Viewpoint Alabama

Following the supreme court’s reversal of Roe V. Wade, interest in Adoption is on the rise in Alabama. Herbie Newell, President and CEO of Lifeline Alabama Adoptions joins us on viewpoint to talk about the mission and the ministry of his organization. He outlines some of the challenges they case both economically and Bureaucratically in serving the families of Alabama, and how they are first and foremost mother centric when placing children with families.

With the new approval of vaccinations for kids 6 months to 5 years for Covid, John Mountz talks with Dr. Tom Ellison, Medical Services Director for Project HELP and Alabama State Director for Doctors For America Inc. He also talks about measures we can take to be safe as we go into the Summer Covid season in the South.
Then JT talks with Michelle Lunsford about her efforts to encourage legislators to pass distracted driving legislation. Michelle lost her teenage daughter in a car accident 4 years ago on I-65 south of Birmingham that was caused by distracted driving.

Recently in Gadsden Alabama, a Mentally unstable man with a long criminal history attempted to gain entrance to an elementary school. When he was confronted by a school resource officer (SRO), than man attempted to take the officer’s gun. The scuffle injured the officer but resulted in the death of the wood-be intruder. This week on Viewpoint Alabama, we talk with Mo Canady, the National Association of School Resource officers executive Director. He explains the important roll school resource officers play in situations like this.
Then Ryan Gorman talks with Dan Kudloski Accuweather’s Lead forecaster about the projections for this years upcoming gulf coast hurricane season. Dan also has some reminders about how we can prepare for what is projected to be a particularly active season.

In the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde TX, parents are searching for ways to talk with their young children about the event in a way that is both compassionate but also factual. Pediatrician and author Dr. Harvey Karp offers some strategies for parents on how to talk about these issues with their kids.

Then Dr. Rom Kopacka joins us for an update on the latest with the Omicron variant of the Corona Virus and explains why we can’t let our guard down and its import to protect especially those of our population who are the most vulnerable.

Eating local helps both your health and the local economy. Ellie Watson Director of “Sweet Grown Alabama” a Non-Profit organization joins John to explain how they are connecting local famers with consumers in Alabama, and the result is better food that spends less time in transit and puts more money back into our local Alabama economy.

Purple Heart Homes provides housing solutions for service-connected disabled and aging Veterans. JT talks with John Gallina, CEO and Co-Founder who explains what they are doing for the people of Alabama and how we can help them provide for Alabama Vets.
Then John Mountz talks with Dr. Tom Ellison, Medical Services Director for Project HELP and Alabama State Director for Doctors For America Inc. He says Covid is not over, but we are moving into a new phase with this virus, and there are still things we should be doing to keep ourselves and others safe.

As the fighting continues in Ukraine, Many in Alabama are looking for ways to help. A local High School student at the Altamont School (https://www.altamontschool.org/) joins Viewpoint to explain what he is doing to bring awareness of the situation to his school and how he is working to connect Alabama students with students in Ukraine. Alexander Skowronski invites guests Alexei Serdyuk and Dr. Katia Zahorodna to join our broadcast live from Ukraine to tell Alabama what the situation is like on the ground in Ukraine and what students are in need of the most. He encourages donations to www.fortunaclinical.com/ukraine.

With Alabama’s Economy becoming increasingly tied to the success of the Automotive manufacturing industry and the news that 3 Alabama manufacturers in the last month have stared assembly lines to build EVs or Batteries to power EVs, John Mountz talks with Jack Kerfoot is an energy expert, scientist, and the author of FUELING AMERICA: An Insider’s Journey. Jack answers questions regarding sustainability and practicality of EVs.

Then in part 2, Ryan Gorman talks with Mary Partin CEO of the Dan Mareno Foundation about Autism and the goals of Dan’s organization.

Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications Beth Moore with the Patient Advocate Foundation has an update on options and resources for people in Alabama that are facing medical bills and out of pocket costs associated with care they have received or may be needing. Beth addresses many of the most common problems and offers strategies to best control medical costs and to negotiate payment with providers.
Then Mary Booth in Mobile talks with Don Davis Mobile County Probate Judge and Chief Election Officer about Alabama’s upcoming elections in 2022. Judge Davis addresses issues like voter registration, poll worker compensation and cross-over voting in the state of Alabama.

Alabama Congressmen Mo Brooks represents the 5th congressional district of the state (The Tennessee Valley and the Sholes area) He is one of the main candidates seeking the open Senate seat of Richard Shelby when he retires at the end of his term. He is taking on Katie Britt and Mike Durant of Blackhawk Down fame. He joins John Mountz on Viewpoint to share his vision for Alabama and what he plans to do if he is elected.

Then Jim Faherty talks with Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Paul DeMarco as he recaps what was accomplished in this year’s Legislative session in Montgomery and why he believes will be the next moves our legislators will make as they move into the busy Primary election Season in May.