Health

Pet Connection: Meet Reagan

Just as friendly a smile as his famous namesake.

It’s been a rough, rough week for anyone in politics or anyone who follows them. Especially for Republicans. So we thought it was fitting to remind you of one of the most famous and popular Republican presidents of modern times. Meet Reagan. This one’s a leopard gecko — an equally popular species of lizard. With his friendly smile and well-socialized…

Five cases of new COVID-19 strain found in Minnesota

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Health announced the new variant strain of COVID-19 first detected in the United Kingdom was positively identified in five people of four different counties in the Twin Cities metro area. Four of the cases were identified through the MDH Public Health Laboratory, and one was identified through the CDC. The results were confirmed on…

Essentia Health plans for public vaccination

Essentia Health is expecting to receive a vaccine allocation and begin public vaccinations for North Dakota residents 75 years and older the week of January 18

NORTH DAKOTA — Essentia Health will be notifying patients who live in North Dakota in the coming weeks to let them know when they are invited to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Essentia Health patients are encouraged to sign up for MyChart which will be the primary method of notification. Once you receive your notice via MyChart, you’ll be able to…

Essentia Health may acquire CHI in North Dakota, Minnesota

FARGO  – Fargo and Duluth-based Essentia Health and CommonSpirit Health have signed a letter of intent for CommonSpirit-owned facilities operating under the CHI brand in North Dakota and Minnesota to join Essentia Health. The deal would include CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck and 13 critical access hospitals, along with associated clinics and living communities now operated by CommonSpirit…

Republicans Reject Mask Mandate in Minnesota Senate Chamber, House Has One

State Sen. Mark Johnson/(R) East Grand Forks & State Sen. Ann Rest/(D) New HopeST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Senate Republicans reject a mask mandate for members and staff in the Senate chamber. The 36-31 vote encourages mask-wearing, but does not require them. All 34 Republicans and the chamber’s two independents favored the looser policy, while all 31 Democrats backed the…

North Dakota receiving fewer COVID-19 vaccine doses than expected

NORTH DAKOTA — North Dakota is receiving fewer COVID-19 vaccine doses than anticipated, according to the Department of Health’s Immunization Program Manager. Molly Howell says the state is receiving about 10,000 doses per week, which is roughly 50 percent less than what was expected. Those who’ve received their first dose can get their second one beginning this week. 1,046 North…

With COVID-19 vaccinations on the rise it raises concerns among some

"These vaccines appear very effective and very safe particularly as we're giving more and more of them across the country."

FARGO, N.D. — With more people receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, some in the public may be wondering whether or not the vaccines are safe. “There’s a lot of myths around vaccines in general, but I would urge people to get their information either from a healthcare provider that they trust that has knowledge of this,” Sanford Health Vice President and Chief…

North Dakota distributes two-thirds of COVID-19 vaccine

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota health officials say the most recent date shows that the state has administered about two-thirds of its COVID-19 vaccine. The state has received 35,250 total doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and dispensed 22,241 doses, according to the state’s vaccine dashboard that is updated every Tuesday. The CDC website ranks North Dakota third in…

Sanford Health workers receive second dose of Pfizer the vaccine

"From my personal standpoint I feel wonderful, the fact that this vaccine is available."

FARGO, N.D. — It’s been three weeks since healthcare workers in North Dakota started to get a sense of relief. After the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, medical staff at Sanford Health received their first rounds of the Pfizer vaccine. Now 21 days later, those who received the first dose are able to complete the vaccination requirements and receive their second…