News

Bottles of COVID-19 Vaccine

Commentary: Now is the Time to Explicitly Emphasize Equity in Vaccine Access

"Recent announcements at the state and federal level reflect good news about expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines. Three weeks ago, the Minnesota Department of Health released its updated vaccine guidance about the staging and…
A white male shown signing paperwork on table

The Health 202: Some hospitals stand to gain from the return of earmarks

Congressional Democrats are contemplating bringing earmarks back. If they succeed, that could mean more money for hospitals located in the districts of the most powerful lawmakers. JP Leider, PhD discusses issues of equity associated with…
Headshot of Jaime Konermean-Sease

Getting to know our newest team member: Jaime Konerman-Sease

Jaime Konerman-Sease recently joined us as a Clinical Ethics Adjunct Professor, a role in which she will clinical ethics services for the M Health Fairview System. Professor Konerman-Sease received her BA in Theology from Azusa Pacific…
Road sign that reads "COVID SHOTS"

As Canadians anxiously await their jabs, COVID-19 vaccine envy is running rampant

As COVID-19 inoculations finally appear in significant numbers for the first time, vax envy is rampant. Director Debra DeBruin, PhD comments on the importance of focusing on equity in vaccine distribution and eligibility.
Two doctors delivering a newborn

Why Black Women Are Rejecting Hospitals in Search of Better Births

Some mothers are seeking alternatives, worried about Covid-19 and racial inequities in health care. Rachel Hardeman, PhD, MPH comments on compounding issues that lead to this departure from traditional hospitals.
Headshot of Jaime Konermean-Sease

Welcome our newest team member!

The Center for Bioethics is happy to announce the appointment of Jaime Konerman-Sease as a Clinical Ethics Adjunct Professor. She joins the team at the Center that provides clinical ethics services for the M Health Fairview System. 
An open laptop on a table with Facebook open on the browser

'Vaccine hunters': Online community helps people find COVID vaccine appointments

A Minnesota resident created the Minneapolis Vaccine Hunters Facebook group after seeking out "extra" vaccines for her parents. Clinical Ethicist Joel Wu, JD, MPH, MA, HEC-C comments on the equity issues around such approaches to vaccine…
Image of Rachel Hardeman

University of Minnesota to launch program on health equity research

The University of Minnesota will launch a program in anti-racism health research with a $5 million donation from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. The Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity will be led by Rachel Hardeman,…
A hand in a latex glove holding a syringe

How Northland pharmacies are aiding vaccination efforts

University of Minnesota Duluth Pharmacy students fill the gaps to help get local communities vaccinated. Tim Stratton, PhD, BCPS, FAPhA comments on recruiting students for this work.   
A senior citizen guided by a health professional in a white gown towards a vaccination table

Minnesota playing catch-up to get seniors of color vaccinated

Local churches and community centers work together to provide COVID-19 vaccines for seniors of higher risk. Nneka Sederstrom, PhD, MPH, MA, FCCP, FCCM discusses the health equity issues that occur when speed is prioritized over other…