Lydia Moran

Apr 25, 2024 | womenspress.com | Lydia Moran

In February, the Center for Rural Policy and Development released a report titled “The Suicide Epidemic in Rural Minnesota: How we got here and how we move forward.” Researchers interviewed rural mental health care providers and state agency officials, and analyzed data to determine why suicide rates are rising faster in the rural parts of the state, and how rural residents struggle with lack of mental health services and information.

Apr 25, 2024 | womenspress.com | Lydia Moran

As we continue to advance conversations and awareness around “mental health,” there is a danger of watering down the term without a clear understanding of what it really means. So I want to start by sharing how I conceptualized this issue’s theme, and how I believe the stories that emerged serve to create new understandings. The Minnesota Department of Health offers a distinction between mental health and mental illness, which are not opposite.

Apr 24, 2024 | womenspress.com | Lydia Moran

At the start of her career in early childhood education, Anna Dutke began noticing that when her students were outside, even for a brief moment of reading a story in the fresh air or going for a walk behind the playground, their engagement was different. They were more focused and relaxed, and any conflicts were easier to manage. “There was something about it that caught my eye,” she says.

Apr 23, 2024 | yahoo.com | Lydia Moran |Mikki Morrissette

You championed legislation in 2023 to provide free breakfast and lunch in schools. What stands out for you from that productive year? This past year has been just incredible. For me, I literally ticked off all the policy priorities I’ve ever had — we got them done. That’s a beautiful and powerful thing. Editor's Note:  Peggy Flanagan is the Lt. Governor of the State of Minnesota.

Apr 15, 2024 | womenspress.com | Lydia Moran

Twice per month in 2024, MWP is uplifting select pieces from our 39-year archive with a focus on longstanding issues. In tandem with our “Celebrations” print issue, our April focus is on the anniversary of Minnesota Women’s Press’ founding in April 1985. Questions about this initiative? Email [email protected] 1999, Kathryn Blasted Brewer interviewed 43 members of the Minnesota Women’s Press original founding team.