TCMS in Ac tion By Ruth Parriott, MSW, MPH, CEO

Ready or not, Legislative Session 2020 Minnesota’s state legislative session kicked off in February and our members are speaking out on several priority issues, beginning by addressing the disturbing upward trend in youth tobacco addiction. While the federal minimum purchase age has increased to 21, Minnesota law needs to conform its regulations to match the new age and restrict all flavored vape products, including menthol, that research clearly shows attract youth. In tobacco use cessation, a bill seeks to improve cessation services for Medicaid and MinnesotaCare enrollees. TCMS also supports a healthy kids’ meal bill that would make water and milk the default beverage option for children’s menus at restaurants across Minnesota. This policy is an easy way to support families who want to make healthier choices for their children by reducing added sugars in their diet. We continue to pursue state investment in advance care planning, particularly in underserved communities. We support a technical fix to the wording in the statute related to Minnesota’s breast and cervical cancer screening program that would eliminate an unintended barrier to treatment for indigenous women. Finally, there are some perennial uphill battles that must continue to be discussed and promoted by medical professionals: gun violence prevention and improving vaccination rates. To learn more about the current status of any of these issues contact Annie Krapek at akrapek@metrodoctors.com and follow us on twitter@TCMSMN.

Good Things Take Time When the medical student advocacy fellows gathered mid-year to share their experiences pursuing public health policy, two clear themes emerged: how slowly things can move in population health, and how willing busy professionals were to offer their time, advice and networks to help these burgeoning activists. After learning the basics of legislative policy advocacy, the students were both challenged and inspired by nurse-turned-legislator Erin Murphy. Crediting her clinical training for some of her skills as an elected official, Murphy stressed the importance of listening and observing before acting, and noted “power should be used to help those in need.” The fellows are launching projects as diverse as addressing urban vs. rural rates of HPV vaccination, expanding syringe exchange programs, and promoting the use of psychiatric advance directives, but all are rooted in a desire to reduce current health inequities. You will want to learn about all of the fascinating topics when the students showcase their work during an early evening reception on April 23 at Mill City. Mark your calendar and find details at metrodoctors.com/fellowship.

attorneys and accountants. As PSP president Annie Burton, MD memorialized, “She was much more than an employee of PSP to so many of us; she was a friend, confidant, and fearless leader in addressing and supporting physicians and others with substance use disorders.”

Best (Professional) Party of the Year! Plan to join your colleagues on Monday evening May 11, 6:00 pm, at Surly Brewery for our Annual Celebration of physician activism. In addition to the usual socializing and noshing, you’ll be reminded of the many inspiring activities of TCMS over our 10-year history.

Dr. Pete Dehnel Public Health Advocacy Fellows with Erin Murphy (center front).

Remembering Diane Naas Diane Naas, longtime executive director of Physicians Serving Physicians (PSP), passed on January 15, 2020. In addition to her dedication to physician wellness, Diane pioneered confidential peer support work with nurses, pharmacists,

Save the Date!

TCMS Annual Celebration Monday, May 11th, 6-8 pm

Celebrating 10 Years Together

Plan now to join us for an evening to celebrate successes and promote visions for our future. Hearty appetizers will be provided Surly Brewing Company