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 surgeons to scrub in for cases in state-of-the-art operating rooms

[Allina Health Newsroom, April 02, 2026] As the Allina Health Abbott Northwestern Hospital campus expansion nears completion, surgeons are getting a look at the operating rooms they helped design and will soon use to care for patients. 

“There has been surgeon involvement in decisions across the entire process,” said Jolene Singh, MD, OR medical director at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. “They’ve had input into everything from the floors to the walls to the way that the lights are mounted to the type of lights that we've purchased.”

When it opens in late August, the Richard M. Schulze Surgical and Critical Care Center will include 30 state-of-the-art surgical suites. The new space will give patients access to some of the most advanced surgical technologies available.

“They're unlike anything you're going to find anywhere else,” Dr. Singh said. “The safety, the technology that we have, the integration — it’s unparalleled.”

Features will include:

  • Spacious operating rooms that support larger, more integrated surgical teams.
  • Advanced robotic technology that allows for safer, more precise surgeries.
  • Uniform room layouts, which will streamline scheduling.
  • Specialized surfaces, designed to reduce infection risks.
  • Improved air filtration for greater patient and surgical team comfort and safety.
  • Video and livestream capabilities for consultations and education

The operating rooms are scheduled to open to patients in late August at the Richard M. Schulze Surgical and Critical Care Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. 

 

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Allina Health pulmonologist shares tips to deal with poor air quality

[WCCO-TV News, August 02, 2025] The first weekend of August came with poor air quality for the state of Minnesota. Allina Health pulmonologist Andrew Stiehm, MD, shared tips to help people across the state recognize how the hazy air could impact their health .
August 02, 2025
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A spotlight on Allina Health’s Surgical Technologist Apprentice program

[Allina Health Newsroom, July 30, 2025] The first of its kind in Minnesota, the STA program was created due to a significant hiring gap for certified surgical technologists across Allina Health sites and throughout the nation.
July 30, 2025
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Allina Health and Minnesota United host blood drive

[KMSP Fox 9 News, July 24, 2025] Allina Health partnered with Minnesota United to host a blood drive at Allianz Field in July. More than 60 people signed up to donate blood, an increase from 2024.
July 24, 2025
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Allina Health unveils new community solar garden

[Allina Health Newsroom, July 21, 2025] Allina Health marked another significant milestone in the Abbott Northwestern Hospital campus revitalization project.
July 21, 2025
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Poor air quality and your health

[WCCO-TV News, July 12, 2025] Allina Health pulmonologist Andrew Stiehm, MD explains why people should not ignore warnings about air quality.
July 12, 2025
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Medical oncologist discusses the link between alcohol and cancer

[WCCO-TV News, July 03, 2025]
July 03, 2025
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Careers with Purpose: Meet an Allina Health cytologist

[Allina Health Newsroom, July 02, 2025] Haley Heintz is an Allina Health cytologist, a care team member who specializes in the study of cells, particularly their structure, function and abnormalities.
July 02, 2025
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Cancer screening program helps Rosemount man keep up with his grandkids

[Allina Health Newsroom, June 27, 2025] “I was at the right place, at the right time, with the right people.” That’s how Jim Zempel describes his health journey from early lung cancer screening through surgery at Allina Health. In this video, meet Jim and see his inspirations for staying healthy.
June 27, 2025
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Hedberg Survivorship Program provides pioneering care for brain and spinal cord tumor survivors

[Allina Health Newsroom, June 27, 2025] Kathy Kuhl says the Hedberg Survivorship Program at Allina Health makes you feel like a whole person again. As a spinal cord tumor survivor, the program is a one-stop shop for Kathy’s medical needs.
June 27, 2025
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Screen time and mental health risks

[WCCO-TV News, June 26, 2025] When it comes to technology, parents may need to pay more attention to the way kids are using their devices, instead of how much time they spend on them. Allina Health psychologist David Nathan, PsyD, LP explains why the distinction is important.
June 26, 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.

Allina Health Buffalo Hospital exterior surgery entrance.

Allina Health Buffalo Hospital expands its robotic surgical systems, bringing greater precision to many surgeries

Now patients can benefit from physicians trained on the da Vinci Xi system without having to travel to metro hospitals.
February 23, 2026
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New Ulm Medical Center names Carisa Buegler as new president

Allina Health is pleased to share that Carisa Buegler has been named the new president of New Ulm Medical Center.
February 12, 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