Health

Aspirus St. Luke’s holds ribbon cutting for new expansion

    DULUTH, Minn. — Aspirus St. Luke’s held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, Jan. 16, to celebrate their new 83 thousand square foot cardiac and intensive care units. The new expansion will allow for more quality and efficient inpatient care. “The new spaces will create an even better experience for our patients and their families, with more centralized services…

Local Unions back Strikers from Deer River Essentia Facility

DULUTH, Minn. — Union workers from Essentia’s facility in Deer River, picketed in Duluth on Wednesday. The workers are apart of the Service Employees International Union, but were joined today by local chapters of ASFME and the United Steel Workers. The various unions showed their support by braving the cold in front of Essentia’s 2nd Street facility. The Deer River…

Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital Reapproved as a Critical Access Hospital

UPDATE: As of Tuesday evening Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital’s status as a Critical Access Hospital was restored and will continue to care for patients as they have in the last two decades. ORIGINAL: ELY, Minn. — Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital (EBCH) has lost its status as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) after the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) found the…

Essentia Health Strike at Standstill

With no meetings scheduled, Essentia and union workers are stuck in an open-ended strike

DEER RIVER, Minn. – As workers strike for better pay, Essentia Health says some patient services may be suspended at their Deer River location. Workers with the Service Employees International Union held a picket line Friday, as their open-ended strike for wage increases drags on. Those who braved the cold claimed the wages at the Deer River facilities, are lower…

Minnesota Ballet Performs at Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn.– After trying for several years, the Minnesota Ballet took their show on the road to spread some holiday spirit. Dancers of the Minnesota Ballet visited Essentia Health and performed several scenes from the Nutcracker for visitors passing by. In addition, they also passed out coupons for the upcoming Friday and Saturday performances. A free child ticket, with a…

At Least 15 People Are Sick In Minnesota From Ground Beef Tied To E. Coli Recall

MINNESOTA — At least 15 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef, federal health officials said. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive…

Christmas Gift Extravaganza for a Good Cause at Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn. — The holidays are fast approaching, and now you can prepare for a good cause at Essentia. The Duluth Area Volunteer Service Organization is hosting a Christmas Gift Extravaganza. It kicked off Thursday and will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. There is Christmas decor, stocking stuffers, and other gifts for sale. Various hospital departments have…

Whooping Cough Cases on the Rise in Minnesota, Doctors Encourage Getting Vaccinated

DULUTH, Minn. — Whooping cough is on the rise in Minnesota and as respiratory illness season ramps up doctors at Essentia Health say it is important to remember to stay up to date on vaccines and stay home when sick. Over 1,200 cases of Pertussis or whooping cough have been reported across Minnesota. Essentia Health says they haven’t seen numbers…

Pickleball Players “Rally for a Cure”

DULUTH, Minn. — Pickleball players rallied for a cure on Friday. Games were held to raise funds for an important cause. The Duluth Area Pickleball Association hosted glow-in-the-dark pickleball, raising money for breast cancer awareness. The event was “open play” and different courts held games of all experience levels, from beginner to challenging. Each participant donated money towards the National…

Special Report: Ski Accident Inspires Duluth Man’s New Career

DULUTH, Minn.– After enduring a ski accident back in 2021, it left 17-year-old Duluth native paralyzed. It became an injury that inspired him to help others. “I became a wheelchair user. And not just a wheelchair user. But I had to deal with the chronic symptoms that came along with spinal cord injuries. Like bowel and bladder management, taking care…

Essentia Health Envisions Medical School at Former Hospital Site

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health already has high hopes for the former site of St. Mary’s Hospital. Along with support from the Duluth City Council, Essentia wants the land to be used by the University of Minnesota as a new medical school. Essentia says that they share the University’s mission to improve rural healthcare across the region. “The Minnesota Department…

42nd Annual Health and Human Service Conference Held at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The 42nd annual St. Louis County Health and Human Service Conference is taking place at the DECC. Around 3,000 people gather each year to gain a better understanding of how to improve public health. The theme of this year’s conference is “Choosing Hope.” The two-day-long event includes various workshops, and also provides an opportunity for health workers…

Essentia Health Recognized as Outstanding Disability Employer

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is receiving recognition for its commitment to hiring people with disabilities. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded Essentia with the Outstanding Disability Employer Award. The presentation took place in the hospital’s new atrium on Second Street and included an exhibit by the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Essentia’s Support Services Director describes…

Essentia Encourages Preparation Before Flu Season

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s that time of year again, as the temperature begins to drop, the likelihood of catching a seasonal illness goes up. Essentia Health is encouraging everyone six months and older to prepare for the increase in cases by getting up to date on their vaccines. Erin Labatt, Essentia’s Immunization Program Coordinator, clarified exactly why vaccines for the…

2025 Grandma’s Marathon Registration Opens Oct. 1

DULUTH, Minn. — Registration for the 2025 Grandma’s Marathon weekend opens Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. on GrandmasMarathon.com. The William A. Irvin 5K will have a different court next year. It’ll start on Harbor Drive by the Irvin before headed to Canal Park Driver, underneath the main marathon finish line structure, and then ending in Bayfront Festival Park. The change…

Local Podcasters Talk Inclusivity Training with Aspirus St. Luke’s Staff

DULUTH, Minn. — Health care is a necessity that many Americans still struggle with, but receiving fair treatment is important no matter the cause or how the person identify. Over the last year, father-daughter duo and local podcasters Cameron & Raven Kruger have holding educational seminars at Aspirus St. Luke’s. Their podcast, called the Transagenda, is focused on broad topics…

Hermantown Native Collapses, Dies During NorthShore Inline Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. –  The rollerblading community is mourning after one of their own collapsed and died during the NorthShore Inline Marathon in Duluth Saturday. Medical personnel responded the tunnels of I-35 around 7:30 a.m. for a skater who was down along the course, according to Duluth police. The skater, Mike Lufholm, 36, of Minneapolis, who is a graduate from Hermantown…

Essentia Health To Drop Medicare Advantage Plans With UnitedHealthcare, Humana

Essentia Health is dropping in-network coverage for 20,000 patients who have Medicare Advantage plans through UnitedHealthcare and Humana. Essentia said those two companies are too often “denying or delaying” patient care at more than twice the rate of other Medicare Advantage plans. “This was not a decision we made lightly. The frequent denials and associated delays negatively impact our ability…

Arrowhead Surgery Center Celebrates One Year of Business

DULUTH, Minn. — A specialty clinic in Duluth is celebrating one year since opening. Dr. Jared Broadway had a dream of starting his own business to assist with spine and neck issues. This dream became a reality as they opened the Arrowhead Surgery Center. What started off as United Healthcare cubicles, transformed into a surgery center. Dr. Broadway says, day…

Mayor Reinert Directs Internal Review Post Fish Kill In Tischer Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert said on Sunday that he has directed internal leadership to review all procedures and training to figure out how 1.7 million gallons of treated drinking water got into Tischer Creek in August, ending with the killing of more than 1,000 fish. Reinert took to social media Sunday to say the city’s drinking water…

Wisconsin Health Officials Recall Eggs After Salmonella Outbreak

photo courtesy: CNN Wisconsin health officials initiated a recall of eggs following an outbreak of salmonella infections among 65 people in nine states that originated on a Wisconsin farm. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said in a statement Friday that among those infected by salmonella are 42 people in Wisconsin, where the eggs are believed to have been sold….

Essentia Found Guilty of 6 OSHA Violations

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health in Duluth is paying close to $30,000 after being found guilty of OSHA violations. The were a total of 6 fines filed with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry some relating to improper training, lack of safety equipment, and exposure to corrosive materials. All of them were deemed serious. According to official documents an…

Tenants Report Piles Of Trash In Lincoln Park Apartments Bldg.; Owner Responds

Submitted by tenant DULUTH, Minn. —  Tenants of the Lincoln Park Apartments, formerly a middle school, are not happy with growing trash in and outside the building. Submitted by tenant Photos and video show overflowing garbage shoots and piles of trash in hallways, along with bugs. Click here for video. When FOX 21 reached out to the building’s owner, Sherman…

Pediatrician Encourages Good Sleep Before School

DULUTH, Minn.–As summer is winding down, soon enough, kids will be hitting the books. Being well rested before school translates to having a better mood. Which in return gives kids a better classroom performance. Phasing out of late summer nights can be a challenging time for young ones. Pediatrician Dr. Knutson says, forming a solid bedtime routine with children early…

Essentia Health Hosts Bone Marrow Registry Drive

DULUTH, Minn.– Essentia Health hosted a different type of match-making event today. One that could possibly save lives. And for the Essentia Health family, it’s personal. Nurse Kristine Hautamaki was recently diagnosed with leukemia. She is not able to work at the hospital right now. But her co-workers aren’t forgetting her by organizing this drive in hopes of finding a…

Doctors Make Checkups Fun With Super Hero Week

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s back to school season, which means students across the northland are scheduling their routine check-ups. While some dread the doctor’s office, Dr. Emily Anderson and her team at Lake Superior Community Health Center in Superior IS making the visit a so-called super experience. “So, this week is what we call Super Hero week,” said Dr. Anderson….

Perdue Recalls 167K Pounds Of Chicken Nuggets

(AP) ASSOCIATED PRESS: Check your freezer. Perdue Foods is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of frozen chicken nuggets and tenders after some customers reported finding metal wire embedded in the products. According to Perdue and the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, the recall covers select lots of three products: Perdue Breaded Chicken Tenders, Butcher Box Organic Chicken…

Singles Take On Love With Duluth Speed-Dating Event

FOX 21's Dan Hanger emceed the love-finding night.

DULUTH, Minn. — Love was truly in the air Wednesday evening at Hoops Brewing in Duluth for some speed dating. More than a 100 men and women signed up for the free chance to make a connection. Superior Choice Credit Union, which put on the event, said more than 56 percent of couples said their money philosophies aren’t compatible with…

Carlton County WIC Granted Award for Breastfeeding Support

CLOQUET, Minn.–The USDA recognized Carlton County Women, Infants and Children for their top-notch breastfeeding support. The “Breastfeeding Award of Excellence” given to the small clinic is just one of three WIC agencies in the state to be honored. They have virtual visits, and even help out patients during pregnancy to help prepare them in advance. The team is dedicated to…

FDA Approves First Nasal Spray To Treat Dangerous Allergic Reactions

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials on Friday approved the first nasal spray to treat severe allergic reactions, offering an alternative to injectable products like EpiPen. The Food and Drug Administration said it approved the spray from drugmaker ARS Pharmaceuticals Inc. as an emergency treatment for adults and older children experiencing life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. The spray is…

Calling All Superheroes! Back-to-School Exams Offered in a Fun Way

DULUTH, Minn. — Going to the doctors can be stressful, especially for kids. So in honor of National Health Center Week, a local center is putting a spin on health care. Lake Superior Community Health Center is hosting a Super Hero Week! Throughout the week young hero’s could get their super powers examined for their yearly checkup. From “laser vison…

Rescue Divas EMS Camp For Girls Happening This Week

ASHLAND, Wis. — It was a ruff and rescue day at Northland College on Monday. The Rescue Divas group started nearly a decade ago. It brings middle school girls together to learn important life skills. The weeklong program consists of everything from CPR training to K-9 aided search and rescue. Those involved with it think it’s a dog-gone good time….

Ovarian Cancer Survivors Go On a Shopping Spree at Maurices

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance partnered with Duluth-based Maurices to bring ovarian cancer survivors on a shopping spree. Maurices brought local ovarian cancer survivors on a special shopping trip at its downtown headquarters, giving the women and their families a chance to forget the mental and physical stressors of the disease. The event allowed survivors to grab…

Essentia Health Introduces New Surgical Robots

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health held an event for the community to meet their new surgical robots. Four different robots were on display. Each of them provides a minimally invasive surgery that reduces both the time under anesthesia and recovery time. Surgeons were on hand to ask questions. People could touch and play with the robots to learn how they…

New Healthcare Education Center Opens its Doors

SUPERIOR, Wis. — There’s a new opportunity for people to learn the ways of being a Certified Nursing Assistant. The Workforce Training Insitute, a nonprofit organization, kicked off their CNA education course Monday morning. The nonprofit is located in the Dove Healthcare center in Superior. It covers a wide range of students. They achieve hands on learning, labs, and even…

Local SANE & Registered Nurse Wins International Award

DULUTH, Minn. — A well-deserved individual received an award for her 17 years of dedication towards helping others. Being named the heart and soul of PAVSA’s SANE, or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, Alisha Blazevic has left quite the impact over the years. Blazevic is involved with numerous organizations including the Sexual Assault Response Team. Since 2007, she has completed…

CarFit Event Helps Seniors Feel Safe and Comfortable Behind the Wheel

Aspirus St. Luke's focuses on injury prevention with senior drivers

DULUTH, Minn. — Aspirus St. Luke’s held their CarFit event Friday afternoon. The goal? Make senior drivers safer and feel more comfortable in their vehicles. As part of their injury prevention work, Aspirius St. Luke’s is doing their part to keep seniors safe on the road. At Friday’s CarFit event, seniors went through a 12-point checklist with volunteers. Trauma nurse…

How Much Caffeine is Too Much?

DULUTH, Minn — For many people the mornings don’t start until you’ve had your first cup of coffee and the caffeine that’s in the coffee. But very often that is not the only caffeine you will have during your day. Now there are some questions about how safe caffeine is when taken in large amounts. If you need a little…

Minnesota Rural Health Conference Going on in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn — Health professionals from across the state are at the DECC for the Minnesota Rural Health Conference. The workforce shortage is one of the main topics during the two-day conference. The issue is not limited to doctors and nurses, but the whole spectrum of providers.This includes administrative workers who can help manage and keep costs in check. Alyssa…