ESSENTIA HEALTH Archives - KVRR Local News

Health Experts Warn of “Heart Attack Snow”

Because the temperatures have been warmer during this last snowfall, the accumulated snow has a higher water content, making it heavier and more taxing on one's heart to move.

April 5, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – While many around the country might be shocked at heavy snowfall in April, it’s pretty much business as usual for those in Fargo-Moorhead. Also commonplace is the act of clearing that snow from your property. But health experts at Essentia say it can be far more dangerous than you might think. “We have to be really…

Essentia Health plans groundbreaking for new emergency department in Fosston, MN as legal battle continues

April 1, 2026

TJ Nelson,

(Courtesy Essentia Health)FOSSTON, Minn. (KVRR) — Essentia Health has planned a groundbreaking next Wednesday for a new emergency department in Fosston, Minnesota. The $12 million project will add more than 5,500 square feet of space. Essentia says it marks another significant investment in its campus and the Fosston community. The city and Essentia Health have battled for years over claims…

Patients in need of a colonoscopy may have to wait months for one

March 26, 2026

Juliana Pelaez,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — For the last several years, health care professionals have started to recommend that both men and women at the age of 45 receive a routine colorectal cancer screening. A procedure that will check a person’s colon for any risks of colon cancer and other risks. “Right now, colorectal cancer is on the rise in young patients,…

Need For Mental Health Care On The Rise In North Dakota

Need for mental health care grows in North Dakota as there continues to be shortage of providers

March 10, 2026

Juliana Pelaez,

NORTH DAKOTA (KVRR) — Thousands of North Dakota residents have been experiencing long wait times or are simply unable to receive mental health care when they need it. “We do have people that are waiting weeks or months without receiving care. So their conditions get worse, and it becomes more costly when they are able to receive care,” said Caitlin…

Sleep Experts Weigh In On Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time Has Negative Mental, Physical Health Effects, Say Medical Professionals

The ongoing disruption to our bodies' rhythms leads to higher rates of heart attack and stroke.

March 8, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – For many people, seeing that extra hour vanish into thin air is dispiriting – but it’s a bummer that is mostly forgotten as we try and adapt to the new normal. But Erin Jirak, a sleep medicine specialist with Essentia Health based in Wahpeton, says that our bodies aren’t so quick to move on. Shifting the…

Essentia Health sends letter to U.S. Dept. of Education about loan caps for advanced nursing degrees

February 26, 2026

Eric Bolin,

Essentia HealthFARGO (KVRR) — Essentia Health is sending a letter to the Department of Education, urging them to reconsider a rule that would affect student loan availability for students in graduate nursing programs by capping borrowing limits on student loans. The rule being considered by the department of education would classify certain higher education degrees as either professional or not…

Ems Providers Say They Have Been In A Crisis

EMS service providers say there has been a crisis for many years

February 26, 2026

Juliana Pelaez,

NORTH DAKOTA/MINNESOTA (KVRR) — “We’ve been sounding the alarm for quite a while. We’ve been talking about EMS in crisis. Not only is it the expenses going up, but it’s the revenue coming down. The reimbursements from Medicare haven’t moved, and Medicaid hasn’t moved to keep up with the costs,” said Ken Krupich, General Manager for Ringdahl EMS. Ringdahl EMS…

Southern Valley Fire And Rescue Expand Access To Advanced Medical Care

Southern Valley Fire and Rescue receive two new advanced life-saving units

Essentia Health aided in providing $40,000 and training

February 9, 2026

Juliana Pelaez,

HORACE, N.D. (KVRR) — Southern Valley Fire and Rescue crews who arrive first on scene for medical emergencies will now be able to deliver more advanced level care to patients prior to ambulance arrivals. “With the addition of the cardiac monitors, it was the final piece to the puzzle. We’re able to now take a deeper dive into treating our…

Essentia Health announces new family medicine clinic in heart of downtown Moorhead

January 30, 2026

Juliana Pelaez,

Essentia Health leadership pictured with City of Moorhead community and city leaders at new clinic announcement.MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Essentia Health is expanding its care with a new family medicine clinic in the heart of downtown Moorhead. The new clinic will open at the former Wells Fargo building at 730 Center Ave. The 8,100-square-foot clinic will include a procedural room,…

Essentia Health Psychiatrist Says Many Patients Are Expressing Concerns Over Ice Activity

Essentia Health psychologist shares many patients are expressing concerns and worries over current events

Dr.Alexandra Kohlhase shares her thoughts and tips on how to handle those emotions

January 26, 2026

Juliana Pelaez,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Months have gone by since ICE agents have been deployed to cities across the nation. But while it may be the new norm, many people are still uncomfortable with what they’re seeing. “I’m having many, very frequent conversations about the current state of our local region and the country and the world. I would say that…