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After Two Days On A Ventilator, Iowan Shares Story Of COVID-19 Survival

Courtesy of Larry Potter
Larry Potter, 65, was released from Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids on Monday after recieving a diagnosis of COVID-19 and spending time in intensive care.

After two weeks of hospitalization, Larry Potter became the first Iowan diagnosed with COVID-19 to be released from Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids after spending time on a ventilator.

On this episode of River to River, Potter shares his story of survival as he recovers from COVID-19. Also on the program, host Ben Kieffer takes a look at notable stories from the week with newsmakers and reporters from across the state. 

Guests include:

  • Natalie Krebs -- Iowa Public Radio health reporter
  • Betty Andrews -- State Area President Iowa-Nebraska NAACP Conference of Branches
  • Pat Blank -- IPR All Things Considered host and reporter
  • Larry Potter -- COVID-19 survivor
  • Neal Smith -- former Iowa Congressman 
  • Tony Dehner -- IPR Studio One host
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Katelyn Harrop is a producer for IPR's River to River and Talk of Iowa
Ben Kieffer is the host of "River to River." Since 2007, Kieffer has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Kieffer has a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa.