Recent content from Gail Rosenblum
In retirement, Minneapolis man takes on stubborn foe: Buckthorn
For 27 years, Jim Nicholas of Minneapolis was a data analyst with the Minnesota Hospital Association. After retiring in 2016, he chose a decidedly different…
Psychiatrist Dr. Dionne Hart speaks out about huge gaps in mental health services among communities of color
The latest chapter in Inspired's Race and Equity series explores mental health disparities.
Inspired Newsletter Intro
Coming out of COVID hibernation has left many of us with something we haven't seen since our teen years: Pony tails. There's something nice about…
Minneapolis Step Up program gets COVID creative to keep offering youth internship opportunities
Heidi Sundquist, who has developed Step Up internships with her employer, Accenture, shares more about this summer's ambitious goals.
U therapist offers advice for how to be our better selves while waiting for COVID-19 vaccine
William J. Doherty has seen pretty much everything in his more than four decades as a therapist. He's helped to heal marriages on the brink…
New lung cancer screening guidelines means potentially millions more lives can be saved
Pain has piled up in this long pandemic year, not just in deaths but in growing mental health concerns and alcohol consumption. Another public health…
Minneapolis writer-turned-caregiver writes the meditative book she wished she'd had
Patricia Hoolihan was one of several caregivers for her grandchildren during the pandemic.
Creativity and fun helped Minneapolis financial services company succeed during COVID-19
Nobody would describe the past year as fun and games, but that doesn't mean levity is out the window. With workers experiencing Zoom fatigue and…
Born in Minnesota, a child of immigrants: 'The story of my life is the product of my parents' dreams'
Raie Gessesse, a Minnesota advocate for racial and gender equity, is the first in the Star Tribune's 'Inspired Conversations' dialogue about race. Her story begins with her parents, born and raised in Ethiopia.
Minnesota's Children's Justice Initiative celebrates 20 years of protecting vulnerable children
It is a national model for how to find safe, stable and permanent homes for abused and neglected children.
Leadership guru Pam Borton taps decades as a basketball coach to help executives find purpose
Former U women's coach sees leadership potential in everyone.
University of Minnesota educator wants us to talk openly and honestly about sex
She's eager to help us practice as the newly named Joycelyn Elders Endowed Chair in Sexual Health Educationat the University of Minnesota.
In recovery from perilous addictions, young adults share their stories through Change the Outcome
The opioid crisis has only intensified during the pandemic. The American Medical Association reports increased opioid-related deaths in more than 40 states, including Minnesota. Alcohol…
West St. Paul journalist shares 35 uplifting stories about politicians taking the high road
Kevin Hendricks is author of the self-published "Better Politics, Please: 35 Stories of Politicians Who Value Hope Over Hate."
Minnesota Women's Press celebrates 35 years of reporting about and by women
As MWP celebrates its 35th anniversary, its leader reflects on its bold reporting, financial challenges and exciting plans for 2021.
As 2020 ends, problem-solving Minnesotans offer reasons for hope
This year threw our Problem Solvers challenges beyond all challenges but they still hunkered down and got to work.
Macalester senior makes eye movement therapy accessible and affordable with an app
Mental health problems have only increased due to the isolation and stresses of COVID-19. But this 22-year-old is lessening the burden for many with an app.
Community advocate praises North Loop's tiny shelter model as first step in combatting homelessness
Community advocate and organizer Sheila Delaney knows we're running out of time.
A program to improve health in Twin Cities' Black community begins with healing power of soul medicine
A Minneapolis center partners with counties and health care providers to tap into the resiliency of the Black community to improve health and financial stability.
St. Paul founder of the Good Kid Project says kindness toward animals is key to developing empathy
Want to raise good kids? Then teach them to be kind to animals. That's the goal for Nick Coughlin.
Excelsior recovery coach warns of insidiousness of opioids, and also shares the hope of healing
Meet a nationally certified intervention professional, recovery coach and doting father.
Minneapolis Stairstep Foundation leader sees opportunities to rebuild in this difficult time
In the midst of a worldwide pandemic and cries for racial justice, his message seems particularly urgent and his comforting approach especially welcome.
Minneapolis man creates Facebook page to inform others with disabilities about how to vote
Michael Sack, who has cerebral palsy and uses a motorized wheelchair, realizes that this foremost civic duty is easier for some than for others.
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Minnesota's Proof Alliance leader wants all pregnancies to be alcohol-free
Research has shown since 1974 that alcohol during pregnancy harms a developing fetus, but she learned most people "did not have the facts."
Twin Cities therapists emphasize need to prepare purposeful COVID 'bubbles' before winter
Experts concerned about single individuals left out of social circles.
Mpls. veterinarians offer free pet care to dogs and cats of owners facing homelessness
The pop-up clinic gives pets free basic medical care, including vaccinations and heartworm testing, as well as medications for skin and eye infections.
Avatars join effort to help Minnesota teachers identify worrisome behaviors in their students
During the pandemic, teachers face a doubly tough task of identifying students — mostly behind screens instead of desks — showing signs of psychological distress.
Normandale graduate, 18, returns to campus to make sure other students have food, housing
Ainsley Schwerr graduated from Normandale Community College in May — then went right back. When COVID-19 hit, the 18-year-old from Eagan put her continuing…
U's microbiology research facility key to national 'moonshot' effort to fight COVID-19
Dr. Timothy Schacker shares how the U launched its testing program, contributed to drug studies and even created a low-cost ventilator.
U's Michael LuBrant pivots to teach death rituals to mortuary science students in COVID world
He guides future funeral directors through end-of-life rituals.
Children's Minnesota resource navigator drawn to helping families much like hers
Community Connect is an initiative of the Children's Minnesota health care system partly funded by a grant from Kohl's Cares.
AchieveMpls launches student support fund to address trauma of pandemic, George Floyd killing
AchieveMpls has launched the MPS Student Support Fund to offer mental health counseling, school-based programs and interventions to let students know how deeply they are valued.
Facing hardship during COVID, these Minnesotans find comfort in levity
These Minnesotans regained control and strength during pandemic times in an unusual way: laughter.
Head of Mpls. Domestic Abuse Project builds on rich history of helping in new COVID reality
DAP has worked to end intergenerational violence for more than 40 years, with bold and inventive strategies that bring everyone to the table for success.
As recycling surged in Twin Cities with COVID-19, Eureka pivoted to respond
How did the company manage the inevitable surge in recycled material coming from homes and apartments now doubling as offices, day cares and more?
Blue Cross gender services consultant brings years of work in transgender community to new role
It's rare for a major health insurance company to create a position called "gender services consultant."
New leader of Minneapolis' Be The Match breaks down stem-cell process, busts myths
The international nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis provides lifesaving blood stem cell therapy to people of all ages around the world.
In the age of COVID-19, Minn. author looks to 'poetry therapy' to soothe the soul
It turns out poetry as an agent of healing was recognized in the ancient world over 2,000 years ago, she says.
Minneapolis trainer on race and trauma shares ideas for how we talk to each other now
In this wrenching moment for our city, he encourages us to continue to have productive conversations.
Midwest union leader talks safety, shopping smart and his hope for life after COVID-19
Utecht is president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663, a union of more than 13,000 members in Minnesota and Iowa, including 1,850 at the JBS pork plant in Worthington.
American Indian OIC leader offers ways to stay proactive in job search during pandemic
His message for all of us: Tough passages are an opportunity to rethink, recharge and re-engage.
Minnesota leader of Humanity Alliance connects the dots between health disparities and food insecurity
The nonprofit organization's first program rescues food about to be discarded and turns it into high-quality and healthful meals delivered to families who lack access to good-tasting nutrition.
Former Twin Cities management consultant shifts gears to help us live with intention
Tracie Bluse Ward says that challenging times are often the best times for personal growth.
COVID-19 testing Minnesota's already fragile mental health support system
Meet the leader of a statewide network of 32 community-based mental and chemical health programs that serves approximately 180,000 Minnesotans annually.
These Minn. health care heroes are fighting on the front lines against COVID-19
Meet the people putting it all on the line during the coronavirus crisis: "We are going to look out for each other."
This week, our inspiration comes from readers across the Twin Cities
We've compiled a growing list of selfless, creative and often courageous acts you've shown toward family members, friends and strangers.
Twin Cities employee engagement leader encourages businesses to embrace fun
Fun Is Good, an employee engagement consulting firm that offers seminars and workshops, lunch-and-learns and keynotes.
6 Minnesotans who were voices of inspiration in 2019
As the year draws to a close, let's be inspired by people who aspire to connect, heal and support their communities.
HandsOn Twin Cities leader shares ways we all can help during pandemic
Here are some practical steps to take from the safety of our homes to help our fellow Minnesotans.
Minnesota author on finding purpose in an age of uncertainty: 'It's an aim outside of yourself'
The senior fellow at the U's Center for Spirituality and Healing believes that it is precisely in times like these that we can gain valuable clarity.
Minnesota public health leader aims to bring equity to Alzheimer's care
Cindy Kaigama knows firsthand the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease.
White Bear Lake-based Cummins partners with 916 Career & Tech to power high-paying diesel jobs
The Cummins School-to-Work Program will train qualified high school students with the intention of launching them into high-paying jobs in the diesel field.
Minn. teen beats the odds, dreams of building a school in her native Ethiopia
On March 19, this 18-year-old will be one of five honorees at the 28th Children's Defense Fund-MN Beat the Odds celebration.
Veteran Mpls. educators start organization to help everyone screen less, live more
The Minneapolis-based LiveMore ScreenLess offers workshops and workplace consultations, school visits and tips to parents and grandparents, principals and CEOs.
How Twin Cities became one of the largest hubs for workplace diversity, inclusion
The Forum on Workplace Inclusion gears up to welcome about 1,500 people to the Minneapolis Convention Center on March 10-12 for its annual conference.
Peer support groups show promise in helping men facing mental health problems
Mark Meier knows there's only one thing tougher than getting a man into therapy — and that's keeping him in therapy.
New president of Children's Home Society of Minnesota dreams of loving home for every child
It's a time of massive changes in adoption, including a drastic decline in international ones and a huge upswing in the need for families of older children.
Former University of Minnesota regent makes sure black men at private colleges finish and thrive
When Abdul M. Omari was a teen, his parents made some things clear: “You’re going to college. You’re going to get good grades. And…
Minn. restorative justice leader sees this method as best opportunity to heal trauma
Donna Minter deals with what she calls a public health epidemic every day, even though "few know how to talk about it or are willing to address it."
St. Paul Adaptive Recreation specialist champions winter activities for everybody
Local park and recreation centers have many affordable indoor and outdoor options, Colleen Tusa says.
Director of Hennepin Healthcare's Mother-Baby Program focuses on the 'Fourth Trimester'
Dr. Helen Kim's work addresses the need for more people to focus on a mothers' health after birth.
A 'toy library' in Minneapolis adds to playtime with environmentally conscious twist
Minneapolis Toy Library responds to a growing desire for affordable and environmentally conscious ways for kids to play.
Certified financial planner reveals true meaning of 'life planning'
Amber Miller hopes we'll take the final days of 2019 to ponder a big question: What do we want to do with the rest of our lives?
For this award-winning Minnesotan, the climate crisis is personal
Aletta Brady created a web-based platform, called Our Climate Voices, to humanize the climate crisis by gathering and sharing personal stories.
Turn the 'getting' season into 'gratitude' season with help from Twin Cities nonprofit
Sarah Aadland has gathered loads of research confirming that altruistic kids are happy kids. And what better time than December to practice?
Hennepin County social worker helps at-risk parents thrive
Danielle Monsrud has a personal connection to Hennepin County's Parent Support Outreach Program.
Hamline University's social justice leader is a winner at getting out the youth vote
Nur Mood looks into the future every day — in the form of the bright young people walking across his St. Paul campus.
After a century away, Tewa pots return to their native lands near Santa Fe
Their return is due to a historic two-year collaboration between leaders at the Poeh Cultural Center and representatives of the Smithsonian Institution.
Minneapolis' Eastside Food Co-op makes food access 'FARE'
People of limited means are often denied the health benefits and simple pleasures of fresh fruits and vegetables.
A rabbi, a pastor and an imam walk into a … dialogue about shared values
The "Interfaith Amigos" are serious about their mission to reject the idea of "otherization."
HealthPartners cardiologist says we need to stop denying the dangers of vaping for teens
His particular concern is young people with developing brains who have taken to vaping like candy.
International community puts stamp on 150th anniversary of the postcard
Here's why the postcard still matters to so many people.
New Brighton's Community Support Center stays with people until they're ready to launch
Once it accepts a case, the center has been able to stop almost 100% of evictions.
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Former Eden Prairie fire chief sparks a new conversation about the safety of his peers
Among their often-unspoken dangers: high rates of cancer and heart disease, as well as mental health challenges
St. Louis Park financial adviser lessens money worries for widows with free services
The nonprofit Wings For Widows offers free services, including financial coaching, during this difficult time.
