Segment 1, beginning at 4:53: As the pandemic deepens, health leaders in counties across the nation are leaving their jobs at an unprecedented rate.
According to an AP report, 1 in 8 Americans, roughly 40 million people, live in a county whose health department leader has left the job during the pandemic. Stress of the job compounded by backlash from communities has made these positions untenable. Gianfranco Pezzino says backlash was inevitable "when this became ideological," citing divisive sentiments in regards to masks and other health mandates.
- Gianfranco Pezzino, former health officer, Shawnee County
- Andrew Warlen, director, Cass County Health Department
Segment 2, beginning at 32:20: Returning citizens often face few opportunities and stigma following imprisonment.
The Kansas correctional facility in Lansing is to be the site of a planned career campus offering job training and mentorship. Partnering with local businesses like Menlo Inc., the idea is to prepare returning citizens with skills to help them land better jobs upon their release and curb recidivism.
- Randall Bowman, executive director of public affairs, Kansas Department of Corrections
- Brad Sandt, president and CEO, Menlo
