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.

Abbott Northwestern Hospital campus revitalization creates career paths

[Allina Newsroom, December 01, 2025] When Allina Health approved the Abbott Northwestern Hospital campus revitalization, leaders made it clear that the project’s benefits needed to reach beyond the campus and help the community, too.

“One way that could happen is if we offered people in the neighborhood a chance to work on the project,” said Alison Pence, director of community engagement for Allina Health.

That idea led to the Community Workforce Program, a partnership among Allina Health, Mortenson and its partners.

“The goal is simple,” said Georgia Coleman, program coordinator. “We want to provide entry-level opportunities to people who are looking to start a career.”

And it’s working. Nearly 40 residents with little or no construction experience are gaining hands-on skills — and a résumé boost — at the future Richard M. Schulze Surgical and Critical Care Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

“This building is a reflection of our commitment to this community and the people who live in it,” Alison added. “They’re both worth the investment.”


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Addressing the fears: Allina Health oncologist discusses breast cancer screenings

[WCCO Radio, October 15, 2025] As a breast cancer survivor and oncologist with Allina Health Cancer Institute, Karen Hendershott, MD, talks about fears that may keep women from important breast cancer screenings.
October 15, 2025
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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

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 Faribault Medical Center re-designated as Acute Stroke Ready Hospital

Allina Health Faribault Medical Center has once again received the designation of Acute Stroke Ready Hospital by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), as part of their Minnesota Stroke System.
November 24, 2025
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Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute and Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation earn international recognition for cardiovascular research excellence

November 20, 2025
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Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute names new president

Allina Health is pleased to announce that Ram Sankaraneni, MD, FAES, FAAN, FANA, has been named president of the Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute. Dr. Sankaraneni has served as interim president for nearly a year.
November 12, 2025
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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.

male doctor holds model of liver while talking with male patient about histotripsy

Histotripsy: A revolutionary non-invasive treatment for liver cancer

Learn about a breakthrough cancer treatment for liver tumors, available in Minneapolis - a non-invasive therapy using focused ultrasound to destroy tumors.

Posted November 25, 2025

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The truth about menopause: Debunking 9 myths

Menopause doesn’t have to be a mystery. Empower yourself with the truth about this life stage and the impact on your health.

Posted November 17, 2025

 father and teen son suffering from depression

6 signs a child is experiencing emotional distress

It can be difficult to tell typical behavior from signs of mental distress in children. Get expert advice on supporting mental health and when to seek help from a primary care provider.

Posted November 13, 2025
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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