North Star Health Collective Round-Up

September 2, 2008

North Star Health Collective

Word up smart alec. Here's updates from the hottest RNC street medic collective in Minnesota! YEY!

What we know:

CONCERNS ABOUT HEALTH CARE IN JAIL

This afternoon (Sept 2nd) our amazing M.D. talked to the nurse at the Ramsey County Jail. North Star was concerned after hearing that some dozen or so folks didn’t receive appropriate health care while in jail. The conversation seemed rather productive and reassuring. At this point we think that repeatedly calling the nurse at the jail is not useful.

If, by chance, we were led astray and you hear that your best friend is in jail without meds or without appropriate medical attention, please let us know. Because of privacy laws, the only way to know that person X is taking medication Y is from person X directly. While we think everyone has what they need, things change.

We have no reports from the women's jails or the juvenile detention center.

Need to report denial of health care in jail during RNC? Cold Snap Legal Hotline, (651) 356-8635

ARRESTS OF MEDICS

Yes, yes it’s true. Medics can be arrested. North Star has had at least 14 street medics arrested. When I tell my sister who is a teacher at public schools in the Twin Cities that medics were arrested she asked, “Why? What were the medics doing?” Umm, medics were providing medical care to RNC protesters in the streets of Downtown St Paul. They were arrested. Providing health care on street. Arrested. Health on Street. Arrest. Health on Street. Arrest. Should I perhaps repeat this sequence 14 times? More? Does it make sense? No.

Many street medics have been released. Some charged with felony conspiracy. Some charged with misdemeanors. Reportedly charges were randomly distributed.

Some medics are still in jail. Some participating in solidarity with others & deciding to stay until everyone is released. Sounds like super fun time all around!

Our Wellness Space is nice. Come check it out & get a free massage. For reals.

Now go think about happy things! Like flowers and puppies and kittens and rainbows! <— attempt at psychological first aid.

Love Always,

Your Pal North Star