Allina Health Simulation Lab sustained with ongoing generosity from Julie and Steve Vanderboom
The contribution will support the ongoing expenses of the Vanderboom Simulation Center in the MacMillan Community and Education Center operated by Allina Health. The pledge will be payable over the coming ten years to sustain and continue developing the Vanderboom Simulation Center.
“We are deeply grateful to Julie and Steve for their extraordinary generosity. They truly understand the importance of training current and future health care providers to ensure exceptional care for Allina Health patients and our community,” said Troy Lindloff, Allina Health vice president and chief development officer.
“As a former nursing leader with Allina Health, I know how important it is to have ongoing education and training for medical providers,” said Julie Vanderboom. “Steve and I are so pleased that we’re able to help provide the latest in training technology for the doctors, nurses and first responders of Allina Health and throughout our community. That truly makes for world-class health care.”
The Vanderbooms provided generous philanthropic support for the development of the Simulation Center in 2023. The Simulation Center has allowed for transformative education of both Allina Health care team members and outside groups. Five labs and adjacent control rooms provide customization and flexibility for hands-on skills training needed for critical care, surgery, emergency and trauma care, Cesarean sections and more. The labs are used daily for ongoing training of staff. In addition, outside groups use the space for health specialty conferences, school groups learning about health care careers and training security staff on de-escalation practices.
About Allina Health
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.