State of Reform

Aug 15, 2024 | stateofreform.com | Shane Ersland

Advocates discussed their support for a proposed department for community aging in Minnesota during a Legislative Task Force on Aging meeting on Wednesday. Kristine Sundberg, executive director of Elder Voice Advocates, said a department of community aging is needed to coordinate initiatives aiming to help older Minnesotans live healthier lives. "The reason we're here today is to address a critical issue that stems from deeply-ingrained ageist attitudes in our society," Sundberg said.

Aug 14, 2024 | stateofreform.com | Shane Ersland

The Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging is working to improve the public's understanding of what aging means and end ageism. Council Executive Director Adam Suomala said the way many policymakers approach aging isn't working. "We're living longer, healthier lives in Minnesota," Suomala said. "But the people we interact with hold deeply negative beliefs about aging. Folks go to great lengths to avoid conversations about aging. We rarely use terms like 'we' or 'us' when we talk about aging.

Aug 13, 2024 | stateofreform.com | Shane Ersland

Washingtonians need greater access to medication and treatment for opioid use disorder in the state, according to health officials. Representatives from various health agencies discussed opioids and their impact on residents during a Washington Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group meeting on Thursday.

Aug 9, 2024 | stateofreform.com | Shane Ersland

The Seattle & King County Public Health Department is ramping up efforts to distribute naloxone and other harm-reducing medications to address rising drug overdose deaths in the region. Brad Finegood, strategic advisor at the department, gave an update on its overdose prevention efforts at a Washington State Board of Health meeting on Wednesday. He said more than 1,300 people died of a drug overdose in King County last year.

Aug 7, 2024 | stateofreform.com | Shane Ersland

A new South Country Health Alliance initiative is providing telehealth opportunities for doula services in Minnesota. South Country partnered with Delfina to extend maternal health services to plan members throughout the eight counties-Brown, Dodge, Goodhue, Kanabec, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, and Waseca-South Country's CareConnect Program services in February.