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. 

 

winter falls

Allina Health orthopedic surgeon shares winter injury prevention tips

[Fox 9 News, January 23, 2026] An expert with Allina Health orthopedics shares winter injury tips, including frostbite prevention, fall safety and guidance on when it’s time to see the doctor.
January 23, 2026
182112 hsg teaser snow shoveling 214x192

Why cold weather and heavy snow can strain your heart

[WCCO-TV, January 22, 2026] Cold weather and heavy snowfall can raise heart attack risk. A cardiologist with Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute explains why and shares how symptoms may differ between men and women.
January 22, 2026
womens health

Four things to think about when it comes to cervical health

[Allina Newsroom, January 21, 2026] Routine Pap smears, HPV vaccination and attention to menstrual changes can help prevent cervical cancer. Learn four key steps to protect your cervical health.
January 21, 2026
Trish Toro painting 240x180-

Cancer survivor thanks Allina Health care team with a painting of hope

[Allina Health Newsroom, January 14, 2026] Trish Toro-Gabrys wanted to thank her Allina Health Cancer Institute care team in a unique way, so she picked up her paintbrush and got to work. In late 2025, Trish presented her care team with the 24-by-48-inch framed acrylic painting that she calls Be Leaf in Hope.
January 14, 2026
McCaffrey on MPR1

Exploring the latest advancements in cancer care

[Minnesota Public Radio, January 14, 2026] Discover the latest advancements in cancer care as an MPR host talks with Allina Health Cancer Institute’s Dr. Rachel McCaffrey about tumor DNA, targeted therapies, and treatment innovations.
January 14, 2026
mental health pic

Allina Health psychologist shares guidance on processing emotions

[WCCO-TV, January 09, 2026] Allina Health psychologist Dr. David Nathan shares strategies for managing emotional fatigue and guiding children through conversations about violence and safety.
January 09, 2026
social-media-and-teens-240x180

Do you need a social media detox?

[KMSP Fox 9 News, January 07, 2026] As the trend of social media detox grows, Allina Health psychologist Sarah Paper, PsyD, LP, explains what it means and how to reset your habits without quitting social media entirely.
January 07, 2026
Foundation 240x180-AHN

Allina Health Foundation thanks donors with an update on how gifts are changing lives

[Allina Health Newsroom, December 29, 2025] This video is a 2025 year-end update and a heartfelt thank-you to the generous donors who support the Allina Health Foundation.
December 30, 2025
skin 170608657 214x192

Microneedling: an Allina Health dermatologist explains what it is

[WCCO-TV, December 29, 2025] Allina Health dermatologist Elizabeth Farhat, MD, explains what microneedling is and why it is trending in skin care.
December 29, 2025
Nancy Remde 240x180-

Patient rep with 40 years of experience shares specialty pharmacy benefits

[Allina Health Newsroom, December 22, 2025] Nancy is a longtime member of the Allina Health Specialty Pharmacy team — a group of experts who deliver prescriptions and guide patients with complex conditions. Learn more about the support Allina Health Specialty Pharmacy provides to patients, their loved ones and care teams.
December 22, 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
240x180Carisa 720 x 540 px

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
Show More

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