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.

Minnesota teen walks at graduation after spinal cord injury

[WCCO-TV News, June 01, 2026] A Minnesota teen walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma more than a year after a spinal cord injury sustained during a hockey game.

Jackson Drum’s family and classmates cheered as he crossed the stage using crutches. When he was injured in Canada in January 2025, his family was told he might never walk again. Jackson did not give up.

After returning to Minnesota, he began physical and occupational therapy at Allina Health Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute – Golden Valley. He traveled nearly two hours each way from Alexandria, Minnesota, to Minneapolis. WCCO-TV filmed one of his sessions as he worked toward his goal of walking across the stage. Watch the story below.

Jackson drum feed

Minnesota teen paralyzed in hockey incident plans to walk at graduation

[Fox 9 News, May 20, 2026] After a life-changing hockey injury, Alexandria teen Jackson Drum is regaining mobility with help from Allina Health Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and plans to walk at his high school graduation.
May 20, 2026
Two photos of patient: (Left) Chris in the TMS treatment chair and (Right) Chris outside in a park enjoying the spring weather.

TMS treatment helps patient find relief from severe depression

[Allina Health Newsroom, May 20, 2026] During Mental Health Awareness Month, one patient shares how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) helped restore hope after years of treatment-resistant depression.
May 20, 2026
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Navigating medical misinformation on social media while keeping patients at the center

[KARE 11 News, May 19, 2026] More people turn to social media for health advice, but not all information is reliable. Learn how one physician helps patients navigate misinformation.
May 19, 2026
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Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute neurologist discusses expanding access with point-of-care EEG

[NeurologyLive, May 18, 2026] Dr. Armin Jewell of the Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute discusses expanding access to neurologic care with point-of-care EEG in a NeurologyLive interview.
May 18, 2026
doctor looking for melanoma

Skin cancer prevention tips from an Allina Health expert

[WCCO Radio, May 17, 2026] Minnesota has one of the nation’s highest melanoma rates. Allina Health surgical oncologist Dr. Alexander Stark shares expert advice on sun safety and skin cancer prevention during a WCCO Radio interview.
May 17, 2026
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Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute neurologist shares personalized approach to Parkinson’s care

[NeurologyLive, May 16, 2026] In a NeurologyLive interview, Dr. Kelsey Jensen of Allina Health Brain and Spine Institute discusses advances in Parkinson’s care and the value of individualized, team-based treatment.
May 16, 2026
Tick

Tick season reminder: Simple steps can reduce your risk

[WCCO-TV News, May 12, 2026] Emergency department visits for tick bites are rising across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An Allina Health physician shares tips to help prevent tick bites and tick-borne illness.
May 12, 2026
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Sleep medicine: How experts are helping you get better rest

[MPR News, May 09, 2026] Minnesota Public Radio interviews an Allina Health sleep specialist on the evolving science of sleep medicine and the growing need for better rest.
May 09, 2026
TJ Kudalis and care team

A tattoo and a team for a TJ’s rectal cancer battle

[Allina Health Newsroom, May 04, 2026] TJ went in for a routine colonoscopy after experiencing minor symptoms and learned he had stage 3C rectal cancer. With the support of his Allina Health Cancer Institute care team, TJ achieved a complete clinical response to treatment — allowing him to avoid major surgery. He marked the news with a new tattoo.
May 05, 2026
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Allina Health dermatologist shares melanoma risks and sun safety tips

[WCCO Radio, May 04, 2026] Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. An Allina Health dermatologist shares risks, prevention tips and why sun protection matters.
May 04, 2026

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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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
Allina

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

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
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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.

Visit Healthy Set Go

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