HEALTH CARE AS A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT

Guest: Gene Farley, M.D.

retired physician, emeritus faculty, UW Medical School

former Chair, UW Department of Family Medicine

Dr. Gene Farley, along with his wife Dr. Linda Farley who passed away in 2009, has been a longtime leading proponent of health care reform and a strong activist of the idea that quality medicine is a universal human right. On this program, Dr. Farley shares his vast experience as a family physician in rural and urban areas, on a Navajo reservation, to people of all ages and health conditions, the employed and unemployed, insured and uninsured, and before and after Medicare and Medicaid were enacted. "A lot more older people came for health care once we got Medicare," said Dr. Farley.

Dr. Farley shares his views that all people benefit from health care; families and individuals need health care as part of their ability to grow, develop and survive, and it is unethical for investor profit to be made by denying health care to those who often need it the most and are most unable to pay for it. "Those who don't think that health care is a basic human right must answer this question," says Gene Farley. "What would you do if you found a dying person on your doorstep? Would you leave that person to die."

With over 50,000 people uninsured in this country and about 50% of bankruptcies due to health-related crises, Dr. Farley believes the rational solution is a universal health program. He feels The Affordable Care Act signed by President Obama last year is an excellent beginning.

For more information on health care reform and benefits and plans available to you, go to www.healthcare.gov.

HOME HEALTH UNITED: CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY

Guests: Rick Bourne, President/CEO, Home Health United

Janet Bollig, Director of Social Work, Spiritual Services and Community Resource Program

With a growing clientele and shrinking dollars, Home Health United remains dedicated to helping people remain as safe, healthy and independent as possible in their own homes. To accomplish that goal in today's uncertain economy requires pinpointing what the major needs are and matching people with the services they need as efficiently and effectively as possible.

On this program, Rick Bourne and Janet Bollig tell us how healthcare reform will affect home health, hospice and home medical equipment services. They also introduce us to their new Community Resource Program where people can call 24-hours a day and will be referred to an appropriate community agency or service. Plus, learn about a new collaboration with United Way which Home Health United will launch this fall: the S.A.F.E. at Home - Safety Assessments for the Elderly program to prevent falls and adverse drug events in the senior population.

To learn more about Home Health United services, go to www.homehealthunited.org, or call 1-800-924-CARE (2273)

To reach the Community Resource Live Hotline, call 1-800-900-8040

AN INFLUENTIAL LEADER: DR. FRANK BYRNE

Guest: Dr. Frank Byrne, President, St. Mary's Hospital

Recently named one of the 50 Most Influential Physician Executives in Healthcare by Modern Physician and Modern Healthcare magazines, Dr. Frank Byrne shares his views on the challenges health care leaders face today, and how St. Mary's Hospital fits into our community health care environment. Acknowledging our current system is unsustainable, Dr. Byrne discusses how St. Mary's Hospital is moving forward with initiatives that support their patient-centered care philosophy in this era of health care reform.

Of particular pride to Frank Byrne and St. Mary's Hospital is the expected opening in 2012 of the first in Wisconsin in-hospital Ronald McDonald Family Room. Building up to the opening are community events and the need for volunteers. Hear the latest news on this project and more in this insightful conversation with Dr. Frank Byrne.

For more information, go to stmarysfoundation.org, or call 608-258-6640.

TODAY NOT TOMORROW

Guest: Jeanne Erickson, Director of Operations, Programming & Community Outreach

Today Not Tomorrow, Inc.

Taking on difficult challenges is not new to Jeanne Erickson who brings her skills as a social worker, registered nurse, and certified youth development specialist with emphasis in early childhood brain development to Today Not Tomorrow. This small non-profit agency does big things - including planning for the National Night Out - America's Night Out Against Crime, Tuesday, August 2nd at Penn Park on Madison's South Side. Last year over 37 million people across the country participated in this unique event which increases awareness of drug, gang and related violence and what we can do to insure the safety and security of our community.

"We've Got Your Back" is the theme for National Night Out as well as another initiative of TNT focusing on Anti-Bullying. Jeanne tells of the enormous impact of bullying on children, leading to lower school attendance, depression, and in some sever cases, escalating to school violence or suicide. In a pilot program with the Boys and Girls Club, Today Not Tomorrow is teaching young people about bullying in training sessions this summer with the intention that they will take this new knowledge into the classrooms in our community - creating healthier environments and respect amongst students.

"We couldn't do what we do without the help of so many dedicated partners and individuals," said Jeanne. To offer your help or to find out more about all the ways Today Not Tomorrow is improving the lives of children and families, call 608-770-2049.

LIVING LONGER, HAPPIER LIVES

Guest: Dan Buettner, author
Blue Zones: Lessons on Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest
Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way

Working with National Geographic, the National Institutes on Aging and AARP, Dan Buettner discovered the areas of the world where people live the longest, happiest lives. The secrets he uncovered were not found in a magic pill or a mysterious potion (unless you put a little red wine in that category!). Nor did he bump into a mass of sophisticated fitness equipment. What he did find were communities of people whose eating habits, inconvenient lifestyles, social engagement, and sense of purpose provided the foundation for extraordinarily long and healthy lives. There is more to it than that, and Dan Buettner highlights the 9 Powerful Secrets of Living Longer his research uncovered on this program. He also discusses his continued investigation into what makes people happy, and where in the world people are the happiest.

With the hope of laying the foundation for better health and longevity in communities across the United States, Dan Buettner joined with Albert Lea, Minnesota in a pilot program to make the community healthier. The results were outstanding with significant increases in projected life spans and decreases in health care costs. You'll hear more about these amazing outcomes on this program.

More information is available in Dan Buettner's books and at www.bluezones.com - including tests to determine your own levels of health and happiness.

COMPLETING THE CIRCLE OF LIFE

Guests: Pete Gunderson, Owner/President, Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care
Kathleen Ford Roberts, Assoc, Clinical Nurse Specialist Palliative Care, UW Health; Grief Support Associate, Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care

Including planning for how you want your life to be celebrated upon your death is increasingly included in end of life discussions. "The emphasis today is on celebration and making it personal," says Pete Gunderson, the 3rd generation of Gundersons who has served the expanding Greater Madison community. Pete and his staff at six locations work closely with individuals in their own personal planning and with the families who carry out the wishes while experiencing their own grief.

"After death bereavement is a huge issue," states Kathleen Ford Roberts who works with the Gunderson Care Team in helping people through the process.

Tune into this program for insight on how to begin your own discussions.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS EXPLAINS VOTER I.D. AND MORE

Guests: Andrea Kaminski, Executive Director
Melanie Ramey, President
League of Women Voters of Wisconsin

Voter I.D. has come to Wisconsin, and the guidelines continue to emerge. With the Recall Elections looming, Wisconsin voters want to make sure their votes count - this summer and in the future. This is a top priority for the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, a nonpartisan political organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

On this program, Andrea Kaminski and Melanie Ramey explain the requirements of the new legislation which have the potential of making it more difficult for many Wisconsin citizens to exercise their right to vote. "While you will be asked for identification, it is important to know that there is no I.D. requirement in Wisconsin until 2012," said Andrea Kaminski. What else do voters need to know, and what other opportunities are there for citizens to be involved in the election process? Hear answers to these important questions and more on this program.

For information on the Voter I.D. requirements, go to www.gab.wi.gov or www.lwvwi.org.

THE MADISON PREPARATORY ACADEMY FOR YOUNG MEN

Guest: Kaleem Caire, President/CEO, Urban league of Greater Madison
The Urban League of Greater Madison is on a mission: to improve the educational outcomes of young men in Madison by establishing the Madison Preparatory Academy for Young Men, a public charter school which will serve as a catalyst for change and opportunity, particularly for young men of color. Based on current education and social conditions, the fate of boys of color is uncertain. In the MMSD class of 2010, just 7% of African American seniors and 18% of Latino senior were deemed "college-ready."

Kaleem Caire takes us back to his personal roots of being raised by an aunt and grandmother while his mother slept in a bus shelter on State Street and his father lived a revolving door life of in and out of prison. Kaleem's school grades reflected the hopelessness he felt, but a stint in the Navy changed that. He was told he was an under-achiever, that he wasn't fulfilling his full potential. The Navy paid for his education, and the rest is history.

Now, through the Urban League of Greater Madison, Kaleem and his team are planning to instill those core values of excellence, pride, leadership and service into the lives of young men who are at risk for academic achievement. On this program, Kaleem Caire explains their strategies to prepare Madison Prep students for success at a 4-year college or university so they will be qualified to join the workforce of tomorrow. Community awareness and support is a key strategy!

To learn more about the Madison Preparatory Academy for Young Men, go to www.ulgm.org.

HOUSING FIRST IN DANE COUNTY

Guests: Jim Blanchard, co-chair, Dane County Housing in Action Leadership Team
Nan Cnare, VP of Community Impact, United Way of Dane County

Homelessness is never an isolated issue. To confront homelessness, most emergency approaches address issues that contribute to homelessness before they find stable housing for families. This is what makes United Way's Housing First program unique and why it works so well. Based on success models in 12 other communities, Housing First helps families achieve stable housing before and while addressing the other challenges homeless families experience.

But that is not all. Jim Blanchard and Nan Cnare describe how once families are assured a stable roof over their heads, then strong case management is provided to set goals and develop customized plans with accountability. Financial counseling, access to job training, school, community, and medical connections are just some of the support services families receive. The results? Housing First is determined to be twice as effective at half the cost with an 80% success rate at keeping families stably housed upon graduation from the program.

For more information, go to www.unitedwaydanecounty.org

Also, call United Way 2-1-1 to find community support services in south central Wisconsin.

ANGELS TAKE ON HOMELESSNESS AND INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR SENIORS

Guests: Nancy Latta, Publicity Chair, Attic Angel Sale and House & Garden Tour
Jackson Fonder, Executive Director, MOM (Middleton Outreach Ministry)

The Attic Angel Sale, Madison's largest one-day re-sale event, is scheduled for Thursday, June 16th at High Point Church. The "Angels" 58th Annual House & Garden Tour follows on Monday, July 20th with tours through five homes, including the UW Chancellor's official residence, in University Heights. Proceeds from both events this year will benefit the homeless and independent living for seniors. Recipients include Porchlight, MOM-Middleton Outreach Ministry, SAIL, and the Attic Angel Resident Aid Fund.

The issue of homelessness and hunger are increasing dramatically. Jackson Fonder joined MOM last year as executive director and is dedicated to expanding their efforts to Prevent Homelessness and End Hunger. Jackson describes how MOM helps meet those in need with Food, Clothing, Housing Assistance and Emergency Funds, Help for Seniors, and Seasonal programs.

For more information on the Attic Angel Association events, go to www.atticangel.org. For more information on MOM services and how you can help, go to www.momhelps.org