Allina Health announces plan for Owatonna labor and delivery services

OWATONNA, Minn. (Oct. 30, 2025) — Allina Health is taking accelerated steps to maintain access to labor and delivery services in Owatonna. The changes follow Mayo Clinic Health System’s decision to end on-call labor and delivery coverage at Owatonna Hospital, effective Nov. 17.

Beginning Nov 17, Allina Health providers and regional partners will provide additional labor and delivery call coverage, allowing the Owatonna Hospital Birth Center to remain open and fully operational without service interruption. This collaborative effort ensures uninterrupted care for patients and families in the community.

In addition to immediate labor and delivery coverage, Allina Health is accelerating plans to open a dedicated Women’s Health clinic in Owatonna. The aim is to open it in early December.

These efforts mark the first of many steps to build a sustainable and comprehensive women’s health and obstetric program in the region. Allina Health is navigating this transition in a challenging environment marked by workforce shortages, declining birth rates and financial constraints.

“Allina Health is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the Owatonna and surrounding community,” said Whitney Johnson, President, Owatonna Hospital. “Our teams are stepping up to fill critical gaps in labor and delivery services and ensure compassionate, timely care continues without disruption. We are deeply grateful to our providers, nurses and care team members who have gone above and beyond to ensure patients receive the care they need.”

Allina Health will continue to share updates as plans progress.

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 Brain and Spine 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.