Coloradan in Ukraine describes life under threat of war
The U.S. continues diplomatic efforts to head off armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Many Americans and other foreign nationals have left Ukraine due to the threat of war, but we checked in with a Colorado professor who has worked in the country since 2015 and remains there to finish up his work as a mental health educator. Professor Josh Kreimeyer teaches in the Department of Counseling and Family Therapy at Regis University in Denver.
Jan. 27, 2022: An insider’s view of Afghanistan’s crisis; Personalized prescription drugs
Afghanistan is in crisis and millions don’t have enough food. We hear from a Colorado-based group that’s offering aid. Then, genetic testing is helping doctors know what medications work for different patients. And, a man reflects on his journey through childhood and the juvenile justice system. Also, the life of the Denver author of the play “Harvey.”
Colorado nonprofit says economic crisis in Afghanistan means people lack basic needs
When the U.S. pulled out of Afghanistan this summer and the Taliban took over, many non-profits working there had to switch gears. That includes Morning Star Development in Colorado Springs, which has been educating and training Afghans in areas like medicine and business for two decades. Now, as the country faces an economic crisis, the group’s program director, Dr. Dilip Joseph, says they’re also providing people with basic needs like food.
Genes help doctor tailor drugs to individual patients
Genetic testing is increasingly helping doctors determine which medications would be most effective in helping patients, including some anti-depressants. The practice, known as pharmacogenomics, reduces the trial and error that goes into finding the right drugs for patients. Samit Shah, a professor and Dean at the Regis University School of Pharmacy in Denver, co-wrote a book on the subject.
Reflections on a journey from childhood to the criminal justice system
Brandon Wainright had a troubled childhood but it was also promising. In school, he was awarded a scholarship to college. Then, his life took an unexpected turn when he was caught shoplifting and ended up in the juvenile justice system. Wainright wrote a monologue about his experience as part of the Boulder-based Motus Theater’s JustUs Project. The project examines the legal system through first-person stories. Wainright read his monologue at an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday this month.
Jan. 20, 2022: Parents talk about fentanyl impact; Hancock on housing, public safety
Parents who lost their children to fentanyl talk about the deadly epidemic. Then, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock is in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. We ask about his priorities, including affordable housing and public safety. Plus, building codes after the Marshall Fire, and a college degree 50 years in the making.
Parents share the deadly impact fentanyl has had on their families
Parents whose children have died from fentanyl want to make sure other kids, and adults, think before they take any kind of pill. Fentanyl is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and it’s often pressed into fake pills made to look like prescription drugs.
Understanding the disparity in the college attendance and graduation rate for Hispanic men
Most Hispanic men in Colorado who graduate from high school don’t go to college. And, those who do attend at lower rates than any other racial or ethnic demographic. Chalkbeat Colorado reporter Jason Gonzales followed two brothers: Jimy and Luis Perez who live in Northeast Denver. Luis attends college while Jimy works in construction. Their story is part of a series looking at the gap in college attendance rates among Hispanic men.
How increasing COVID caseloads impact health care and hospitalizations
The Omicron variant has thrown some new unknowns into efforts to predict the path of COVID-19. This week, the number of cases in Colorado rose above 1 million and hospitalizations are rising too. But, as always, the picture is more complicated.
Jan. 13, 2022: COVID outlook as cases increase; Saving an endangered language
As cases of COVID-19 climb in Colorado, the omicron variant creates new unknowns in the effort to predict the path of the virus. Then, an update on the King Soopers strike and the bigger picture of organized labor. Also, the disparity in college rates among Hispanic men. And, preserving the Ute Mountain Ute language.
Nurse hopes her career change helps other Latinos access mental health care
We get insight from a former doctor in Argentina who became an oncology nurse in Colorado. Now, Valeria Martinez Tenreiro has decided to take yet another path in healthcare. She’s studying to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner to address inequities in mental health care in her community. Martinez Tenreiro says as the pandemic exacerbates mental health problems, language and cultural barriers prevent some Latinos from getting the counseling they need.
How 10-bean soup and cornbread mixes became a recipe for financial independence
The Women’s Bean Project in Denver provides jobs and job training to help women overcome barriers, such as housing instability and addiction.
In time for the holidays, experts offer their picks for good books
Each year, around this time, we speak with people who know books the best to get their holiday book recommendations — books with Colorado authors and/or Western themes. This year, we checked in with John Cameron of Salida Books in Salida, Colorado and Nicole Sullivan of BookBar and The Bookies in Denver.
Dec. 8, 2021: ‘Ghost Kitchens’ help restaurants innovate; Who are the ‘New Builders?’
The pandemic’s meant challenges and opportunities in the workplace, especially for restaurants. That’s where concepts like “ghost kitchens” come in. Then, the “new builders” are redefining entrepreneurship. And, Olympic hopeful Alex Hall and the Winter Games’ newest sport, Freeski Big Air.
Innovation’s on the menu to help restaurants make it through tough pandemic times
From ghost kitchens to virtual restaurants, innovations are helping restaurants stay in business, and helping new restaurants open, at a time when the pandemic continues to make operations difficult. Mark and Sally Bare run Angry Bear Fajita Bowls through ChefReady in Denver. Alejandra Gonzalez also uses one of ChefReady’s kitchens for her dessert company, Localeta’s. ChefReady is the brainchild of Nili Poynter and her husband, who founded the company to give aspiring chefs the chance to start a business without incurring the costs of a brick and mortar restaurant or shop. Paul Allen with NextBite offers another approach using what he calls virtual restaurants.
‘The New Builders’ breaks stereotypes and broadens support for entrepreneurs
A new book argues there is a misperception about who the country’s entrepreneurs really are and it contends that misperception is hindering economic growth. Seth Levine is a partner and co-founder at the Boulder-based venture capital firm Foundry Group. He co-wrote “The New Builders.” Makisha Boothe is founder of Denver-based Sistahbiz. It’s a business accelerator for Black female entrepreneurs.
