Deandra Howard

All right.

All right.

I appreciate that.

I appreciate that.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

You know what? I'm trying to figure out what I'm asking. And the reason why I'm saying that is. is because whenever I am in the community and I'm talking to people about always having these kinds of conversations like this, that word always comes up. I mean, it's kind of like a catch-all for many, many things. I'm not saying for everything.

You know what? I'm trying to figure out what I'm asking. And the reason why I'm saying that is. is because whenever I am in the community and I'm talking to people about always having these kinds of conversations like this, that word always comes up. I mean, it's kind of like a catch-all for many, many things. I'm not saying for everything.

but for many things in a way and why people are behaving in a way that they do, why people are responding to certain things. And so I'm just, we talk about mental health by populations. I'm just saying that this is a more common word now in my community than I've ever heard before.

but for many things in a way and why people are behaving in a way that they do, why people are responding to certain things. And so I'm just, we talk about mental health by populations. I'm just saying that this is a more common word now in my community than I've ever heard before.

Yeah, but the question is, what are we going to do about it? I mean, it seems like the conversation keeps coming up, well, we're traumatized, and so what are the ways in which to address this? It's really kind of, when we talk about these kinds of topics, people don't know how to articulate, is it a mental health issue? You know what I'm saying? So we're in that area of...

Yeah, but the question is, what are we going to do about it? I mean, it seems like the conversation keeps coming up, well, we're traumatized, and so what are the ways in which to address this? It's really kind of, when we talk about these kinds of topics, people don't know how to articulate, is it a mental health issue? You know what I'm saying? So we're in that area of...

Okay.

Okay.

You know, it's funny you're saying all these things because, you know, I'm not asking to be analyzed here, okay?

You know, it's funny you're saying all these things because, you know, I'm not asking to be analyzed here, okay?

I just want to have this conversation, all right? But I remember things that happened to me before I was six, you know, that traumatized me. I mean, you know, I remember my fear of heights becoming very, when I was real young, I remember specifically, when I became very, very afraid of heights.

I just want to have this conversation, all right? But I remember things that happened to me before I was six, you know, that traumatized me. I mean, you know, I remember my fear of heights becoming very, when I was real young, I remember specifically, when I became very, very afraid of heights.

I remember very specifically when people, some of my relatives were playing with me about, and they stepped a pillow over my head and I remember not being able to breathe. And so it's been very, very, whenever I can't breathe, I freak out.

I remember very specifically when people, some of my relatives were playing with me about, and they stepped a pillow over my head and I remember not being able to breathe. And so it's been very, very, whenever I can't breathe, I freak out.

So I'm saying those kinds of things because I think that what you're saying is very helpful in the sense that we have these experiences that causes us to respond a certain kind of way. And other people might look at it and say, well, that's not okay, but it is our experience.

So I'm saying those kinds of things because I think that what you're saying is very helpful in the sense that we have these experiences that causes us to respond a certain kind of way. And other people might look at it and say, well, that's not okay, but it is our experience.

We started talking about age six. We started talking about the post-traumatic stress. And I think it's just important to have this kind of conversation so people can understand that it's not necessarily sometimes what they think it is. Oftentimes it isn't, yeah.

We started talking about age six. We started talking about the post-traumatic stress. And I think it's just important to have this kind of conversation so people can understand that it's not necessarily sometimes what they think it is. Oftentimes it isn't, yeah.

So can we talk about treatments? I mean, we talked a lot about mental health disorders and things like that. We talked about trauma, those kinds of things. How do we treat these issues once they are identified? Could you talk a little bit more about those things?

So can we talk about treatments? I mean, we talked a lot about mental health disorders and things like that. We talked about trauma, those kinds of things. How do we treat these issues once they are identified? Could you talk a little bit more about those things?

And it's interesting because I know Stan brought up the whole issue around shock therapy and stuff like that. I mean, it's just so many different things that are around this topic that I think is so interesting and so many different ways to address what's going on. I think in my case, you know, I'm thinking only about...

And it's interesting because I know Stan brought up the whole issue around shock therapy and stuff like that. I mean, it's just so many different things that are around this topic that I think is so interesting and so many different ways to address what's going on. I think in my case, you know, I'm thinking only about...

you know, mental health, we think about going, seeing the doctor and getting some meds. And that's just basically it. But I think that you're saying that there are other things like it could be a, you know, a genetic imbalance or whatever. So there's all these different ways in which to look at these things.

you know, mental health, we think about going, seeing the doctor and getting some meds. And that's just basically it. But I think that you're saying that there are other things like it could be a, you know, a genetic imbalance or whatever. So there's all these different ways in which to look at these things.

People need to, to not be fixed in terms of how things are going to work, but to open, you know, to different alternative, uh, uh, Am I correct?

People need to, to not be fixed in terms of how things are going to work, but to open, you know, to different alternative, uh, uh, Am I correct?

Yeah, thank you, because I was going to say, I thank you for entering this conversation with us. I mean, it's been... There have been a lot of things that you said today that have really... been enlightening to me in terms of what we're really experiencing.

Yeah, thank you, because I was going to say, I thank you for entering this conversation with us. I mean, it's been... There have been a lot of things that you said today that have really... been enlightening to me in terms of what we're really experiencing.

And saying you're absolutely right, I thought that the research that was done was phenomenal in terms of being able to understand this issue a little bit better. But the more you talk, Mike, the more I think we need to talk. about this. I mean, we need to enter this conversation because there's so many things that are going on.

And saying you're absolutely right, I thought that the research that was done was phenomenal in terms of being able to understand this issue a little bit better. But the more you talk, Mike, the more I think we need to talk. about this. I mean, we need to enter this conversation because there's so many things that are going on.

And as Stan said a little bit earlier, is that it just seems like the issues are increasing and increasing. We don't have the necessary professionals to help. And so How do we enter this conversation? How do we chat about this in a way? And how do we give people the information that they need in order to make informed decisions? And that for us is really what's important.

And as Stan said a little bit earlier, is that it just seems like the issues are increasing and increasing. We don't have the necessary professionals to help. And so How do we enter this conversation? How do we chat about this in a way? And how do we give people the information that they need in order to make informed decisions? And that for us is really what's important.

So I really want to thank you for helping to kind of sort through something even for me today. And I'm sure that our listeners will get the benefit of that.

So I really want to thank you for helping to kind of sort through something even for me today. And I'm sure that our listeners will get the benefit of that.

I think that was why I was going to start off my questioning by asking this question, because I thought what you just said speaks so well to it, is that according to the research that we have, that there are more than 200 types of mental health disorders. And I think that most people, when they think about mental health, they only think about maybe one or two. What are your comments about that?

I think that was why I was going to start off my questioning by asking this question, because I thought what you just said speaks so well to it, is that according to the research that we have, that there are more than 200 types of mental health disorders. And I think that most people, when they think about mental health, they only think about maybe one or two. What are your comments about that?

I mean, you're speaking to the fact that there are a lot that we don't even think about.

I mean, you're speaking to the fact that there are a lot that we don't even think about.

Yeah. Dr. I, you know, as you were talking about some cultural things, one of the One of the conversations that's happened a lot in my community is this issue around trauma and intergenerational trauma and cultural trauma. Is that something that... What are your thoughts? I mean, because I think a lot of people are using trauma as a catch-all for everything that's happening.

Yeah. Dr. I, you know, as you were talking about some cultural things, one of the One of the conversations that's happened a lot in my community is this issue around trauma and intergenerational trauma and cultural trauma. Is that something that... What are your thoughts? I mean, because I think a lot of people are using trauma as a catch-all for everything that's happening.

Is that something that you think is occurring as a result of the shutdown? Or is it just that people have decided, as you said, to just group everything as one thing?

Is that something that you think is occurring as a result of the shutdown? Or is it just that people have decided, as you said, to just group everything as one thing?

Yeah, commonality.

Yeah, commonality.

Yeah, that's a good point.

Yeah, that's a good point.

No kidding.

No kidding.

Right.

Right.

I think that was a great time to bring me in. So I am engaged. I have been engaged for a long time to a man. However, I identify as bisexual. And so I think I am an Amazing example of how I present as somebody that is hetero or that passes as straight. And people are quick to label me as straight.

I think that was a great time to bring me in. So I am engaged. I have been engaged for a long time to a man. However, I identify as bisexual. And so I think I am an Amazing example of how I present as somebody that is hetero or that passes as straight. And people are quick to label me as straight.

But really, my lived experience and who I am and where my attractions fall, I am bisexual and I have my whole life. So this is something that a lot of people struggle with in my life because I have a wonderful, loving fiance that is a man. And so I think a lot of people have a hard time understanding how that can mean that I am still bisexual.

But really, my lived experience and who I am and where my attractions fall, I am bisexual and I have my whole life. So this is something that a lot of people struggle with in my life because I have a wonderful, loving fiance that is a man. And so I think a lot of people have a hard time understanding how that can mean that I am still bisexual.

But I think it opens the door for conversations with a lot of people. And by the end of the conversation, they're like, yeah, I do think that you're bisexual. I do think that you're gay. So I think it's just... I think I'm a good example of don't judge a book by its cover. Don't label a book by its cover. And I do think that there are stereotypes for straight people that I fall under.

But I think it opens the door for conversations with a lot of people. And by the end of the conversation, they're like, yeah, I do think that you're bisexual. I do think that you're gay. So I think it's just... I think I'm a good example of don't judge a book by its cover. Don't label a book by its cover. And I do think that there are stereotypes for straight people that I fall under.

And I fall under stereotypes for bisexual people. I have a nose ring. That's a common one that people make a joke about. And even a common... A common stereotype about bisexual women is that they are dating or engaged or married to a straight man. So I fall under that stereotype, too. But that doesn't diminish my experience by any means. Yeah, I think that was a great time to call me in, Stan.

And I fall under stereotypes for bisexual people. I have a nose ring. That's a common one that people make a joke about. And even a common... A common stereotype about bisexual women is that they are dating or engaged or married to a straight man. So I fall under that stereotype, too. But that doesn't diminish my experience by any means. Yeah, I think that was a great time to call me in, Stan.

no okay oh i can go ahead for just go ahead yeah go ahead sure i think it's it's obviously it's religion it's ethnicity it is race and it is age like we think about even you know yeah yeah we like to joke on this podcast a lot we're the young ones you guys are the old ones like it's really easy to but really um uh i have 110

no okay oh i can go ahead for just go ahead yeah go ahead sure i think it's it's obviously it's religion it's ethnicity it is race and it is age like we think about even you know yeah yeah we like to joke on this podcast a lot we're the young ones you guys are the old ones like it's really easy to but really um uh i have 110

three-year-old participants, they would look at you and they would call you young. So really in the scheme of things where we label ourselves, where we label other people, it is so subjective. And when we think about, um, Like even religion, you don't know in the scheme of things how involved they are in their church or their practice or in their community.

three-year-old participants, they would look at you and they would call you young. So really in the scheme of things where we label ourselves, where we label other people, it is so subjective. And when we think about, um, Like even religion, you don't know in the scheme of things how involved they are in their church or their practice or in their community.

Or I even think about like immigrants a lot where they may have come from a culture where it's completely immersed in their culture and now they're here and it's different. It's different and you may go to the same church here, but it will be with different people and a different culture and things will be practiced differently.

Or I even think about like immigrants a lot where they may have come from a culture where it's completely immersed in their culture and now they're here and it's different. It's different and you may go to the same church here, but it will be with different people and a different culture and things will be practiced differently.

And so I just think in the scheme of things, really like zooming out and looking at the bigger picture, we have no idea where people are or where. where they fall unless they tell us and communicate with us about that. And that's why I think the pronouns in the emails are a great opportunity to just effectively communicate clearly with no ifs, ands, or buts.

And so I just think in the scheme of things, really like zooming out and looking at the bigger picture, we have no idea where people are or where. where they fall unless they tell us and communicate with us about that. And that's why I think the pronouns in the emails are a great opportunity to just effectively communicate clearly with no ifs, ands, or buts.

This is what this person would like to be labeled as. That's just my two cents on it.

This is what this person would like to be labeled as. That's just my two cents on it.

You know, I was thinking about that. When you asked that question, I just said, like, what do I expect? Exactly. You know, what do I expect? And I think I expect access. You know, I expect that, you know, that when I need health care, that it's there for me.

You know, I was thinking about that. When you asked that question, I just said, like, what do I expect? Exactly. You know, what do I expect? And I think I expect access. You know, I expect that, you know, that when I need health care, that it's there for me.

But I think, you know, a little bit earlier in the conversation, you know, listening to what Barry was saying, I thought about the pharmaceutical deserts. I thought about the food deserts.

But I think, you know, a little bit earlier in the conversation, you know, listening to what Barry was saying, I thought about the pharmaceutical deserts. I thought about the food deserts.

And, uh, you know, what role does politics play in the fact that I think that they were saying like 25% of Walgreens drugstores are closing, you know, I mean, like you got all this stuff, you know, what does politics play in that? How is that going to affect the health of the community?

And, uh, you know, what role does politics play in the fact that I think that they were saying like 25% of Walgreens drugstores are closing, you know, I mean, like you got all this stuff, you know, what does politics play in that? How is that going to affect the health of the community?

How does that affect people in, uh, how does politics affect the communities in rural Minnesota, rural, rural, rural counties around, around the, uh, Around the country, you know, I mean, it's it's pretty, pretty unclear. You know, I think that there is a there is a pie in the sky kind of of reality. I mean, pie in the sky kind of thinking about what we what we're supposed to have.

How does that affect people in, uh, how does politics affect the communities in rural Minnesota, rural, rural, rural counties around, around the, uh, Around the country, you know, I mean, it's it's pretty, pretty unclear. You know, I think that there is a there is a pie in the sky kind of of reality. I mean, pie in the sky kind of thinking about what we what we're supposed to have.

And then there's the root cause, like it's not there because the politics or the will of the community or the will of the government is not there. And so we're caught in that space right now where people are really trying to figure out what is real? You know, what can I really expect from my government now? I mean, you know, and again, we get into this fake news stuff.

And then there's the root cause, like it's not there because the politics or the will of the community or the will of the government is not there. And so we're caught in that space right now where people are really trying to figure out what is real? You know, what can I really expect from my government now? I mean, you know, and again, we get into this fake news stuff.

I mean, it's messing with my mental health. Yeah. I think for a lot of folks, it's best with their mental health. And so for me, what I do, I cut off TV. I don't want to hear it no more. Let me kind of struggle through or do whatever I got to do. But anyway, so that's my initial thought about what do we want? What would I want?

I mean, it's messing with my mental health. Yeah. I think for a lot of folks, it's best with their mental health. And so for me, what I do, I cut off TV. I don't want to hear it no more. Let me kind of struggle through or do whatever I got to do. But anyway, so that's my initial thought about what do we want? What would I want?

I would want appropriate access, but that's not always available for me or for anybody else.

I would want appropriate access, but that's not always available for me or for anybody else.

Yeah. With that help. Yeah, yeah. You know, it's interesting. I think it would. I know that I've talked with a lot of people about single payer plans. But, you know, as you were talking, Stan, and again, this is my looping brain here. I thought politics, confusion equals money. Yeah.

Yeah. With that help. Yeah, yeah. You know, it's interesting. I think it would. I know that I've talked with a lot of people about single payer plans. But, you know, as you were talking, Stan, and again, this is my looping brain here. I thought politics, confusion equals money. Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Politics, confusion, evil is money. So, you know, there's a certain amount of, and again, this is my thinking, is that there's a certain amount of, I shouldn't say value, but there's a certain amount of gain with a lot of this stuff that we're seeing

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Politics, confusion, evil is money. So, you know, there's a certain amount of, and again, this is my thinking, is that there's a certain amount of, I shouldn't say value, but there's a certain amount of gain with a lot of this stuff that we're seeing

I think it would be very helpful for us as a nation to be able to have, as you just said, have access to be able to go in and to get the kinds of services that we need. But unfortunately, money always plays a part. Money always plays a part. It's interesting, Barry, you were talking about when you started. I remember when I was younger, My doctor came to my house.

I think it would be very helpful for us as a nation to be able to have, as you just said, have access to be able to go in and to get the kinds of services that we need. But unfortunately, money always plays a part. Money always plays a part. It's interesting, Barry, you were talking about when you started. I remember when I was younger, My doctor came to my house.

And you know what? The thing, too, is that I think when we think about politics, we have this view of just government kind of things, but there's corporate politics, too. Oh, God, yes. That's what I'm saying is that, you know, and so sometimes there is a collaboration or a coordination between the corporate and the governmental entities, which can affect our health.

And you know what? The thing, too, is that I think when we think about politics, we have this view of just government kind of things, but there's corporate politics, too. Oh, God, yes. That's what I'm saying is that, you know, and so sometimes there is a collaboration or a coordination between the corporate and the governmental entities, which can affect our health.

Because, you know, the government can pass laws that kind of restrict the organizations from doing certain kinds of things which might be very helpful for the community. They may not say it like that, but...

Because, you know, the government can pass laws that kind of restrict the organizations from doing certain kinds of things which might be very helpful for the community. They may not say it like that, but...

Yeah, all of these things, all these factors we have to take a look at and we have to, again, we have to be much more attuned to what's really going on in order for us to really affect our community's health. And that's one of the things for me, and I'll be totally honest with you. I was talking to somebody recently and I was talking about the work that we do at Human.

Yeah, all of these things, all these factors we have to take a look at and we have to, again, we have to be much more attuned to what's really going on in order for us to really affect our community's health. And that's one of the things for me, and I'll be totally honest with you. I was talking to somebody recently and I was talking about the work that we do at Human.

You know, at one time we did like 250 health fairs a year. You know, but, you know, that's that's that's that was a long time ago when I was much younger. Now I find that that it's important for me to be more involved in the public policy making. Right. Now, that's hard for me because, you know, I don't want to do nothing with politics.

You know, at one time we did like 250 health fairs a year. You know, but, you know, that's that's that's that was a long time ago when I was much younger. Now I find that that it's important for me to be more involved in the public policy making. Right. Now, that's hard for me because, you know, I don't want to do nothing with politics.

but that's where we have to go in order to really make some changes in our communities. At least for me, at least at this point in my life, I see politics, health, really, really connected together. And so therefore I have to readjust myself to be able to do these things. And so it's a struggle because, you know, I'm like, I'm the Kumbaya kind of guy, you know, but yeah, Kuba, yeah, don't work.

but that's where we have to go in order to really make some changes in our communities. At least for me, at least at this point in my life, I see politics, health, really, really connected together. And so therefore I have to readjust myself to be able to do these things. And so it's a struggle because, you know, I'm like, I'm the Kumbaya kind of guy, you know, but yeah, Kuba, yeah, don't work.

Yeah, right. I mean, so.

Yeah, right. I mean, so.

Yeah. Well, you know what, Sam? I want to say this real quick, and again, I'm not being political much. I have to talk like this, okay?

Yeah. Well, you know what, Sam? I want to say this real quick, and again, I'm not being political much. I have to talk like this, okay?

You know, I would agree with that wholeheartedly. I think that when I... speak to people and i talk about some of these things there is not a connection made between politics and health it is it's just there uh i remember this is so funny i remember when i used to not like uh certain certain governmental bodies

You know, I would agree with that wholeheartedly. I think that when I... speak to people and i talk about some of these things there is not a connection made between politics and health it is it's just there uh i remember this is so funny i remember when i used to not like uh certain certain governmental bodies

But I remember when they were talking about, I think, Congress. Congress, they covered. I mean, you're a Congress person. You're going to get your stuff is covered. But sometimes when you are in a situation like that where you don't have to worry about something, you're not as sensitive to what other people might need.

But I remember when they were talking about, I think, Congress. Congress, they covered. I mean, you're a Congress person. You're going to get your stuff is covered. But sometimes when you are in a situation like that where you don't have to worry about something, you're not as sensitive to what other people might need.

And I think that that's part of the challenge that we have is that some people already got it made. They don't have to think about this. So this is not necessarily something that they have to worry about. But for other people, we have to think about this stuff.

And I think that that's part of the challenge that we have is that some people already got it made. They don't have to think about this. So this is not necessarily something that they have to worry about. But for other people, we have to think about this stuff.

And we have to utilize the political system in order to make sure that we're getting the kind of services that we need for our communities. So yeah, the politics is a big deal.

And we have to utilize the political system in order to make sure that we're getting the kind of services that we need for our communities. So yeah, the politics is a big deal.

What, what, what are you thinking about? Yeah. I tell you, I tell you what a lot of people are talking about. They're definitely talking about mental health and politicians. There's a lot, there's a lot of, a lot of concerns people have about the mental health and the capacity and those kinds of things. As we, we started talking about this country and those kinds of things. And yeah,

What, what, what are you thinking about? Yeah. I tell you, I tell you what a lot of people are talking about. They're definitely talking about mental health and politicians. There's a lot, there's a lot of, a lot of concerns people have about the mental health and the capacity and those kinds of things. As we, we started talking about this country and those kinds of things. And yeah,

That's a major thing. People are concerned. I mean, and that's at that level. But at the other level, at the community level, I mean, I'm walking down, I'm walking or driving through communities and I'm seeing that a lot of people A lot of people with mental health issues walk in our streets. What do we do as politicians?

That's a major thing. People are concerned. I mean, and that's at that level. But at the other level, at the community level, I mean, I'm walking down, I'm walking or driving through communities and I'm seeing that a lot of people A lot of people with mental health issues walk in our streets. What do we do as politicians?

I mean, what do we do as community members and as politicians to try to address that? A lot of that is political. I mean, having money to provide services for people. I remember when... Again, this goes back a while. I don't know if this is Ronald Reagan period or not, where they started closing down the institutions and started releasing people back into the community and things like that.

I mean, what do we do as community members and as politicians to try to address that? A lot of that is political. I mean, having money to provide services for people. I remember when... Again, this goes back a while. I don't know if this is Ronald Reagan period or not, where they started closing down the institutions and started releasing people back into the community and things like that.

And it's like, it's just a snowball. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. And we're starting to see more and more mental health issues that are starting to emerge. I mean, pressures that we talked about before, the food, the housing, all those kinds of things, those are stressors.

And it's like, it's just a snowball. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. And we're starting to see more and more mental health issues that are starting to emerge. I mean, pressures that we talked about before, the food, the housing, all those kinds of things, those are stressors.

And if you can't address those kinds of issues, or if there's not a way for you to be able to provide for yourself, it's a health issue. It's going to be a health. And if it's not mental health, it's going to be a physical health. Right. You're going to catch a cold. You're going to get pneumonia.

And if you can't address those kinds of issues, or if there's not a way for you to be able to provide for yourself, it's a health issue. It's going to be a health. And if it's not mental health, it's going to be a physical health. Right. You're going to catch a cold. You're going to get pneumonia.

All these things are just starting to point back to the fact that there is a strong connection between politics and the health of our communities.

All these things are just starting to point back to the fact that there is a strong connection between politics and the health of our communities.

Barry, I see you shaking your head. Barry, what do you think?

Barry, I see you shaking your head. Barry, what do you think?

uh because you know something happened and i didn't really understand how politics worked in it and you have to realize that that in this particular arena there are a variety of other factors and so uh for me when i go out to the community i don't think a lot of people make the connection yeah between health politics you know what can you do how can you be involved all those kinds of things so i'm in total agreement with you there is a political

uh because you know something happened and i didn't really understand how politics worked in it and you have to realize that that in this particular arena there are a variety of other factors and so uh for me when i go out to the community i don't think a lot of people make the connection yeah between health politics you know what can you do how can you be involved all those kinds of things so i'm in total agreement with you there is a political

Yeah. Interesting. Yeah. You know, Stan, as we were talking, thank you, Aaron, for that, because I really appreciate that view. When you were talking, you started out the program by talking about the woman in line where she was saying, like, she was in government in her business.

Yeah. Interesting. Yeah. You know, Stan, as we were talking, thank you, Aaron, for that, because I really appreciate that view. When you were talking, you started out the program by talking about the woman in line where she was saying, like, she was in government in her business.

you know i i just think about uh when i was younger when i younger oh yeah i was younger uh yeah i was younger i i did i did a training one time and and i asked different you know people talking about well we don't want welfare we don't you know no those people and we were i was in the agricultural community and i asked this question what's the difference between welfare and farm subsidies yeah right

you know i i just think about uh when i was younger when i younger oh yeah i was younger uh yeah i was younger i i did i did a training one time and and i asked different you know people talking about well we don't want welfare we don't you know no those people and we were i was in the agricultural community and i asked this question what's the difference between welfare and farm subsidies yeah right

Okay. And though they were mad, they were mad. I'm just saying, wait a minute, I'm just asking the question. I'm just, you know, it's those people, they take it, you know, okay. But I think so many times the way that we describe things, and we talked before about this, the way that people like to define things

Okay. And though they were mad, they were mad. I'm just saying, wait a minute, I'm just asking the question. I'm just, you know, it's those people, they take it, you know, okay. But I think so many times the way that we describe things, and we talked before about this, the way that people like to define things

sets us up for this unhealthy conversation about how do we work together in order to make sure that the world is better. I always look at it like this, and I'm in the community a lot of times. I said, I care about what happens in Brooklyn Center and Edina. I said, because if an epidemic breaks out there, guess what? It's going to hit South Minneapolis too. So I have to be thinking more.

sets us up for this unhealthy conversation about how do we work together in order to make sure that the world is better. I always look at it like this, and I'm in the community a lot of times. I said, I care about what happens in Brooklyn Center and Edina. I said, because if an epidemic breaks out there, guess what? It's going to hit South Minneapolis too. So I have to be thinking more.

But a lot of times people say, well, that's them and not us. And I'm like, well, wait a minute. You have to understand how interconnected we are in this world. And so the politics that you are fighting against or you're trying to impose, is that going to ultimately affect you and your family? And you and your children, you know what I mean?

But a lot of times people say, well, that's them and not us. And I'm like, well, wait a minute. You have to understand how interconnected we are in this world. And so the politics that you are fighting against or you're trying to impose, is that going to ultimately affect you and your family? And you and your children, you know what I mean?

And so it's not like we want to throw money at issues and just wasting money. That's not what I'm talking about at all. But I am talking about how do we create safety nets for our communities? How do we utilize the political system to create safety nets for our communities so that all of us can benefit? Because if we have a huge crisis here, we're going to pay more taxes. You know what I'm saying?

And so it's not like we want to throw money at issues and just wasting money. That's not what I'm talking about at all. But I am talking about how do we create safety nets for our communities? How do we utilize the political system to create safety nets for our communities so that all of us can benefit? Because if we have a huge crisis here, we're going to pay more taxes. You know what I'm saying?

I mean, it's like, you know, but it's like people are like, well, no, I'm not going to do that. I'm like, okay. So anyway, there's some arguments I just can't, I just can't.

I mean, it's like, you know, but it's like people are like, well, no, I'm not going to do that. I'm like, okay. So anyway, there's some arguments I just can't, I just can't.

Oh.

Oh.

You know what? When I saw this topic, I thought that we were going to be talking. I mean, there were so many things that went through my mind because there's so many emotions that are attached to both politics and and the issue of health. And so it was like, how do you manage to pull those two things together? And then how can we move the conversation ahead?

You know what? When I saw this topic, I thought that we were going to be talking. I mean, there were so many things that went through my mind because there's so many emotions that are attached to both politics and and the issue of health. And so it was like, how do you manage to pull those two things together? And then how can we move the conversation ahead?

And I do believe that by having a conversation like this is important. And people are at different places, but we gotta talk. And so I just thank you. I thank you and Barry both for just talking. And Aaron, thank you for just talking. I think I can sleep better tonight.

And I do believe that by having a conversation like this is important. And people are at different places, but we gotta talk. And so I just thank you. I thank you and Barry both for just talking. And Aaron, thank you for just talking. I think I can sleep better tonight.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think we throw those initials around a lot. I think so, too. And many people don't understand exactly how these particular governmental agencies impact their health or what they do to affect their health. And I think for many people, it's too much to think about. You know, and I mean, and I say that, I say that people don't want to think about it.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think we throw those initials around a lot. I think so, too. And many people don't understand exactly how these particular governmental agencies impact their health or what they do to affect their health. And I think for many people, it's too much to think about. You know, and I mean, and I say that, I say that people don't want to think about it.

But yet at the same time, it's really, really important. As you were talking before about COVID and the mental health piece about it. There's a lot of things that are happening. I know that we're going to have a conversation about fake news and all those kind of things coming up.

But yet at the same time, it's really, really important. As you were talking before about COVID and the mental health piece about it. There's a lot of things that are happening. I know that we're going to have a conversation about fake news and all those kind of things coming up.

Right now, the health factors that are impacting us as a result of the political decisions that are being made or not made is something that's very, very important to think about. I think about this. This is what I think about. I just had this conversation a couple of days ago with someone.

Right now, the health factors that are impacting us as a result of the political decisions that are being made or not made is something that's very, very important to think about. I think about this. This is what I think about. I just had this conversation a couple of days ago with someone.

We had this person on that was talking about, well, actually, I took a trip down to the water plant in Minneapolis. And, you know, city of Minneapolis, they inspect their waters 500 times a day. They test their waters 500 times a day. What he told me was that Flint, Michigan, the things that happened in Flint, Michigan could have been avoided for about $2,000.

We had this person on that was talking about, well, actually, I took a trip down to the water plant in Minneapolis. And, you know, city of Minneapolis, they inspect their waters 500 times a day. They test their waters 500 times a day. What he told me was that Flint, Michigan, the things that happened in Flint, Michigan could have been avoided for about $2,000.

There was a political piece going on there, but for $2,000, we had this huge issue And they assumed part of that was some political decisions that were being made. So I don't think that people really do get the fact that there are some health factors that are also impacted by our political will or less or not will.

There was a political piece going on there, but for $2,000, we had this huge issue And they assumed part of that was some political decisions that were being made. So I don't think that people really do get the fact that there are some health factors that are also impacted by our political will or less or not will.

You know, Shane, I was going to say, you know, our topic today was politics and its effect on health. And I really don't, I don't believe that many people understand, you know, who you vote for. Yeah. Voting. making sure that you have people that understand the importance of health. I mean, you put people in places and they don't want to provide coverage for groups and for those kinds of things.

You know, Shane, I was going to say, you know, our topic today was politics and its effect on health. And I really don't, I don't believe that many people understand, you know, who you vote for. Yeah. Voting. making sure that you have people that understand the importance of health. I mean, you put people in places and they don't want to provide coverage for groups and for those kinds of things.

It's... Politics has a major, major role in terms of the health of a community. You know, all the zoning laws. I mean, you know, you know, people are, you know, people, the zoning laws, you know, you put people in and they say, well, we're going to have an incinerator here. You know, they're right next door to a to a community.

It's... Politics has a major, major role in terms of the health of a community. You know, all the zoning laws. I mean, you know, you know, people are, you know, people, the zoning laws, you know, you put people in and they say, well, we're going to have an incinerator here. You know, they're right next door to a to a community.

that's politics, you know, and people are putting people in that just says, yeah, yeah, we'll go to both of that. And so I think it's important that people really do understand that there is a real connection. And, you know, between this and our health, and it's not something that we normally explore.

that's politics, you know, and people are putting people in that just says, yeah, yeah, we'll go to both of that. And so I think it's important that people really do understand that there is a real connection. And, you know, between this and our health, and it's not something that we normally explore.

I was actually in Baltimore a couple of weeks ago at the Academy of Health. And one of the posters that was there was this poster that this lady created around the coverage of mental health services in communities. So they're actually mapping out services to communities. And what they were saying, this is what she said, and I hope I'm saying this correctly.

I was actually in Baltimore a couple of weeks ago at the Academy of Health. And one of the posters that was there was this poster that this lady created around the coverage of mental health services in communities. So they're actually mapping out services to communities. And what they were saying, this is what she said, and I hope I'm saying this correctly.

She was saying that there's a lot more coverage than we suspect, but it's based on whether or not you have the right kind of insurance. So we have these huge gaps in these various communities that are not being covered because they don't have the right kind of insurance, which then begins to become a political piece because we need to provide ways to do that.

She was saying that there's a lot more coverage than we suspect, but it's based on whether or not you have the right kind of insurance. So we have these huge gaps in these various communities that are not being covered because they don't have the right kind of insurance, which then begins to become a political piece because we need to provide ways to do that.

So what's interesting about this particular topic is that we can go off into a thousand different ways But there's a lot of understuff. There's a lot of undercurrent with this whole issue around politics and health. And so it's kind of good to enter into this very broad section conversation.

So what's interesting about this particular topic is that we can go off into a thousand different ways But there's a lot of understuff. There's a lot of undercurrent with this whole issue around politics and health. And so it's kind of good to enter into this very broad section conversation.