DULUTH, Minn.– Essentia Health is looking for the next wave a healthcare workers, and they did so today with a big hiring event at the Miller Hill Mall. In only the first two hours of the event, close to 100 people came by, and dozens left with new jobs. Today’s hiring event was meant to address that employee shortage, but…
ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Health officials in Itasca County are looking to get ahead of the spread as the Delta variant of COVID-19 is being passed through community transmission. “We have to get back to basics. Everyone is tired of COVID and no one wants to be doing this anymore, but we do know what works,” said Kayla Scrivner, COO…
DULUTH, Minn. – One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Dr. Nathan Hoffman, a urologist with Essentia Health in Duluth, explains why it’s so vital to begin routine screening at the right time in your life. “In general, if you’re starting to feel the symptoms, you’re a little bit later on the scale of…
CHISHOLM, Minn. – An “increasing” number of COVID cases is forcing some elementary grades in the Chisholm School District to learn from home for at least the next two weeks. The changes are affecting K-3rd graders at Vaughan Steffensrud Elementary School, according to Adrian Norman, the district’s superintendent. Norman confirms St. Louis County health officials raised the alarm about the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) is recognized every September by childhood cancer organizations around the world. With a goal to increase awareness and raise funds for those affected by childhood cancer, the American Childhood Cancer Organization encourages everyone to Go Gold® during September in honor and in memory of kids with cancer. Click here to learn more from…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Walk to End Alzheimer’s returned to the Twin Ports this weekend, raising awareness and money for research of a cure to end the disease affecting more than 6 million Americans. A sea of purple flooded the Lakewalk Saturday. Roughly 400 people who either lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s, are currently battling the disease, or are caregivers…
DULUTH, Minn. – Residents of the Twin Ports are encouraged to join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Sept. 11 along the Lakewalk in Duluth. Check-in begins at 1 p.m. at the DECC. The opening ceremony of the Walk begins at 2 p.m. outside the DECC with the walk to follow along the Lakewalk. This year, the Alzheimer’s Association has…
DULUTH, Minn. – On the heels of Sen. Klobuchar’s breast cancer announcement, local oncologists and radiologists are taking time to express the importance of routine mammograms. At Essentia Health in Duluth, numbers are returning to normal after a pause on routine screenings from March through May in 2020. Roughly 200 mammograms are performed each day throughout Essentia facilities. The American…
DULUTH, Minn.- Local health leaders say the Delta Variant is beginning to overwhelm their systems just like last year. Now it’s being fueled by the amount of people in the region who refuse to get vaccinated, as healthcare workers begin to burn out — continuing to fight the virus for far longer than they anticipated last year. “We were moving…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Greenwood fire continues to spread, and smoke from the wildfire affects air quality in surrounding areas. The National Weather Service continues playing a massive role in monitoring wildfire smoke across the state of Minnesota. By using satellite imaging and air quality sensors, the National Weather Service has been working closely with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency…
BWCAW – The Cook County Sheriff’s Office and Gunflint fire personnel are alerting people along a northern portion of the Gunflint Trail to “get ready” for potential evacuations because of growing wildfires in the BWCAW. The pre-evacuation alert is for property owners from Seagull Lake to the south end of Loon Lake. Sheriff Pat Eliasen posted on social media Monday…
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Many K thru 12 schools in Itasca County are now strongly recommending students mask up for the school year, as the County deals with the highest level of community transmission of any Northeastern Minnesota county. Itasca County has seen 45 new positive cases in the last 7 days, according to health officials. School leaders say they can…
DULUTH, Minn.– A third COVID vaccine dose was approved by the FDA at this time for patients who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Essentia Health announced today that they will be taking part in providing this third dose to those who are immunocompromised, and suggest receiving a dose of the same vaccine product patients received earlier, 8 months after their…
DULUTH, Minn. – Those with organ transplants, a cancer diagnosis, or an immune disorder could be the first people to receive a third shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. This, after U.S. health regulators have authorized an extra dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines in people with weakened immune systems to better protect them from the virus. “After two shots,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health and St. Luke’s are both reporting a steady increase in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. In both facilities, patients are coming in after being diagnosed with the more transmissible Delta variant of the virus. “We need to all do this together. It isn’t about politics, it’s about people’s lives,” said Dr. Peter Henry with Essentia Health….
DULUTH, Minn.- It’s National Health Center Week, and the Lake Superior Community Health Center partied outside to celebrate. Along with free produce from Second Harvest Food Bank, games, and music, the block party also offered free COVID vaccines and health screenings at its Denfeld location in Duluth. Organizers say after a difficult pandemic, they hope to offer a safe space…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- As stronger efforts continue nationwide to combat the spread of the Delta Variant and fight low vaccination rates, the University Of Wisconsin-Superior is joining the growing list of Northland colleges requiring people to mask up again. “And hopefully these masking requirements can help safeguard and ensure that we can have a vibrant campus this fall,” said Jordan Milan,…
DULUTH, Minn.- The college of St. Scholastica in Duluth and St. Louis County Public health is teaming up to make getting the COVID vaccine more convenient with on-campus vaccine clinics. “So we really want to be able to provide vaccines right where they are at,” said Public Health Nurse Emily Lian. “That’s kinda been public health’s perspective on vaccines in…
DULUTH, Minn.- Dozens of protesters from across the Northland, including several area healthcare workers, held a rally against COVID-19 vaccine mandates Saturday just days after Duluth hospitals announced new vaccine requirements, and as experts warn the country needs to boost vaccine numbers now more than ever. “This is an anti-mandate rally. I think we have people here that believe in…
DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s announced late Wednesday that all of its employees, vendors, volunteers and board members will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine completed by Oct. 1. The only exception to the rule involves employees who can’t take the shot for medical or religious reasons. Those individuals need to file an exemption by Sept. 1 and also…
DULUTH, Minn.- The City Of Duluth is bringing back its mask mandate for all city employees and the public inside all city-owned buildings — regardless of a person’s vaccination status. “Personally it is frustrating to be at this point,” Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said. “I know that many of us would like this to be over.” “Last week I didn’t…
DULUTH, Minn.- Masks are making a comeback, with some Northland businesses and even UMD requiring them in their buildings. Now St. Louis County Public Health leaders are recommending everyone mask up indoors vaccinated or not — pointing to those who still haven’t gotten the COVID shot for the surge in community spread. “It’s frustrating. It’s unfortunate,” said Amy Westbrook, Public…
FARGO, N.D.– The extension of those air quality alerts means those smoky conditions are going to stick around longer in the Northland. Local medical experts say to “use common sense and avoid prolonged exposure outdoors”. Children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung disease are particularly susceptible to ash particles and should take extra precautions over the next few…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Rejuvenation Center has a new option for people looking for relaxation, eliminating stress and reducing pain. Licensed Massage Therapist Megan Martin is now offering massage therapy. Massage benefits can include: • Reducing stress and increasing relaxation • Reducing pain and muscle soreness and tension • Improving circulation, energy, and alertness • Lowering heart rate and…
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota health officials are warning the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 now accounts for more than 75 percent of the state’s new cases. “This is turning out to be a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” said Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health. “If you’re vaccinated, you still could get COVID, odds are pretty low.” Pryor says…
DULUTH, Minn.- The current air quality alert in the Northland is moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups, while other parts of Northern Minnesota are experiencing very unhealthy conditions. Medical experts advise people stay indoors and limit their physical exercise. “This predominantly affects high risk population. Patients that are under 18 or over 65,” said allergy specialist Dr. Minto Porter. “COPD,…
DULUTH, Minn.– The walk-run for suicide awareness and mental health returned this morning after not taking place last year. Over 200 people came out to help raise awareness for mental health in the Twin Ports starting down at Leif Erickson Park, going down the Lakewalk all the way down to the lighthouse at Canal Park and back. Nearly $10,000 have…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department and St. Luke’s Hospital are teaming up over the next few months to educate parents on car seat safety. Car seat clinics will be going on at different fire stations throughout Duluth. Organizers say 3 out of 4 car seats are not used or installed correctly, which can result in injuries to a child…
DULUTH, Minn.- Due to a national shortage Northland blood donation centers are facing a lack of inventory for local hospitals. Not only did the pandemic cause a decrease in blood donations but schools and colleges that are out for summer break have also taken a dip into the donor pool that blood centers rely on. “I think that what we’re…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Douglas County has only seen one reported case of COVID-19 in the past two weeks as vaccination rates rise. Around 54 percent of Douglas County residents have received as least one vaccine dose. Along with about 34 percent of kids between ages 12 and 15 and 43 percent of 16 and 17 year old’s have been vaccinated with…
DULUTH, Minn.- Wildfires and the lack of rain is causing drought and poor air quality here in the Northland. Normally, June is when Duluth gets most of its rainfall but this June was the third driest on record. “With the drought conditions that have happened, we’ve seen a rapid increase in our fire season,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Joe…
DULUTH, Minn.– The Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation center hosted “Let’s Taco ‘Bout a Job” Tuesday on Saint Louis Avenue of Park Point, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM, which is a job fair to recruit new employees for the center. Healthcare professionals have predicted a “burnout period” for current workers in the industry who have been working hard through the…
DULUTH, Minn. – An ammonia leak forced an evacuation Tuesday evening at the DECC, according to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizay. The fire department got the call for help around 7 p.m. Tuesday for the leak at the Curling Club. Crews confirmed the leak and began evacuating the Curling Club, DECC and Pioneer Hall. Hazmat crews were called in to…
DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 restrictions have loosened quite a bit in recent weeks, but wearing masks and social distancing are still good ways to stay safe, especially for unvaccinated people. Essentia Health administered more than 30,000 COVID-19 vaccines over the past few months, having more people vaccinated is keeping case numbers down. Fewer people are also coming in for other seasonal…
DULUTH, Minn.- Healthcare workers and community members took up signs to picket up by Miller Hill Mall today as negotiations continue over Essentia Health’s contract with their employees. USW Local 9460 workers say a new contract was supposed to be negotiated last July but they haven’t gotten Essentia to the table until now. They are also pushing for higher wages,…
DULUTH, Minn. — A food service program, through the Duluth YMCA, offering free nutritious snacks and meals to kids 18 and under, is now underway in the Northland. The idea is to continue providing healthy options to kids when they are not in school for the summer. After serving over 100,000 meals last year, Food Access Director Jacob Sass, is…
DULUTH, Minn.– Today was the day everyone was anticipating for over a year, and it wasn’t only the athletes who had to prepare, but a few local members too who have been doing this for years. Hundreds of fans and volunteers lined London Road to cheer on runners. Lindsay Ekstrom, a Duluth native, has been attending these races since she…
DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Alzheimer’s Association, worldwide, 50 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. June serves as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Sara McCumber is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the Essentia Neurology Department. McCumber says there are ways to help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. One of the ways is to exercise. She says individuals…
DULUTH, Minn.– St. Louis County Public Health had a pop-up vaccine clinic at the Mount Royal Library location Wednesday. It was open to the public, but encouraged employees from nearby businesses to come in if they wanted either the Pfizer shot or the Johnson and Johnson one. The health department wants to have these pop-ups at convenient spots to get…
DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo has been granted a special piece of equipment that allows them to make diagnoses on their animals from a distance. Through a thermal imaging camera Lake Superior Zoo is utilizing a new piece of equipment that is helping them find different injuries in their animals. Teletherm Infared, based out of Florida, granted Amy Gallagher,…
DULUTH, Minn.–With temperatures in the high 80’s, and in some areas the 90’s this weekend, experts are trying to remind the community to not take any unnecessary risks when it comes to your children and pets in this weather. If you’re planning on taking your dog out to play or for a run, Animal Allies suggests doing it earlier or…
DULUTH, Minn.– As the Duluth Fire Department teaches us how to beat the heat, Essentia Health is also educating the public on signs to look for that indicate having a heat stroke. Some of the most common signs include physically looking unwell, fatigue and perspiration. But these symptoms can lead to confusion, disorientation, and sometimes even passing out. Essentia Health…
DULUTH, Minn. – Over 46 percent of the eligible population in Minnesota is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In Wisconsin, over 44 percent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated. While the numbers continue to climb, health officials say there is still plenty of work to be done. Dr. Jon Pryor is the President of Essentia Health in Duluth. Pryor says…
WASHINGTON, D.C./DULUTH, Minn. — U.S. Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat representing Minnesota, wants to expand and support mental health resources with several proposals in Congress as clinics are seeing their patient lists fill up like never before. For Mental Health Awareness Month, Senator Smith posted several tweets on her Twitter page about her own journey with depression. “Having that opportunity…
DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County is continuing to find success with its vaccine clinic at the Duluth Transportation Center downtown. Public health officials say they’ve vaccinated about 80 people over their three visits there. They add people coming in have been a variety of different ages and living situations. It’s been a mix of people who may have trouble scheduling…
DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s opened its doors to European sailors from the ship MV Isolda, to receive the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. A Bulgarian sailor who has been in the business for 27 years, received his shot today and spoke of its importance. He said as the crew sails internationally, getting the vaccine was a priority as they’ve…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A key state health department leader is hedging on whether Wisconsin can attain COVID-19 herd immunity by mid-2021. Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk has previously said that 70% of Wisconsin’s population would need to be vaccinated to attain herd immunity and the state could reach that benchmark by July. But vaccination…
DULUTH, Minn. — If you want to go fishing while supporting a great cause, you can head out to Island Lake on the first weekend of June. Kolar Toyota is hosting its 26th annual ALS Fishing Tournament on June 5th. For the past 25 years, this tournament alone has raised more than $3.5 million to fight for those diagnosed by…
DULUTH, Minn. — If you want to go fishing while supporting a great cause, you can head out to Island Lake on the first weekend of June. Kolar Toyota is hosting its 26th annual ALS Fishing Tournament on June 5th. For the past 25 years, this tournament alone has raised more than $3.5 million to fight for those diagnosed by…
DULUTH, Minn. – Although fewer children and teens have been infected with COVID-19, they can still become infected and also spread the virus to others. Local infectious disease experts with St. Luke’s are encouraging parents to bring their teens aged 12-15 in for the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Sherry Johnson, Infectious Disease Specialist at St Luke’s, says parents are coming in…
