Allina Health celebrates five years of groundbreaking Emergency Management Services Therapy Dog Program

As Allina Health’s first EMS therapy dog, Evie’s job is stress management. First responders deal with immense stress daily, and research shows working with a certified therapy dog, such as Evie, boosts oxytocin levels and reduces stress.

“Evie is well loved. Just the sight of her can take the edge off a tough day,” said Kyle Strege, Allina Health EMS operations supervisor and Evie’s handler. “Many of our paramedics and EMTs choose to simply pet her or play a game of fetch. She helps them to decompress and release some of the hardships from the day.”

Allina Health began the EMS Therapy Dog Program in 2019 to support the mental health and well-being of Allina Health EMS personnel. Evie is believed to be the first EMS therapy dog in Minnesota. Because of her success, the program added two more dogs: Bodhi and Westin. The therapy dogs and their handlers have traveled the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin explaining and demonstrating the benefits and structure of the program. As a result, other EMS agencies have also started their own therapy dog programs.

Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.  

At the forefront of Allina Health’s mission are its Institutes, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:  

• Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research, and care delivery through clinical trials, publications, and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report.  
• Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations – including its three largest hospitals which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties.  
• Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute – Offering advanced neurological and spine care, including two nationally accredited stroke centers, innovative focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's and a chronic pain rehabilitation program – one of only two in Minnesota.  

Together, these Institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.