card on the bus or train card reader.

By tapping a card, a trip is then validated.

Limited Mobility customers do not qualify for the free ride program but can still receive a reduced fare.

One-cent rides for Metro Mobility riders are also valid on:

• Plymouth Metrolink • Maple Grove Transit • Minnesota Valley Transit Authority • SouthWest Metro Regular fares remain in place for the following services: • Transit Link • Metro micro • Maple Grove My Ride • MVTA Connect • Plymouth Click-and-Ride • SW Prime Another change is to Metro micro. The on-demand ride service in January was expanded to serve parts of Roseville and Woodbury.

“Metro micro is part of our mission to connect people, strengthen communities, and improve lives through high-quality public transportation,” Metro Transit General Manager Lesley Kandaras said.

“We launched micro service using small buses in north Minneapolis in 2022, and it has been very successful and popular,” said Charles Carlson, Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) Executive Director. “The service offers flexibility and convenience and helps meet a need for localized service."

As with other shared ride services, Metro micro customers request rides through an app that shows estimated arrival times and accepts fare payments. Trips must begin and end within designated Metro micro zones.

Rides can be requested between 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on weekends. Fares range from $1 to $3.25 and allow riders to transfer to regular route transit at no additional cost.

Metro micro provides direct access to several key destinations and transit hubs.

Remember that an “area” is larger than the city it is named for. The Roseville area includes parts of Roseville, Arden Hills, and Shoreview. Key destinations include Roseville Area High School, Bethel University, the Shoreview Community Center, and local parks, commercial areas,

ISTOCK

Pay heed to various transit changes

and healthcare centers. At the Rosedale Transit Center, riders can transfer to the METRO A Line and other routes.

The Woodbury area includes parts of Woodbury, Oakdale, and Lake Elmo. Key destinations include Woodwinds Hospital, Woodbury High School, East Ridge High

School, the Woodbury YMCA, Woodbury Lakes shopping center, and local businesses.

Metro micro will also strengthen connections to the METRO Gold Line opening in March 2025.

(Source: Metro Transit, Metro Mobility)

FEBRUARY 2025 Volume 36, Number 2 Pg 10

RADIO TALKING BOOK Enjoy Radio Talking Book For February, 19 new books will premiere.

Radio Talking Book is not just for listeners with visual disabilities. Anyone with difficulty reading or turning pages can enjoy the service.

The sampling published monthly in Access Press doesn’t represent the full array of programming. Listen to RTB’s live or archived programs online at www. mnssb.org/rtb, and learn more about programs.

Hear programming on a hand-held mobile device, for either iOS or Android.

Visit the Apple App Store for iOS, or Google Play for Android, and download the Minnesota Radio Talking Book app.

Missed a book broadcast? Access it for one week following its original broadcast in the online weekly program archive.

For help accessing the archive, contact Ronnie Washington at 651-539-1424 or SSB.Equipment@state.mn.us.

If the book’s broadcast is no longer available in the archive, contact staff librarian Molly McGilp at 651.539.1422 or Molly.McGilp@state.mn.us Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available for loan through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. The catalog is at www.mnbtbl.org. Call 800722-0550, Mon-Fri, 9 am - 4 pm CST. Updates are on the Facebook site Minnesota Radio Talking Book.

Audio information about the daily book listings is on the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newsline. Register for NFB Newsline by calling 651-539-1424.

The NFB-NEWSLINE service provides access to more than 500 magazines and newspapers. To learn more, visit www.nfb. org/programs-services/nfb-newsline; 612562-7803 Staff welcomes any feedback or suggestions. Contact Joseph Papke at 651539-2316 or joseph.papke@state.mn.us.

Contact Tom Conry at 651-642-0880 or thomas.conry@state.mn.us with comments about periodicals and newspapers programming.

Chautauqua* Monday – Friday 6 a.m.

The Twentysomething Treatment, nonfiction by Meg Jay, 2024. An explanation of why one’s twenties are the

most challenging time of life and offering of a set of essential skills for handling the uncertainties surrounding work, love, friendship, mental health, and more during that decade and beyond. Read by Stevie Ray. Nine broadcasts; begins Tue, Feb. 14.

Who Owns This Sentence?, nonfiction by David Bellos & Alexandre Montagu, 2024.

A fascinating and original history of an idea that now controls and monetizes almost everything we do. Read by Silvester Vicic. 11 broadcasts; begins Mon, Feb. 17.

Past is Prologue* Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

Emperor of Rome, nonfiction by Mary Beard, 2023. A sweeping account of the social and political world of the Roman emperors by the world’s most famous classicist. Read by Eileen Barratt. 15 broadcasts; begins Mon, Feb. 3. – L, S, G

Kovel-Jarboe. 14 broadcasts; begins Thu, Feb. 20.

Choice Reading* Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

How to Read a Book, fiction by Monica Wood, 2024. A heartfelt, uplifting novel about a chance encounter at a bookstore, exploring redemption, unlikely friendships, and the life-changing power of sharing stories. Read by Michelle Juntunen. 12 broadcasts; begins Mon, Feb. 3. – L Beautiful Little Furies, fiction by Laurel Osterkamp, 2024. A stunning novel of redemption and reinvention, about a Twin Cities English teacher. Read by Julia Brown. 11 broadcasts; begins Wed, Feb. 19. – L

The Bishop and the Butterfly, nonfiction by Michael Wolraich, 2024. The riveting story of how the 1931 murder of a prostitute brought about the downfall of the mayor of New York City and an end to the dominance of Tammany Hall. Read by Jan Anderson. 13 broadcasts; begins Mon, Feb. 24.

Afternoon Report* Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Return of the Great Powers, nonfiction

by Jim Sciutto, 2024. An essential new book by a CNN anchor and chief national security analyst, identifying a new, more uncertain global order with reporting on the frontlines of power from existing wars to looming ones across the globe. Read

by John Potts. 12 broadcasts; begins Thu, Feb. 27.

Bookworm* Monday – Friday 12 p.m.

Doorman Wanted, fiction by Glenn R. Miller, 2024. A man inherits an apartment building and goes undercover as its doorman. Read by Glenn Miller. 16 broadcasts; begins Thu, Feb. 6. –L

Night Journey* Monday –Friday 7 p.m.

The Hunter, fiction by Tana French, 2024.

A divorced American detective tries to blend into rural Ireland. Read by Pat Ocken. 15 broadcasts; begins Tue, Feb. 4. – L

The Paris Novel, fiction by Ruth Reichl, 2024. A mouthwatering adventure through the food, art, and fashion scenes of 1980s Paris. Read by Holly Sylvester. 11 broadcasts; begins Mon, Feb. 24.

Toxic Prey, fiction by John Sandford, 2024. Lucas Davenport and his daughter, Letty, team up to track down a dangerous scientist whose latest project could endanger the entire world. Read by John Holden. 12 broadcasts; begins Tue, Feb. 25. – L

The Writer’s Voice* Monday – Friday 1 p.m.

The Crystal Gavel, nonfiction by Sue Cochrane, 2023. A memoir of how a family court judge, wounded and nearly broken by childhood trauma, brought compassion and love, wholeness and healing, to those in her courtroom—and to herself. Read by Jill Wolf. Seven broadcasts; begins Tue, Feb. 11.

Dear Jacob, nonfiction by Patty Wetterling, 2023. With stunning detail, Patty Wetterling shares the untold story of the 27-year search for her son Jacob—and the astonishing conclusion. Read by Pat

Off the Shelf* Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Spirit Crossing, fiction by William Kent Krueger, 2024. A disappearance and a dead body put Cork O’Connor’s family in the crosshairs of a killer. Read by Tom Speich.

Nine broadcasts; begins Wed, Feb. 5.

All times listed are Central Standard Time.

Abbreviations V – violent content R – racial epithets L – strong language S – sexual situation G – gory descriptions Good Night Owl Monday – Friday 10 p.m.

The Sky Vault – Fiction by Benjamin Percy, 2023. The investigation of a mysterious weather phenomena in Fairbanks, Alaska, uncovers a government secret buried since WWII. Read by Stuart Holland. 13 broadcasts; begins Tuesday, February 21. – L RTB After Hours* Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Unsteady, fiction by Peyton Corinne, 2024.

A college romance between two damaged people, a hockey star and a figure skater— will love keep them on solid ground? Read

by Michele Potts. 12 broadcasts; begins Mon, Feb. 10. – L, S When Grumpy Met Sunshine, fiction by Charlotte Stein, 2024. A steamy, oppositesattract romance with undeniable chemistry between a grumpy retired soccer player and his fabulous and very sunshine-y ghostwriter. Read by Pat Muir.

12 broadcasts; begins Wed, Feb. 26. – L, S Weekend Program Books Your Personal World, 1 p.m. Sat, presents Reasons Not to Worry by Brigid Delaney, read by Bev Burchett. – L For the Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, presents Gather by Kenneth M. Cadow, read by Peter Danbury. – L Poetic Reflections, noon Sun, presents Carrying by Ada Limón, – L; followed by Bad Hobby by Kathy Fagan, read by Jan Pettit. – L The Great North, 4 p.m. Sun, presents Gunflint Falling by Cary J. Griffith, read by Jodi Lindskog.

Blue Ruin, fiction by Hari Kunzru, 2024.

A dark, smart, provocative tale of the perils of art making. Read by Carl Voss. 10 broadcasts; begins Tue, Feb. 18. – L, S, R

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FEBRUARY 2025 Volume 36, Number 2

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TAKE NOTE!

See Art Shanty projects

The annual Art Shanty Projects are open through Sun, Feb. 9 on Bdé Umán / Lake Harriet in Mpls. Public hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. every Sat and Sun unless otherwise publicized due to weather. Kicksleds are available as mobility aids, and there will be ASL interpreters and audio describers available on select dates. This years’ program includes 20 shanties that stay up all month, and more than 20 performances and art actions that pop up throughout the village at different times throughout the run. Shanties will again be a mix of classic, enclosed structures and the new open-air style of projects that artists developed during the pandemic. As a public art program the organization does not charge admission, but suggests $10-20 sliding scale donations at the gate. Funds will help ensure a viable future. FFI: https://artshantyprojects.org/visit

Wiggle Your Toes

Wiggle Your Toes hosts its 2025 charity winter event 7-11 p.m. Fri, Feb. 7, at Metropolitan Ball-room, 5418 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley.

Pay $120 at the door. Enjoy appetizers, a raffle and silent auction and acoustic music before hearing keynote speaker John Kriesel. He is a combat veteran who lost both legs when his vehicle hit an explosive device. He served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, is a director of veterans’ services, radio personality, motivational speaker and co-author of a book about his life. The evening continues with a live auction, dancing and music by Martin Zellar and the Hardways.

FFI: https://wiggleyourtoes.org/

Take Note! of the change The longtime Opportunities and Enjoy! calendars are now Take Note! Access Press is listing fewer calendar items in print and encouraging more to be posted online.

The change allows more immediate information about upcoming events.

Online options include our free events calendar. Ways to

REGIONAL NEWS

From page 8 neglect and abuse, said Kristine Sundberg, executive director of Elder Voice Advocates, a Minnesota coalition of elders, adults with disabilities and their families.

“By not letting the public know the astounding number of deaths happening in long-term care creates a dangerous false sense of security,” Sundberg said. “This leads to more needless deaths and suffering.”

It’s a critical blind spot in ensuring adequate care for some of Minnesota’s most vulnerable residents, said Cheryl Hennen, the state ombudsman for long-term care.

“This an issue that has come up before and there is a worry from a growing number of people,” Hennen said. “How often are there substantiated maltreatment findings that resulted in death?”

Elder Voice Advocates has developed a free tool, Elder Care IQ, to track such cases and so far has found 50 substantiated reports of neglect in Minnesota long-term care facilities in 2023 and 2024 — including 26 deaths.

“It’s happening all the time,” Sundberg said.

“That’s why we’re working hard to get our analytics improved. Without transparency or accountability, how can we do anything about it?”

The lack of data has been noted as a problem in Minnesota for years. A 2018 review by the Office of the Legislative Auditor concluded that the state Department of Health’s Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC) “does not collect some information needed to inform prevention efforts.”

It went on: “In order to help prevent maltreatment from occurring, policy makers, MDH, providers, and other stakeholders need to understand the magnitude and nature of the problem. This requires collecting data that can be analyzed to determine how frequently maltreatment occurs, where it occurs, and whether there are trends associated with the number of provider staff on duty, the time of day, or other factors.”

The report recommended the legislature require the office to post all of its recent investigation reports on its website and to improve the search functions for investigation reports.

While the state’s Health Department does not provide summary data of maltreatment deaths, spokesman Garry Bowman said in an email that the department’s health regulation division has implemented several of the legislative auditor’s recommendations since then.

(Source: Star Tribune)

Not-for-profit healthcare eyed

The University of Minnesota and Duluthbased Essentia Health have announced that

post an event can be found at www.accesspress.org, under the listings tab. The event must be disability-focused, offer accommodations or led by a disability service organization.

Anyone with questions can contact Editor Jane McClure at jane@accesspress.org or 651-644-2133 ext. 1 Another option is to consider an online ad to get the

they are proposing creating a new not-for-profit Minnesota health care system that addresses the needs of the state, with a $1 billion price tag.

The proposal includes a framework with many goals. Those include addressing the most urgent health care needs of the state in new ways — for today and for the future. Another goal is that of building on the strengths of the University of Minnesota and Essentia Health to lead and operate this new entity. A third is to serve the needs of current and future patients and help educate the next generation of health professionals.

Yet another goal is to ensure the future of academic medicine in Minnesota and essential financial support to the University of Minnesota Medical School.

This vision is only in the early stages, and the school, which is in an agreement with Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services that ends in 2026, says that they shared their future ideas with Fairview.

“We are at an inflection point in our relationship with Fairview Health Services that requires an urgent and innovative solution,” said University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham. “We envision this model as a new path forward in our relationship, one that builds on the momentum all those at M Health Fairview have built and that continues to put patients first, consistent with our organizations’ shared priorities. We have begun conversations and invite further discussion with Fairview to bring this concept to life for Minnesota.

Fairview had planned to merge with Sanford Health, a South Dakota-based health system, but the merger was called off in July 2023.

Fairview provided a statement regarding the news of the proposed health care system: Fairview became aware of the University’s discussions with Essentia within the last 24 hours and has not been provided with details on the concept. Fairview is an independent, nonprofit organization and decisions about our future will remain under the purview of our Board of Directors and leadership team. As Minnesota’s largest healthcare provider, any decision we make must carefully consider our patients, employees, providers, and the broader community.

Over the last year, we have worked in good faith toward the University’s desire to purchase the academic assets. Today’s announcement by the University reflects a sudden change in their stated desire. As we look ahead to determine next steps, our unwavering focus remains on delivering exceptional care and ensuring the health and well-being of Minnesotans.

The Essentia Health CEO Dr. David Herman is hopeful about this proposal.

“This is the beginning of an exciting, ambitious — and critically needed —

word out. A third, ongoing option for an interested business or disability service organization is to sponsor our online calendar, being a sponsor is a great way to support Minnesota’s disability community and its events. Information can be obtained by emailing ads@accesspress.org

conversation about the future of care in our state,” said Herman. “Essentia Health has a long and committed partnership with the University of Minnesota. With nearly 70 percent of all Minnesota physicians having been trained at the University, we know that continuing to deliver excellent patient outcomes while building a sustainable healthcare future rests on the foundation of a strong medical school. These are key reasons why Essentia leadership has begun exploring opportunities to build a new framework for healthcare in Minnesota.”

(Source: KSTP-TV)

Take steps to protect against radon

With doors and windows shut tight against the cold, dangerous levels of cancer-causing radon gas can build up in homes during the winter months, posing a health risk to Minnesotans. Health officials are reminding Minnesotans that now is the time to test or retest their home for radon.

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally in Minnesota soil and can enter homes through cracks and other openings in the walls or foundation. When inhaled over a long period of time, radioactive radon particles can damage lungs and lead to lung cancer. In fact, radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.

“You can’t see or smell radon, so the only way

to know if it’s in your home, and help prevent future cancers, is to test for it,” said Dan Tranter, supervisor of the Indoor Air Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

“People who have detected high radon levels and installed a radon mitigation system should test every two years to confirm the system is working. People who have tested before and results were low should test every five years.”

Tranter also noted that people should test sooner if the home has had significant changes (such as significant renovations, changes to an HVAC system or openings to soil), and if you use ground contact spaces that weren’t tested before (such as a basement or new addition).

Learn about test kits, which can be purchased at hardware stores or obtained through public health offices. Or purchase kits at mn.radon.com.

Due to its unique geology and cold climate, the average radon level in Minnesota homes is more than three times higher than the national average. Some areas of the state have higher radon than others. For example, in Southwest Minnesota, as many as 70 percent of homes have high radon, compared with 40 percent in much of the rest of the state.

For more information on radon testing and mitigation, visit the MDH Radon in Homes website at https://www.health.state.mn.us/ communities/environment/air/radon/index.html or call the Minnesota Dept. of Health Indoor Air Unit at 651-201-4601 or 1-800-798-9050.

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