M Health Fairview

It was a win for wellness at the Minnesota Aurora FC Indigenous People’s Match! As sponsors of yesterday’s game, our teams were thrilled to help cheer on the home team while celebrating all Indigenous communities. The Red Tree Singers drum and dance group shared a beautiful performance during the game’s half-time show. And our M Health Fairview Pediatrics volunteers helped attendees stay safe from the sun with free sunscreen and other goodies.

Our health system proudly supports Indigenous communities with advocacy and by hosting events promoting health and wellness. Moments like this one give us the opportunity to honor the joy and culture of the Indigenous communities we serve!

Helping people feel less alone is Jen Onsum’s favorite part of the job. As a behavioral health intake coordinator, Onsum supports people experiencing a mental health crisis and connects them with vital resources and services.

“I am helping people during a very challenging time in their lives,” Onsum said. “It’s important to show them that people care. That I care.” As the number of people seeking mental health care rises across the country, Onsum is dedicated to being a positive force for each patient in her care.

Living with spinal muscular atrophy has given Onsum a unique perspective for how kindness can go a long way for someone feeling lonely. Onsum is both a listening ear and bridge connecting patients to services and support they need to start living fuller lives. “I love nothing more than helping people and trying to make them smile,” she said.

Join us in thanking Onsum for all she does making a difference for patients! 👏

A 107-year legacy. That’s how long Lisa Mitchell’s family of nurses have been caring for patients. It started with Lisa’s grandmother, Rita, and continued with her mother, Bonnie, who worked for more than 50 years at M Health Fairview Northland Medical Center. Lisa not only followed in her family’s footsteps – she inspired her daughter, Marisa Mitchell, and her niece, Jordyn Meyer-Pauly, to become nurses alongside her at Northland. “I think it’s come full circle,” she said. Watch their story on KSTP-TV. ➡️ https://bit.ly/3XgZ0vN

It’s your health. You should feel comfortable sharing concerns with your doctor and advocating for the care you need. But we know that isn’t always easy. To have tough health conversations, it helps to come prepared with as many details and questions as you can. You can even bring a friend or a loved one along for support. Taj Mustapha, MD, a pediatrician and chief equity strategy officer with M Health Fairview, and Anna Milz, MD, a pediatrician with M Health Fairview Pediatrics, share tips on feeling empowered at the doctor’s office: https://bit.ly/3RqfTjP

Art, music, and culture. The Current’s had it all this Sunday. As Minnesota’s most comprehensive and convenient children’s health system, M Health Fairview Pediatrics was thrilled to be this year’s presenting sponsor, and to share a special summer moment with thousands of families.

Our Child and Family Life Services team inspired and entertained kids at our art therapy, music therapy, and Teddy Bear clinic spaces at the event. Thank you to everyone who helped bring this event to life at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Children's Theatre Company on Sunday!

The premiere of Forest Gump, Playstation’s debut, the infamous “Rachel” haircut. If you remember any of these iconic 90s moments, it’s probably time to schedule a routine cancer screening. Breast cancer screenings are recommended beginning at 40 for women of average risk. Colorectal screenings for anyone start at 45. Check out our helpful guide to learn more about routine cancer screenings and how to schedule yours today: https://bit.ly/3VxUkQE

A month after her kidney transplant, Bernadeia Johnson, a former Minneapolis Public Schools superintendent, is in better health and good spirits. “I’m doing so well,” she said. Race used to be a factor when measuring a person’s kidney function and eligibility for kidney transplant. But back in 2021, M Health Fairview removed this adjustment when testing patients for kidney function. The result meant Johnson, who was living with stage V kidney disease, got a new kidney much sooner. Watch her story on WCCO & CBS News Minnesota. ➡️ https://cbsn.ws/3V8xf5X

A new MAKO surgical robot is bringing state-of-the-art orthopedic care to Princeton, Minn. Last month, orthopedic surgeon Jim Lorge, DO, and a surgical team performed the first-ever robot-assisted joint surgery at M Health Fairview Northland Medical Center.

“Traditionally, people in and around Princeton had to travel outside of the city to access this level of care,” said Abby Walrath, RN, a patient care supervisor. “Our system’s investment in the MAKO robot demonstrates a strong commitment to our patients’ well-being and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes.”

Congratulations to the teams who made this possible! Learn more about Dr. Lorge and our orthopedic care here: https://bit.ly/3xby4CQ

Emergency rooms across Minnesota are feeling the strain of overcrowding as more people seek care. A new 11-bed expansion to the observation unit at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center will reduce overcrowding in our emergency department by bridging the gap between emergency care and full hospital admission. People who need short-term monitoring can get care from our dedicated observation unit team, freeing up inpatient beds for those who need a higher level of care. Learn more. 🏥 https://bit.ly/4e5COut

Our ❤s are so full. On Saturday, more than 580 M Health Fairview employees and their families from a record 77 teams gathered for the American Heart Association’s Twin Cities Heart Walk. Together, we helped raise over $38,200 to accelerate life-saving research and treatment for heart disease while celebrating heart attacks and stroke survivors.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made this happen!

Our health system is committed to creating safe, welcoming, and equitable spaces for our LGBTQIA2S+ patients, employees, and community. The we raised during a ceremony yesterday at the Fairview Health Services Community Health and Wellness Hub is a symbol of that commitment and the resilience, unity, and strength of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

“We will continue to celebrate and support this community,” said Chris Taylor, Fairview’s vice president of experience and inclusion. “Understanding that it is the diversity among us that makes us stronger and better collectively.”

This year, three of our hospitals were recognized by the Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index as “High Performers” for our dedication to providing safe, inclusive care to people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3X5qMvc

Elizabeth Brine had a dream: climb Mount Kilimanjaro. But chronic hip pain kept the active 60-year-old from achieving her goal. Jarrod Yamanaka, MD, a sports medicine specialist, performed a minimally invasive procedure to help the injured tendon in Brine’s hip heal. The result? Brine went from struggling to climb stairs to being able to climb 19,341 feet to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. “I was able to do this because of the care I received,” she said. Read how our teams helped her reach new heights: https://bit.ly/456C2Jq

Myth or fact: Bath bombs, scented toilet paper, and other products designed for women’s va**nal health are recommended by most healthcare providers?

This is a myth. In fact, Elizabeth Frykman, a certified nurse practitioner focused on women’s health, says ‘less is more’ when it comes to keeping a woman’s v***a and va**na healthy. Especially when it comes to conversations and products trending on TikTok.

“It’s not all good or all bad, but it is mostly loud,” Frykman said. Frykman has advice for separating fact from fiction when it comes to feminine hygiene products and how to do what’s best for your body’s health. ➡️ https://bit.ly/3yBqJgu

Five years ago, Russell Rippentrop noticed he was more tired than normal. He’d lived with a heart murmur, caused by a leaky mitral valve, for over 30 years. But it was getting worse. Rippentrop worked closely with the heart care team at M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital. Rather than risk open-heart surgery, the team fixed his mitral valve using a minimally invasive method and a small device called a mitral clip. He was back on his feet in days, and now he’s walking the wildlife trails around his house with ease. “I can do that whenever I choose.” Read his story. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4aDgpBF

Hosting a Pow Wow. Launching a new employee resource group for Indigenous wellness. Participating in political advocacy in St. Paul. As part of our commitment to restorative justice, our health system is taking meaningful action this year to advance health equity in partnership with Native communities.

“Our team is strengthening its partnerships with Indigenous people and organizations,” said Diane Tran, executive director, M Health Fairview Center for Community Health Equity. “It’s important for us to be present and engage with the community in meaningful ways.” In honor of American Indian Month, learn more about our impact here. ➡ https://bit.ly/44TG08c

It’s no exaggeration to say that food insecurity, which means not having enough nutritious food for you or your family, affects people’s health. Mang Vang is a food resource navigator – the first role of its kind in our health system –-- helping patients in the East Metro find essential nutrition resources through our partnerships with trusted community organizations. “There are a lot of resources available for those who face these challenges,” Vang said. “We should not feel bad if we need to turn to some of these resources.” Read more:

96-year-old Doris Carlson was living independently and caring for her husband Winston of 77 years when she had a stroke. Three days later, she was back home with him again thanks to swift treatment at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital. Her spirit and determination also played a role in her speedy recovery. “I have places to go and people to see. I don’t have time to be sick here,” she told her daughter from her hospital bed. Read her story. ➡️ https://bit.ly/3USnCIj

“You saved my life.” Yesterday, Robert Peez, a 3M manager, said thanks to the St. Paul firefighters, paramedics, and a care team from M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center who treated him after a heart attack in October. Dan Popa, MD, an emergency room physician, was one of the people on duty that day. He said it was special “to get to see someone like Robert. The whole system combined and everybody’s efforts together saved his life.” Read the story from the Pioneer Press. ➡ https://bit.ly/4bk1gX4

Acclaimed chef and restaurant owner Diane Moua remembers how a simple bowl of chicken herbal soup comforted her at M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital 19 years ago, after the birth of her daughter. For centuries, Hmong mothers have relied on the soup, seasoned with lemongrass and traditional herbs, for recovery and nourishment after giving birth. For that reason – and to provide culturally sensitive, supportive care – the soup has been offered at St. John’s for decades.

"I love that we've normalized it," said Laurel Ries, MD, a family medicine and obstetrics physician at M Health Fairview Clinic – Rice Street, where about 40% of her patients are Southeast Asian. "Of course we have this available. This is the food that people eat in our community."

Read more about the practice – and get the recipe – in the Star Tribune. ➡ https://bit.ly/3V18mKk

Robert Callahan knows the healing power of music. It’s why he sings every Thursday for patients and staff at M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital. “What we really want to do is try to lighten it up,” said Callahan, a 70-year-old volunteer at the hospital. “Try to give a little relaxation again and let people’s hearts untangle from all the problems of the world.”

His impact across the hospital is undeniable. “I can tell you a bunch of science-y stuff about how music engages all the parts of your brain, and how it's associated with the feeling of wellbeing and how it reduces anxiety,” said Will Nicholson, MD, VP of Medical Affairs at Woodwinds. “But the reality is, people just love this. And that's why we do it.” Watch Callahan’s story on WCCO & CBS News Minnesota. 🎶 https://cbsn.ws/3wnypCk

People with aortic stenosis often live with shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and other symptoms that stop them from doing the things they once loved.

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure can change that. It’s less invasive than open-heart surgery with a shorter recovery time. “I think it comes as a surprise to a lot of people that they can feel better,” said Marat Yanavitski, MD, an interventional cardiologist and structural heart specialist at M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital. He shares the five things to know about our TAVR program. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4bdSR7Q

Twisted your ankle while running? Shoulder out of whack after pickle ball? If you’re injured or in pain, you don’t have to wait for an appointment at our new orthopedic and sports medicine walk-in clinic in Burnsville.

Aches, strains, pain, and more are fair game for our team of orthopedic and sports medicine providers. They’re ready to get you on the fast track to recovery, whether you’re a trained athlete or just have an everyday concern. “Recovery shouldn’t have to wait for days,” said David Law, PA-C, a physician assistant who sees walk-in patients in Burnsville. Learn more. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b9Qu5J

Proud moment! Three M Health Fairview hospitals – Ridges, Southdale, and Woodwinds – have been recognized as High Performers on the Human Rights Campaign's 2024 Healthcare Equality Index. The award acknowledges our hospital’s dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees. Read more. 🏳️‍🌈 https://bit.ly/3wdSw5S

Infusion nurse Lindsey Schmidt, RN, goes out of her way to make a difference for patients going through cancer treatments. One of those people is Bill Bruce, who was inspired by Schmidt’s professionalism and “buoyant empathy” during chemotherapy sessions to treat his colon cancer.

“Lindsey had that extra magic that was inspiring and extremely genuine,” Bruce said.

Treatment was difficult for Bruce. But with the unending support of his family and his care teams, including Schmidt, Bruce began to turn the tide with his cancer. Schmidt made sure she available on his final day of treatment to celebrate the extra-special milestone. “It was a very nice personal touch,” Bruce said. “It really meant a lot to me.”

"Cancer creates so much fear. The beginning of treatment is filled with many unanswered questions and the big unknown," Schmidt said. "Equipping patients with education, agency and a supportive treatment environment is so important. It's wonderful to make that difference on a day-to-day basis."

During National Nurses Week, we are celebrating the incredible skill and compassion our nurses bring to caring for patients and families. Read Lindsey and Bill’s full story here. ➡️ https://bit.ly/3UtxCrh

Navigating healthcare and other social systems can be tough – especially when there’s a language or cultural barrier. Lah Pwee makes it easier for members of the Karen community to get connected with services, resources, benefits, and programming as a cultural broker with M Health Fairview. Drawing on her personal experiences being an advocate for her family at a young age, Pwee builds bridges to help her community. Listen to her full interview at MPR News. ➡ https://bit.ly/3Qwt7Lz

Bill Sanders was on ventilator support struggling to breathe after he was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease. Just seven days after his diagnosis, Sanders received a lifesaving lung transplant with the expert teams at M Health Fairview. “I’ve torn my shoulders up. I’ve torn my knees up. I have five fused vertebrae, but nothing compared to lungs,” said Sanders, a Marine Corps and Air Force veteran from Wisconsin. “Not breathing is the worst thing I ever experienced in my life.” Read his story. ➡ https://bit.ly/4a8Eksy

Today, M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital celebrates its 40th anniversary. Brian Knapp, vice president of operations with Fairview Health Services, helped make the 1984 opening of Ridges Hospital possible, alongside many other dedicated staff. Knapp, a Fairview employee for 45 years, became deeply involved in the Ridges Hospital project as an assistant administrator and owner’s representative on the construction of the more than 100,000-square-foot facility.

While his role has changed over the past four decades, he remains proud of the hospital, his colleagues, and the positive impact the Ridges Hospital team has had for Burnsville and the Twin Cities community.

“I am blessed every day to serve with great people – nurses, housekeepers, nutrition aides, therapists, laboratorians, imaging specialists, and great leader colleagues,” he said.

Join us in celebrating Ridges Hospital’s 40th anniversary and share your memories of the hospital.

On Sunday, members of the American Indian community gathered at the Healing in Four Directions Pow Wow to honor John “Azhide” Bobolink, a beloved American Indian advocate. For over 20 years, Bobolink served as supervisor for the Saint Paul Indian Education, a longtime partner of M Health Fairview.

Hosted by M Health Fairview and several community partners, the vibrant celebration featured drum groups, traditional dancing, a feast, and special speakers remembering Bobolink for the transformative impact he had for the indigenous community in St. Paul.

We thank our partners with the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Saint Paul Public Schools SPPS, American Indian Family Center, and South Saint Paul Public Schools or helping us host this meaningful event. Watch more at Fox 9. ➡️ https://bit.ly/3y0rGP6

It was a "roar-markable" day when four cast members from Disney’s The Lion King - Musical brought a ‘Hakuna Matata’ vibe to M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital during a special visit on Wednesday. The cast played on-air games and answering interview questions from our patients during a live show in our Zucker Family Suite and Broadcast Studio.

Then, they visited our hospital rooms, surprising kids with special Lion King-themed goodie bags and autographs. Thank you to cast members Gerald Ramsey, Darian Sanders, Forest VanDyke, and Martina Sykes – and presenting partner Hennepin Theatre Trust – for making this week’s visit possible so that kids and families under our care could connect with their favorite show in a brand-new way.