Allina Health Newsroom

This is where we share helpful health information, news about our hospitals and clinics and media reports featuring Allina Health team members as subject matter experts. You can also access our latest news releases and media contacts.

Recent news

See articles and videos featuring our patients and care team members, plus watch how Allina Health experts add context to health stories in local news reports.

Allina health expert discusses sunscreen options

[WCCO-TV News, May 22, 2026] It’s time to talk about sunscreen. It plays an important role in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Minnesota has the second-highest rate of melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — in the country.

Allina Health dermatologist Elizabeth Farhat, MD, appeared live on WCCO-TV to discuss sunscreen options. She explained the differences between chemical and mineral sunscreens and who may benefit from each type.

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New mom Milanda finds joy after breast cancer

[Allina Health Newsroom, September 30, 2025] When Milanda began to experience pain while breastfeeding her newborn son, she thought it might be a problem with a milk duct. It was much more serious. Just six months after giving birth, Milanda was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.

September 30, 2025

Clinical trial earns Nikka "a win" in breast cancer battle

[Allina Health Newsroom, September 29, 2025] Triple-negative breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer, and treatment can be intense. Nikka’s case was made even more challenging because she had previously experienced heart failure, one of the risks with chemotherapy. Nikka was enrolled in the SCARLET clinical trial, which used de-escalated chemotherapy coupled with immunotherapy to treat her breast cancer.

September 29, 2025

Cardio drumming at new CKRI fitness studio

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute hosts open house for fitness studio

[Allina Health Newsroom, September 26, 2025] Allina Health Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute unveiled a new group fitness space on the second floor of its facility. This inclusive studio provides an option for people of varying abilities to participate in group fitness.

September 26, 2025

New Allina Health provider emphasizes the importance of cancer prevention

[Faribault Daily News, September 26, 2025] Kathryn Schwalbe, DO, is a general surgeon at Allina Health proudly serving the community where she grew up.

September 26, 2025

Allina Health cardiologist explains new high blood pressure guidelines

[WCCO-TV News, September 26, 2025] Retu Saxena, MD, a cardiologist with Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, explains the new high blood pressure guidelines and how they can help decrease the risk for stroke and heart disease.

September 26, 2025

High blood pressure impacts more than one billion people around the world

[Fox 9 News, September 24, 2025] The World Health Organization says many of the more than one billion people around the world who live with high blood pressure do not have it under control. Michael Miedema, MD, director of cardiovascular prevention with Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, explains how high blood pressure can be silent and deadly.

September 24, 2025

Understanding prostate cancer and the importance of screenings

[KARE 11 News, September 24, 2025] Badrinath Konety, MD, president of Allina Health Cancer Institute, explains the importance of prostate cancer screenings and shared decision making between doctors and patients.

September 24, 2025

From life support to stroke warrior: Andover woman shares her journey of recovery

[Allina Health Newsroom, September 22, 2025] Mindy Tosel-Waddell, 55, was placed on comfort care with friends and family preparing for her death, when one day she opened her eyes and began talking to her doctor. Now she's sharing her story of living as a stroke warrior.

September 22, 2025

Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute receives 2025 Catalyst Award

[Allina Health Newsroom, September 19, 2025] Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute has been honored with the Revenue Excellence Award at the 2025 Catalyst Awards, presented by Health Catalyst at the Health Catalyst Analytics Summit in Salt Lake City.

September 19, 2025

18-year-old stroke survivor: ‘I felt trapped in my own body’

[Allina Health Newsroom, September 18, 2025] An AI stroke tool guided by expert care led to a quick diagnosis and recovery for a young stroke patient.

September 18, 2025

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News releases

When we’re making news, you can find details here. Read on to learn about the innovative ways we deliver expert care for people in Minnesota and western Wisconsin and celebrate inspiring milestones.

Allina Health and Sutter Health Sign Definitive Agreement, Taking Next Step in Advancing Shared Vision

Allina Health and Sutter Health announced today that they have approved a definitive agreement, taking the next step toward their shared goal of creating an integrated nonprofit health system.

May 21, 2026

Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary awards $25,000 in scholarships

Owatonna Hospital Auxiliary awards $25,000 in scholarships; raises $21,500 for next year’s scholarships during its annual Festival of Tables event.

May 14, 2026

Allina Health awarded Mental Health of America Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health

Allina Health is proud to announce it has been awarded a 2026 Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, the nation’s top recognition for U.S. employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. This is the fourth consecutive year Allina Health has received this honor.

May 05, 2026

Explore our Healthy Set Go articles

Our Allina Health doctors and providers share information on health topics that matter to you.

A woman pouring a container of mixed nuts and seeds into her hand to eat as a snack.

Powered by protein: Easy ways to fuel your day

Learn simple ways to meet your daily protein needs with our guide to protein-rich foods and snacks. Fuel your day and feel full longer with these easy tips.

Posted May 11, 2026

A woman fanning herself to manage a hot flash, a common symptom of perimenopause and menopause often treated with hormone therapy.

Understanding perimenopause, menopause and hormone therapy

Learn what hormone therapy (HRT) is, who it is for, and how it helps relieve perimenopause and menopause symptoms using the lowest effective dose.

Posted May 7, 2026

Man seated at a table wearing a blood pressure cuff and viewing a home BP monitor.

Understanding blood pressure: What your numbers mean

Understand blood pressure and what systolic and diastolic numbers mean. Learn what high BP readings signal for health risks and when to see a doctor.

Posted April 28, 2026

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Media contacts

Our media team is staffed by former reporters and producers. Reach out for help connecting to subject matter experts for your time-sensitive questions.

Jennifer Steingas
Public Relations Manager
jennifer.steingas@allina.com
Voice/Text: 612-388-1895612-388-1895

Erika Rasmussen
Senior Communications Consultant
erika.rasmussen@allina.com
Voice/text: 708-214-8464708-214-8464