Allina Health Newsroom

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.

From stroke to father of the bride: Mark Hassenstab's recovery journey

[Allina Health Newsroom, July 31, 2026] Mark Hassenstab says his wife saved his life. She noticed the left side of his face drooping on what seemed like a typical Wednesday in October. Because of her quick action, Mark immediately sought medical attention. An ambulance transported him toAllina Health Brain and Spine Institute at United Hospital in St. Paul, where he received a lifesaving thrombectomy. He spent the next few weeks in intensive rehabilitation at Allina Health Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute working to overcome the effects of the stroke and preparing for an unforgettable day with the people he loves most.

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Allina Health Coon Rapids Clinic opens new pharmacy for added patient convenience

[Allina Health Newsroom, October 14, 2025] For Kris Heckmann, the opening of Allina Health’s new pharmacy in Coon Rapids (9055 Springbrook Dr) is more than just a shorter drive—it’s a meaningful improvement in everyday care.
October 14, 2025
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Allina Health nurse helps save a life on Eden Prairie pickleball court

[WCCO-TV News, October 06, 2025] A nurse with St. Francis Regional Medical Center jumped into action when a player collapse on a pickleball court in Eden Prairie.
October 06, 2025
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Courage Kenny athlete completes Twin Cities Marathon

[Fox 9 News, October 05, 2025] For the first time, the organizers for the Twin Cities Marathon allowed all mobility devices on the course. Joe Dailey, who participates in the Courage Kenny’s adaptive cycling program, completed the course with his hand cycle and raised awareness about inclusivity in sports and raising money in support of finding a cure for paralysis.
October 05, 2025
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Life saved: The work of Allina Health Heart Safe Communities pays off in Hastings

[WCCO-TV, October 02, 2025] Allina Health’s Heart Safe Communities helps place AEDs throughout Minnesota. The team also trains community members to use the devices. That work paid off in Hastings when an AED was used to save a man’s life.
October 02, 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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.

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Western Wisc. residents get expert heart care close to home

Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute expands services to Hudson, Wisc.
September 01, 2026
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Allina Health welcomes first patients to Richard M. Schulze Surgical and Critical Care Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital

Allina Health welcomed the first patients to the Richard M. Schulze Surgical and Critical Care Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital today, following a carefully coordinated transition involving clinicians, nurses and care team members throughout the hospital.
August 29, 2026
Chartis 2026 Critical Access Top hospital logo

Two Allina Health rural hospitals earn national Top 100 recognition

New Ulm Medical Center and River Falls Area Hospital demonstrate consistent, outstanding performance among critical access rural hospitals and garner Chartis' Top 100 designation once again.
August 11, 2026
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Explore our Healthy Set Go articles

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

Kids walk to school after preparing for going back to school.

Tips to prepare for school transitions

Major transitions like a new school year can cause stress for kids, teens and parents. Use these back-to-school transition tips to help your child feel confident and prepared.

Posted August 17, 2026

 Outdoor signage of Allina Health Urgent Care.

Urgent Care 101: Answers to the most commonly asked questions

Discover what urgent care can treat, the best time to visit and when you should head to the emergency room instead.

Posted August 6, 2026

 Teen lies in bed on phone because of social media addiction.

8 signs your teen may have a social media addiction

Social media can affect a teen's well-being. Learn the signs of unhealthy use and discover ways to encourage healthier screen habits.

Posted July 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: 612-388-1895

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