Essentia Health in the news for the month of May

While media coverage involving Essentia Health was varied in May, a story about our therapy dogs at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd stole the show.

From the Lakeland PBS story:

For volunteers with the program, the stories created from the bonds patients and therapy dogs form cannot be overstated. Pet therapy volunteer Gladys Behymer told one such story about an interaction with her dog, Chloe.

“We were the only ones in the room with this lady. I sat Chloe on the bed beside her, and (Chloe) was licking on her hand as I was holding it, as the lady took her last breath. This lady loved dogs, and it’s just how appropriate that she had a dog with her in her final moments.”

Other popular topics from the past month included stroke awareness, mental health, the Essentia Health Fargo Marathon — specifically, Essentia’s leadership of medical services for the event — and a successful resolution in the City of Virginia, which will transfer ownership of our clinic building there to Essentia.

Each month, we share some of our favorite Essentia-related stories on the Newsroom. Here are a few of the highlights from May; please note that some of these stories require log-in credentials and thus may not be accessible for all.

Lakeland PBS (Brainerd): Therapy dogs at Essentia Health in Brainerd help raise patients’ spirits

KVRR (Fargo): Essentia Health medical physicians want people to prepare themselves with hydration and rest for marathon

WDAY (Fargo): Medical tent expected to treat up to 200 at marathon

Valley News Live (Fargo): Fargo marathon prepping for mix of poor air quality and heat

Fox 21 (Duluth): Essentia Health to take over ownership of Virginia location from City

Mesabi Tribune: Essentia Health gains ownership of Virginia clinic building

Duluth News Tribune: Virginia council votes to transfer clinic ownership to Essentia

KVRR: May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S.

Valley News Live: Essentia’s mental health support of Dilworth, Minnesota, police department initiative

Prairie Public Radio: Understanding stroke prevention and support

Brainerd Dispatch: Essentia Health breaks ground on new orthopedic center

KVRR: United Way school supply drive starts early with new goal

Fargo Forum: United Way launches school supply drive

Prairie Public Radio: Leading in uncertain times: Dr. David Herman

KVRR: Annual stroke walk shows support for survivors

Becker’s: Melanie Wilson interviews on Becker’s CFO + Revenue Cycle Podcast