MMA Legislative Panel Discusses Homelessness, Street Medicine

February 1, 2024

The MMA hosted a panel in Duluth on January 25 to discuss legislative initiatives including homelessness, street medicine, and harm reduction, ahead of the legislative session kicking off on February 12. 

The event welcomed local physicians, University of Minnesota Medical School faculty and students, and included Duluth lawmakers Sen. Jen McEwen and Rep. Alicia Kozlowski, who took questions from attendees and moderator Raymond Christensen, MD (associate dean for rural health at the University of Minnesota Medical School - Duluth). 

Duluth 1.jpg
Ray Christenson, MD (left), Sen. Jen McEwen, and Rep. Alicia Kozlowski served as panelists at the Duluth event.
 

“We’d like to know from our representatives what's being done in the Legislature, what they think might be able to be done, how they might be able to work with us, and is there a way we can work together collaboratively on these issues,” Christensen said. 

Reducing substance use disorder morbidity and mortality through harm reduction strategies is one of five 2024 MMA legislative priorities. Harm reduction legislative initiatives include the expansion of medicated assisted treatment (MAT) in jails, prisons, and sober homes, efforts to strengthen Minnesota’s Good Samaritan law, and developing and implementing overdose prevention centers in Minnesota, among others. 

Latest News

Federal Budget Bill Will Have Significant Impact on Minnesota Healthcare

July 10, 2025

With the passage of President Trump’s budget bill, many in healthcare are wondering how it will affect the practice of medicine in the United States, and how it will impact the health of Minnesotans. 

Allina Providers Vote to Authorize Strike

July 10, 2025

With an overwhelming 90% vote of support, Allina Health physicians, physicians’ assistants, and nurse practitioners voted to authorize a strike if the members of the Doctors Council – SEIU and Allina cannot reach a deal.  

Equitable Health Care Task Force Seeks Public Comment

July 10, 2025

The Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Equitable Health Care Task Force is seeking public comment on its draft recommendations for improving health equity across the state.