Memorial Day weekend is a time of contrasts. We spend time honoring those who have died fighting America’s wars over the past two and a half centuries, while enjoying the unofficial kick-off of summer with an extra day off. In Waterloo, which is claimed “the birthplace of Memorial Day” -- residents have been observing Decoration Day as far back as 1866, the year after the end of the Civil War -- they’ve mastered the balance, with a parade, a car show, and frozen cheesecake on a stick and fried dough, juxtaposed with the laying of the wreaths for the 152nd consecutive year. We leave you to grapple with the discordance. In the meantime, read a bit about social and health justice, with a few great reads recommended by MCN staff this week. 

Health centers are key to violence prevention

Candace, Specialist in Clinical Systems & Women’s Health, sent in a new virtual toolkit on integrating IPV education into health centers, developed by HRSA, federal partners, and Futures without Violence.

ACLU Report: Detained Immigrant Children Subjected To Widespread Abuse By Officials

Alma, Senior Program Manager, sent in “ACLU Report: Detained Immigrant Children Subjected To Widespread Abuse By Officials.”

Where You Live Affects Your Happiness And Health, But How Exactly?

Alma also shared the NPR story,  “Where You Live Affects Your Happiness And Health, But How Exactly?” which dives into new research showing that just 12 factors -- including greater percentages of black residents and bike commuters -- relate with greater well-being. Access to preventative care is also called out.

There Is a Hidden Epidemic of Doctors Abusing Women in Labor, Doulas Say

Leslie, Health Network Associate, sent this “call for more doulas, a.k.a. bodyguards,” from Broadly: ”There Is a Hidden Epidemic of Doctors Abusing Women in Labor, Doulas Say.”

Revving Up the Deportation Machinery: Enforcement under Trump and the Pushback

Del, Director of Emerging Issues and International Projects, shared the new report from Migration Policy Institute, “Revving Up the Deportation Machinery: Enforcement under Trump and the Pushback.”

Have a safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend.

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