Minnesota Medical Association Again Urges Eligible Minnesotans to Get Vaccinated and Take Precautions to Stop Spread of COVID-19
November 16, 2021
Minnesota now has the worst infection rate in the country
The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) and its more than 11,000 physicians and physicians-in-training are urging Minnesotans once again to get vaccinated and to take precautionary measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Over the past week, Minnesota has risen to the top of the nation’s infection rate.
Two Physicians-in-Training Honored by Minnesota Medical Association
September 28, 2021
Dominique Earland and J.P. Janowski, MD, were honored by the Minnesota Medical Association with its Medical Student Leadership, and Resident and Fellow Leadership awards, respectively, during the group’s 2021 virtual Annual Conference.
Four Physicians, Commissioner and Mental Health Advocacy Group Honored by Minnesota Medical Association
September 28, 2021
Four physicians, the state’s health commissioner and NAMI Minnesota were honored with MMA awards as part of this year’s virtual Annual Conference. Each year, the MMA honors those in medicine for going above and beyond.
Report Shows Decreases in Opioid Prescribing, Increases in Drug-Related Overdoses and Deaths
September 22, 2021
For the 10th consecutive year, opioid prescribing has decreased, yet more Americans than ever are dying from a drug-related overdose, according to a report released Sept. 21 by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Minnesota’s opioid prescription rate went down 6.5 percent from 2019 to 2020. In the last decade, opioid prescribing decreased by 50.7 percent in Minnesota. Meanwhile, drug-related overdoses went up.
Minnesota Medical Association Urges All Minnesota Healthcare Organizations to Adopt COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements
September 1, 2021
At least nine Minnesota health systems require employees to get vaccinated—some as early as this month
The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) Board of Trustees recently approved a proposal urging all Minnesota healthcare organizations—large and small—to adopt COVID-19 vaccine requirements for staff and employees with limited exemptions for medical contraindications or religious beliefs. Already, at least nine Minnesota health systems—Allina Health, Children’s Minnesota, CentraCare, Essentia Health, HealthPartners, Hennepin Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, M Health Fairview and Sanford Health—have mandated the COVID-19 vaccine, with some requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated as early as this month.
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.
