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My heart is heavy… I write today as a mother, a teacher, a legislator and an aware citizen. My heart is heavy, as is most of yours, in the wake of our most recent school shooting. I so desire to hug all the parents of the 19 children who were killed and I want to […]
Being Black in America Many of my white friends have asked me how last weekend’s mass shooting in Brooklyn, New York at Tops Grocery Store has effected me. I appreciate the question because it allows me to elaborate on my deepest feelings about being black in America. Sadly, the mass shooting is nothing new. Racists, […]
Church vs State I have not chosen to be vocal about the right to abortion since I was first elected in 2011. Why? Primarily because I am a Catholic and the Catholic Church does not support abortion. In fact, when I was in the Catholic schools I attended in elementary school, high school and college, […]
It Takes All Sorts As I have walked my road in life, I have encountered many different types of people. They have come from a variety of cultures, communities, ages, and professions. This has helped me become more understanding and appreciating of the diverse world in which we live. That why, with my background and […]
***This article talks about sexual assault and violence, and may be triggering to some readers. Sexual Assault Awareness Month April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the last Wednesday of April is designated as a day of action, known as Denim Day. Participants are encouraged to wear jeans to show solidarity with survivors of sexual […]
Earth Day in Iowa Today is the 52nd annual celebration of Earth Day, and many Iowans are expressing the need for swift action to address climate change and to protect Iowa from the devastating effects that climate change-affected weather patterns have on the state. “I have four young grandsons, the oldest is nine. And I […]
Public health issues faced by Immigrants Public Health Week takes a look at the variety of issues affecting different populations, such as climate change, gun violence, and healthcare. As part of our team’s Public Health Week series, we are going to take a closer look at health issues facing a particular group of people in […]
United States has one of the highest gun violence rates in the world Gun violence is one of the biggest threats to Americans and Iowans’ public health, and is listed as one of the American Public Health Association’s main topics of concern because “Guns kill more than 38,000 people and cause nearly 85,000 injuries each […]
Celebrating National Public Health Week Over the last two years, many have become very familiar with local, state, and national public health departments as we looked for guidance from our elected leaders to navigate an unprecedented pandemic. And today, we kick off the celebration of National Public Health Week. Every year, the United States takes […]
Day of celebration clouded with uncertainty “Being able to go to school, laugh with my friends, learn and participate in sports with them has made me feel somewhat normal,” said Gavy Smith Today is the International Transgender Visibility Day, and members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies are celebrating the contributions to society that trans […]