WERU Special 11/2/17: Drinking Water in Flint, MI & Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon

Producer/Host: Carolyn Coe

Part I: Lead in the drinking water in Flint, Michigan. How did the state of Michigan’s actions, under the direction of a state-appointed emergency managers, cause the poisoning of the drinking-water in Flint, Michigan?
What actions did Flint residents, scientists, journalists, and the medical community take to demand safe drinking water? What steps are being taken to help mitigate the damage done by lead ingestion?

Part II: Palestinian refugees’ situation in Lebanon. How do NGOs help preserve Palestinian heritage in Lebanon where the previous Lebanese Minster of Education banned the teaching of Palestinian history and geography?
How can Palestinians earn income despite discriminatory labor laws in Lebanon?

Guests:
Dr. Mona Hannah-Attisha, pediatrician, director of pediatric residents, and whistleblower
Flint Child Health and Development Fund:
Robert Shetterly, activist and artist of the Americans Who Tell the Truth portrait series
Nadia Abdelnour, board president of Innash Association
Grace Said, board member of Innash Association
Umm Mohammed, embroiderer for Innash Assoc.
Samar Kabouli, Innash Assoc. employee who helps to coordinate Innash’s embroidery project
Kassem Aina, Director of the National Institution of Social Care and Vocational Training (Beit Atfal Assumud)

Reproductive Left 11/1/17

Producer/Host: Abbie Strout

Issue: Social and political issues that impact our sexual and reproductive health produced by WERU in collaboration with Mabel Wadsworth Center – www.mabelwadsworth.org.

Program Topic: Women in Leadership with Councilor Sarah Nichols

Key Discussion Points:

With Election Day just around the corner, on this episode, we are talking about women in leadership and the importance of voting. Here with me today is Bangor City Councilor Sarah Nichols. After successfully completing the Emerge Maine training program for Democratic women candidates, Sarah was elected for the first time to public office after winning a 7-way citywide race in November of 2015. Born and raised in Bangor, she studied New Media at the University of Maine and currently works for three feminist organizations: Maine Women’s Lobby, Hardy Girls Healthy Women, and Mabel Wadsworth Center. Additionally, Sarah currently serves on the Emerge Maine Board of Directors. When she isn’t working to better the lives of all women and girls you will find her cross-country skiing, hiking, traveling abroad, or enjoying a local beer at her favorite bar, Nocturnem Draft Haus. She talks about why she ran for office, what it is like being the only woman on the council, and she offers some advice for other women who want to run!

After our discussion with Councilor Nichols, one of our current interns, Meghan Frisard, from the University of Maine will be joining to talk about when, how and why to vote this year. Be sure to stick around until the end for our “Ask Mabel” segment where Nurse Practitioner Terry Marley-DeRosier answers your sexual and reproductive health questions!

Guests:
Sarah Nichols, City of Bangor
Terry Marley-DeRosier, WHNP Mabel Wadsworth Center

Healthy Options 11/1/17

Producer/Host: Rhonda Feiman
Production Assistance: Petra Hall
Engineer: Amy Browne

Healing ourselves through nature: The Nature Fix- Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative

Key Discussion Points:
Why do you say that “being in nature makes us more human”?
What have we discovered about being in nature that helps the immune system?
How does noise pollution affect our health and well-being?
How are we harmed by the unnatural toxins which we may encounter in daily life?
How can being in nature help with managing PTSD?
What is the difference in how our nervous system reacts, when we are on an outdoor excursion, whether it is an urban stroll, a day hike or an extended backpacking trip?

Guest: Florence Williams, author of The Nature Fix- Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative florencewilliams.com