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.

Courage Kenny Athlete’s love of basketball sparks learning and connection

[KARE 11 News, April 03, 2026] A member of the Courage Kenny Rolling Jr. Rolling Timberwolves helped bring two basketball worlds together in St. Louis Park. In addition to playing on the Jr. Rolling Timberwolves, Lucas Dean serves as a team manager for the St. Louis Park girls basketball team.

Dean understands what it takes for the team to perform at its best on the court. Once a year, the players gain insight into his experience as an athlete by spending an entire practice playing wheelchair basketball, building awareness and appreciation for adaptive sports.

KARE 11 was there to capture the fun and the impact of experiencing wheelchair basketball firsthand. Watch the story below, and click here to learn more about adaptive programs, including wheelchair basketball, offered by Allina Health Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.

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Vikings rookie quarterback: Allina Health orthopedic surgeon explains injury

[KARE11 News, August 13, 2024] Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy tore his meniscus during a preseason game. Allina Health orthopedic surgeon Ryan Fader, MD explains what a meniscus is and how long it takes to recover from a surgery to repair it.

August 13, 2024

New care era begins at Center for Mental Health & Addiction

[Allina Health Newsroom, August 12, 2024] Guided by Allina Health leadership and fueled by generous philanthropic support, a new era of care is underway at the Center for Mental Health & Addiction at Mercy Hospital – Unity Campus in Fridley.

August 11, 2024

FDA approves first nasal spray to treat severe allergic reactions

[KSTP-TV News, August 09, 2024] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Neffy, a nasal spray to treat severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. Allina Health allergist Dr. Pramod Kelkar explained why it could be a game changer.

August 09, 2024

Allina Health employee resource group hosts Paralympic panel

[Allina Health Newsroom, August 06, 2024] In honor of Disability Pride Month, Allina Health’s Ability Employee Resource Group (ERG) invited three Paralympic medalists to participate in a virtual Paralympic Panel to give insight into competing at such a high level and to discuss how the health care system can better serve people with disabilities.

August 06, 2024

Allina Health connection to the Paris Olympics

[WCCO Radio, August 02, 2024] WCCO Radio interviewed an Allina Health employee after learning she is the mother of an Olympian. Mary Thompson-Mielke is the mother of Olympian Jordan Thompson who competes in volleyball for Team USA.

August 02, 2024

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Making athletes with disabilities more visible

[Minnesota Public Radio, July 31, 2024] U.S. Paralympian, and former Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute athlete, Chuck Aoki shares his journey of becoming an elite athlete and also helping to increase the visibility of athletes with disabilities.

July 30, 2024

FDA approves blood test to detect colon cancer

[KARE11 News, July 29, 2024] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its approval of a blood test to screen for colon cancer. KARE 11 News interviewed Joleen Hubbard, MD about this development.

July 29, 2024

Debunking hair loss myths

[KMSP Fox 9 News, July 29, 2024] It’s a normal thing, but so many people often feel shame.Julie Schultz, MD, FAAD is a dermatologist with Allina Health.

July 29, 2024

What causes swimmer’s itch?

[WCCO News, July 24, 2024] Allina Health dermatologist Elizabeth Farhat, MD explains what swimmer's itch is, what causes it and how to treat it.

July 24, 2024

Why donate blood in the summer?

[Allina Health Newsroom, July 24, 2024] Allina Health and Minnesota United (MNUFC) teamed up to host a blood drive at Allianz Field in St. Paul to help raise awareness about the increased need for donors during the summer months.

July 24, 2024

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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.

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Allina Health to Join Sutter Health, Creating Bold Vision for Nonprofit Healthcare

March 17, 2026

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

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

Explore our Healthy Set Go articles

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

A cancer nurse navigator sitting on a white couch with a female cancer patient

The one person every cancer patient should know about

A nurse navigator helps cancer patients navigate diagnosis and treatment, coordinate care, access resources and receive whole-person support.

Posted March 30, 2026

Male doctor examines an adult male's neck with his hands

Practical ways to prevent neck and spine pain or injury

To protect your neck and spine from injury, focus on small daily habits like maintaining healthy posture, strengthening supporting muscles and protecting yourself when moving your body.

Posted March 27, 2026

Stethoscope laying on an image of an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) heart rhythm reading.

Understanding AFib: What your heart is telling you

Learn what atrial fibrillation (AFib) is, common symptoms and risks, treatment options and how most people live well with proper care.

Posted March 25, 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