News Releases

There are constantly new and exciting things happening at Tri-County Health Care. We provide information and updates to the media and general public through news releases and articles in “Healthy Times,” our external newsletter and newspapers. Please check this section frequently for our latest news.

Recent Measles in Minnesota Information

Recent News Releases

Recent Healthy Times Issue

Need a medical story resource for a story?

Journalists should always work with our team first to coordinate interviews and we are happy to arrange interviews with our medical professionals where possible. Please call us if you would like to set up an interview. Thank you.

Patient Condition Update

Our first priority is always the safety and privacy of our patients and their families. With that in mind, we strictly enforce HIPAA laws that limit the amount of patient information we may release without written consent from a patient or patient representative. We cannot elaborate on a patient's injuries, illness or prognosis without specific written consent by the patient or the patient's family. This would be done only under limited circumstances. When asking for a patient's condition update, you must first provide the media representative with the patient's full name and date of birth.

We use standard language acceptable under HIPAA laws and American Hospital Association guidelines to describe patient conditions. They are:

  • Undetermined - Patient is awaiting physician and/or assessment.
  • Good - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.
  • Fair - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
  • Serious - Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.
  • Critical - Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.
  • Treated and Released – This could mean the patient was sent home or to another facility.
  • Confirming patient deaths – We will report or confirm a patient's death only after signed consent from next of kin.

Media Contact:
Jessica Sly
Communications Specialist
E-mail: jessica.sly@tchc.org
Office: 218-631-7460