MMA, MAFP and MN-AAP Statement on Mask Use in Minnesota Schools
August 4, 2021
From MMA President Marilyn Peitso, MD, MAFP President Deborah Dittberner, MD, and MN-AAP President Sheldon Berkowitz, MD, FAAP
“In anticipation of the upcoming school year, the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA), together with the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, strongly support recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health guidance that urges all students, teachers, staff, and visitors in K-12 school buildings to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status in order to protect those who cannot yet be vaccinated or who remain at higher risk because of immune-compromised status or other conditions. The MMA, MAFP, and MN-AAP urge all Minnesota school districts and private school leaders to adopt requirements consistent with this informed public health guidance and to encourage all eligible individuals to get vaccinated.”
MMA Statement on Conversion Therapy Ban
July 15, 2021
On behalf of its more than 12,000 physician and physician-in-training members, the Minnesota Medical Association applauds Gov. Tim Walz’s action today to ban conversion therapy for Minnesota youth. So-called “conversion therapy” is not therapy at all. It leads to poor self-esteem, self-harm, guilt, and anxiety, all while being devoid of any scientific basis. The MMA, AMA, American Academy of Pediatrics, and many other health care organizations oppose the practice of conversation therapy. The MMA is committed to promoting evidence-based medicine for all patients, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other (LGBTQ+).
MMA President-Elect Randy Rice, MD
MMA Statement on Lifting of Peacetime Emergency
July 1, 2021
Minnesota’s 15-month long peacetime emergency to address the devastating COVID-19 pandemic ends at 11:59 pm tonight. In recognition of this significant milestone, the Minnesota Medical Association, on behalf of its more than 12,000 physician and physician-in-training members, extends its thanks to state leaders, public health professionals, essential workers, and all of our fellow healthcare workers for their tireless work and dedication. We are grateful for the progress our state has made. But the virus and its variants remain a serious issue which could undermine our return to normal, which is why getting vaccinated, if you are eligible, is so important. Let’s build on our progress, Minnesota. Remember that children under the age of 12, and those with immune deficiencies, are unable to get the vaccine and remain vulnerable to COVID 19. For those who haven’t rolled up their sleeve yet, we urge you to get the shot to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
MMA President Marilyn Peitso, MD
Leave fireworks to the experts, urges the Minnesota Medical Association
June 24, 2021
Now that things are opening up and more Minnesotans are getting together for outdoor entertainment, Minnesota’s physicians want to remind their fellow citizens to leave the lighting of fireworks to the professionals this Independence Day.
Minnesota Medical Association Encourages COVID Vaccinations to Reach 70 Percent of Minnesotans Vaccinated by July 1
June 18, 2021
The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) encourages fellow Minnesotans who are unvaccinated to get their COVID-19 vaccination in order to meet the goal of 70 percent of Minnesotans ages 12 and up vaccinated by July 1.
State and national data show that the vaccines are working and helping to drive down the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. To continue this recovery, it’s important to get as many Minnesotans as possible vaccinated. Minnesota is getting close to the 70 percent goal; however, vaccination rates have slowed significantly in recent weeks.
MMA Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Dismissal of ACA Challenge
June 17, 2021
The more than 12,000 physicians and physicians-in-training of the Minnesota Medical Association applaud the U.S. Supreme Court's decision today to dismiss the challenge to the Affordable Care Act brought by Texas and 17 other states. This decision preserves live-saving healthcare coverage for thousands of Minnesotans and millions of Americans. The ACA remains the law of the land and provides critical protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions, for young adults to retain dependent coverage until age 26, and for many low-income Americans who were previously not able to obtain Medicaid or other affordable coverage. The MMA is committed to preserving and improving the ACA to achieve the goal of healthcare coverage and access for all Americans.
Minnesota Medical Association Urges Continued Testing and COVID-19 Precautions to Protect Minnesota Children
April 29, 2021
The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) urges all Minnesotans to continue COVID-19 precautions to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect Minnesota children.
The vulnerability of young Minnesotans became evident on April 26 when the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported the death of a first-grade student, a boy under the age of 10, due to complications from COVID-19. The child from southwestern Minnesota reportedly did not have any underlying medical conditions.
“This sad situation is concerning and further demonstrates we need to continue to protect one another – especially our youngest Minnesotans under the age of 16 who are not yet eligible for vaccines,” says MMA President Marilyn Peitso, MD. “We need Minnesotans to take action to slow the spread of COVID-19 because we are not yet at herd immunity.”
Minnesota Medical Association Urges All Minnesotans to Take a Pandemic Pause Until They are Vaccinated
April 15, 2021
Minnesota Medical Association Urges All Minnesotans to Take a Pandemic Pause Until They are Vaccinated
MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) urges all Minnesotans to remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19, practice good health and take a pandemic pause – stay home if you can, gather outdoors rather than indoors and avoid any unnecessary trips.
Physician Advocacy Groups to Host Forum on Documentary Examining the Decline in Black Men Entering Medical School
April 6, 2021
Minnesota physicians and physicians-in-training; primary, secondary, and post-secondary education leadership; community organizations; and others involved in the potential pipeline of matriculating Black men in medicine, will gather online Monday, April 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to discuss the documentary, “Black Men in White Coats,” which examines the systemic barriers preventing Black men from becoming medical doctors and the related health disparities in minority communities.
UCare and the MMA Collaborate on Health and Racial Equity Initiative
April 2, 2021
Recognizing that Minnesota has some of the worst health disparities in the country – especially among Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities – UCare and the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) have launched a two-year initiative to promote health and racial equity, and improve health outcomes in traditionally underserved and diverse populations.
