Media
At Tri-County Health Care, we believe that where there is teamwork, pride in what you do, and unceasing drive to do better, wonderful things can be achieved.
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.
Measles in Minnesota Information
- May 4, 2017: Minnesota Department of Health - Watch for symptoms notification (PDF)
Minnesota Hands-Free Law
- Aug. 1, 2019: Watch the PSA
Recent News Releases
- January 26, 2023: Tri-County Health Care adds new provider to midwifery services
- January 24, 2023: ReadyCare changes at Tri-County Health Care
- January 20, 2023: Tri-County Health Care celebrates with ceremony of keys
- January 5, 2023: Tri-County Health Care adds free walk-in sports injury clinic
- January 3, 2023: Kyson Joe is the first baby of 2023 at Tri-County Health Care
- December 27, 2022: COLUMN - Fighting for a breath
- December 27, 2022: Foundation awards Davis Family Nursing Scholarship
- December 19, 2022: Respiratory illnesses on the rise in Minnesota
- December 6, 2022: Ottertail Clinic reopening in December
- November 8, 2022: Glenz awarded Frances E. Raatikka Nursing Scholarship
- October 20, 2022: Tri-County Health Care honored at UCare's "A Salute to Excellence" awards ceremony
- October 17, 2022: Shamp named Chief Ambulatory Officer at Tri-County Health Care
- October 4, 2022: Tri-County Health Care receives gold recognition for antibiotic stewardship
- September 27, 2022: Tri-County Health Care lowers time capsule for new building
- September 19, 2022: Verndale Clinic reopening October 10, 2022
- September 13, 2022: Tri-County Health Care offers omicron vaccine
- August 30, 2022: Flu shot clinics scheduled for 2022
- August 25, 2022: Senator Tina Smith and USDA visit Tri-County Health Care
- August 24, 2022: Tri-County Health Care hosts final brick ceremony
- August 23, 2022: TCHC Foundation awards $13,000 in grants
- August 2, 2022: Kerkvliet receives TCHC Foundation scholarship
- July 5, 2022: COVID-19 vaccine available for children under five
- June 13, 2022: 2022 Sunnybrook Stomp brings out 60 runners
- June 7, 2022: Tri-County Health Care celebrates 25th Annual Golf Classic
- June 1, 2022: Jackie Och joins Tri-County Health Care Board of Directors
- May 30, 2022: All-hazards incident mitigated by TCHC staff
- April 28, 2022: Tri-County Health Care to host 40th annual Sunnybrook Stomp
- April 19, 2022: Bite Size Conversation: Living Will & Health Care directives
- April 5, 2022: Donate Life Ceremony 2022
- January 21, 2022: Tri-County Health Care celebrates 500th joint replacement
- January 10, 2022: Medical-grade masks now required at Tri-County Health Care
- January 10, 2022: Pfizer vaccine now available at all Tri-County Health Care locations daily
- January 6, 2022: Omicron strains monoclonal antibody supply
- January 4, 2022: Natalie Josephine is the first baby of 2022 at Tri-County Health Care
- January 3, 2021: Merickel family donates $100,000 to Foundation
- December 3, 2021: FEMA clinicians arrive in Wadena
- November 24, 2021: Central Minnesota Credit Union pledges $10,000 toward building project
- November 23, 2021: FDA approves Moderna and Pfizer booster for adults
- November 17, 2021: Tammy Suchy selected as virtual quality improvement mentor
- November 15, 2021: Tri-County Health Care receives CALS certification
- November 8, 2021: Auxiliary Virtual Auction Nov. 30
- November 4, 2021: Tri-County Health Care announces COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5-11
- November 3, 2021: Sebeka Clinic temporarily closing
- November 2, 2021: New mammogram technology at Tri-County Health Care
- October 26, 2021: Tri-County Health Care adds a new primary care provider
- October 25, 2021: Changes in COVID-19 testing notifications
- October 15, 2021: Tri-County Health Care seeing high patient volumes
- October 12, 2021: Menahga Senior Center receives new AED
- October 4, 2021: Tri-County Health Care receives Lown Institute accolades
- September 28, 2021: Tri-County Health Care offers third doses
- September 24, 2021: Johnson & Johnson vaccine available again
- September 13, 2021: COVID-19 testing supply shortage
- September 7, 2021: Pfizer vaccine available at Salsa Fest 2021
- August 25, 2021: Third vaccine dose available for immunocompromised
- August 23, 2021: Tri-County Health Care rebrands to Astera Health
- August 6, 2021: Tri-County Health Care expands chiropractic services; welcomes second chiropractor
- August 2, 2021: Pfizer vaccine clinics extended to August
- July 26, 2021: Tri-County Health Care recognized for community investment
- July 19, 2021: New provider joins the Sebeka Clinic
- July 13, 2021: TCHC named as a 2021 National Standard Top Workplace
- July 1, 2021: Wadena State Bank and Browne Family Foundation make huge donation to Tri-County Health Care
- June 30, 2021: Tri-County Health Care recognized as a Clinical Training Site of Excellence
- June 14, 2021: Sunnybrook Stomp returns for 2021
- June 3, 2021: Tri-County Health Care now offering chiropractic care
- May 27, 2021: Pfizer vaccine available every Thursday in June and July
- May 24, 2021: Tri-County Health Care breaks ground on $72 million facility
- May 18, 2021: Free pediatric rehab screening
- May 14, 2021: Masking is still required at Tri-County Health Care
- May 5, 2021: Tri-County Health Care sets new date for groundbreaking
- April 16, 2021: COVID-19 positivity rate increasing in Wadena County
- April 8, 2021: Tri-County Health Care Hosts Donate Life Ceremony
- March 22, 2021: Joint vaccine clinic on Thursday
- March 15, 2021: Tri-County Health Care and Wadena Public Health hosting joint vaccine clinic
- February 26, 2021: Vaccine status update
- February 22, 2021: Visitor policy updated
- February 3, 2021: David Fjeldheim completes advanced MHA trustee certification
- February 1, 2021: Wellebrate canceled for 2021
- January 27, 2021: COVID-19 vaccine only available to eligible priority groups
- January 21, 2021: Vaccine information update
- January 14, 2021: Tri-County Health Care welcomes new ReadyCare providers
- January 14, 2021: First annual Give Day raises over $10,000
- January 7, 2021: Tri-County Health Care resumes normal ReadyCare operations
- January 5, 2021: Sawyer Jay is the first baby of 2021 at Tri-County Health Care
- January 5, 2021: Tri-County Health Care hosting virtual town hall on Jan. 12
- December 22, 2020: Tri-County Health Care administers first round of COVID-19 vaccines
- December 4, 2020: Tri-County Health Care modifies main entrance in Wadena
- November 23, 2020: ReadyCare transitions to COVID clinic
- November 23, 2020: Tri-County Health Care updates visitor restrictions
- November 23, 2020: TCHC receives grant from Otter Bremer Trust for COVID-19 assistance
- November 17, 2020: TCHC Holiday Auction goes virtual
- November 13, 2020: Joint Letter to Community: Stop the Spread
- November 5, 2020: TCHC expands cardiology partnership with CentraCare
- October 23, 2020: General surgeon joins Tri-County Health Care team
- October 8, 2020: Three TCHC staff receive Foundation scholarships
- September 28, 2020: Tri-County Health Care schedules flu shot clinics
- September 24, 2020: Tri-County Health Care Foundation offering grants
- August 25, 2020: TCHC earns platinum recognition for promoting organ, eye and tissue donation
- July 17, 2020: Congressman Stauber Commends TCHC for Leadership
- July 13, 2020: TCHC's Newest Provider Offers Wide Range of Care
- July 6, 2020: TCHC named a National Standard Top Workplace
- June 4, 2020: Tri-County Health Care Schedules Second Mask Distribution in Wadena
- June 1, 2020: Tri-County Health Care Clinics Return To Normal Hours
- May 21, 2020: Tri-County Health Care Schedules Mask Distribution Events
- May 11, 2020: Tri-County Health Care to Distribute Free Face Masks
- April 23, 2020: Tri-County Health Care Now Offers Video Visits
- March 13, 2020: 33rd Annual EMS Program Recognizes Life-Saving Personnel
- February 26, 2020: Tri-County Health Care to host Wellebrate on March 14
- February 10, 2020: Tri-County Health Care opens breast milk donation site
- January 31, 2020: TCHC is prepared in the event of coronavirus outbreak
- January 22, 2020: TCHC named Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace
- January 14, 2020: EMT-Basic course offered at Tri-County Health Care
- January 8, 2020: Wylan Joseph is first baby of the new year at TCHC
- January 7, 2020: TCHC Foundation awards six scholarships
- December 26, 2019: TCHC Foundation awards grant to Sebeka School District
- December 26, 2019: TCHC Foundation awards grant to Henning School District
- November 13, 2019: Tri-County Health Care recognized by Minnesota Hospital Association for excellence in quality and patient safety
- November 8, 2019: All Heart Gala a success, nets over $25,000
- November 4, 2019: Tri-County Health Care appoints two chief officers
- October 30, 2019: Mental health provider joins Tri-County Health Care
- October 16, 2019: Local students receive Jim Lawson Memorial Scholarship
- October 4, 2019: TCHC Foundation gears up for 2nd Annual All Heart Gala
- September 26, 2019: Learn to manage chronic pain in free class
- September 19, 2019: Tri-County Health Care to host flu clinics
- September 10, 2019: Tri-County Health Care to sponsor Mobile Food Drop
- September 4, 2019: TCHC to co-host Affordable Insulin Roundtable
- August 27, 2019: Michelle Allred receives TCHC scholarship
- August 27, 2019: Leah Weber awarded TCHC nursing scholarship
- August 27, 2019: TCHC Foundation awards scholarships to area students
- August 20, 2019: Foundation Golf Classic raises $21,400 for scholarships, grants
- August 6, 2019: ENT specialist expands access at TCHC
- August 1, 2019: Orthopedics physician assistant joins Henning clinic
- July 31, 2019: TCHC named a National Standard Top Workplace
- July 29, 2019: TCHC honored for promoting organ, eye and tissue donation
- July 24, 2019: Physician Dylan Folkestad to serve the Bertha clinic
- July 18, 2019: Block Party features helicopter tours, K-9 demonstrations
- July 3, 2019: Tri Orthopedics celebrates 100th joint replacement surgery
- July 3, 2019: All invited to TCHC Block Party
- June 28, 2019: Tri-County Health Care moves forward with property decision
- June 24, 2019: TCHC midwife to offer care in Ottertail
- June 18, 2019: More than 100 people attend Sunnybrook Stomp
- June 13, 2019: Parkers Prairie School District awarded $1,600 grant
- May 22, 2019: Tri-County hosts 38th annual Sunnybrook Stomp (PDF)
- May 16, 2019: General surgeon joins Tri-County Health Care team (PDF)
- May 15, 2019: Public invited to TCHC seminar on Bertha Clinic (PDF)
- April 30, 2019: Wellebrate draws crowd for health education, Lindsay Whalen (PDF)
- April 24, 2019: Public invited to TCHC seminars on building project (PDF)
- April 5, 2019: Tri-County Health Care's new event Wellebrate is April 29 (PDF)
- April 2, 2019: Donate Life ceremony recognizes eye, organ and tissue donors (PDF)
- March 20, 2019: Tri-County Health Care faces exciting crossroads (PDF)
- March 13, 2019: EMS program highlights nutrition, mental health (PDF)
- March 13, 2019: Tri-County Health Care Foundation offers grants (PDF)
- March 11, 2019: Coleman retires after 24 years on TCHC Board (PDF)
- February 25, 2019: Area teens invited to volunteer at Tri-County Health Care (PDF)
- February 22, 2019: TCHC goes blue to raise colorectal cancer awareness (PDF)
- February 19, 2019: TCHC Foundation offers nursing scholarship (PDF)
- February 7, 2019: Influenza season ramping up, not too late for vaccine (PDF)
- February 4, 2019: Warmer weather draws crowd for February Festival of Health (PDF)
- January 23, 2019: TCHC Foundation offers high school scholarships (PDF)
- January 17, 2019: Tri Aquatics Moms Course to be held Feb. 5 (PDF)
- January 15, 2019: Help improve the health of your community with survey (PDF)
- January 9, 2019: February Festival of Health set for Feb. 2 (PDF)
- January 8, 2019: EMT-Basic course offered at Tri-County Health Care (PDF)
- January 3, 2019: Avery Kate is first baby of 2019 at Tri-County Health Care (PDF)
- December 14, 2018: Tri-County Health Care hosts orthopedic, arthritis seminars
- December 12, 2018: Tri-County Health Care raises funds for patients, local causes (PDF)
- December 3, 2018: TCHC Sebeka clinic hosts holiday open house (PDF)
- November 26, 2018: Certified physician assistant joins Tri-County team
- November 19, 2018: Family nurse practitioner joins Tri-County team
- November 19, 2018: Paige Hartman receives Jim Lawson Memorial Scholarship (PDF)
- November 12, 2018: TCHC combines men's and women's events, introduces Wellebrate (PDF)
- November 6, 2018: Lutheran Island Camp and Retreat Center receives $10,000 grant
- November 1, 2018: Free moms event highlights TCHC midwifery services
- October 29, 2018: Physician joins Tri-County Health Care
- October 22, 2018: Duck drop proceeds benefit community mental health (PDF)
- October 18, 2018: All Heart Gala a success, nets more than $38,000 (PDF)
- October 17, 2018: TCHC introduces new nutrition support group (PDF)
- October 15, 2018: Tri-County Health Care partners with visiting ophthalmologist (PDF)
- October 15, 2018: Embrace Women's Health Clinic to close
- October 11, 2018: TCHC to host orthopedics informational event (PDF)
- September 17, 2018: Tri-County Health Care introduces eClinic service (PDF)
- September 14, 2018: Tri-County Health Care to host flu clinics (PDF)
- September 14, 2018: Family nurse practitioner joins TCHC's Sebeka team
- September 13, 2018: TCHC Foundation introduces first All Heart Gala (PDF)
- September 6, 2018: Full orthopedic program, total joint replacements come to Tri-County Health Care
- September 5, 2018: Emergency medicine physician joins Tri-County Health Care
- August 30, 2018: OB/GYN joins Tri-County Health Care team
- August 27, 2018: Golf Classic achieves record year, raises $21,000 for TCHC Foundation (PDF)
- July 20, 2018: Tri Aquatics Moms Course to be held Aug. 7 (PDF)
- July 19, 2018: Swisse, Crider awarded Marquardt-Prindle scholarships (PDF)
- July 18, 2018: Seventh annual Block Party features community duck drop
- July 11, 2018: Tri-County Health Care introduces lung cancer screenings
- June 27, 2018: Tri-County Health Care hosts seventh annual Block Party (PDF)
- June 25, 2018: Sunnybrook Stomp attracts more than 60 participants (PDF)
- June 20, 2018: Stacy White receives the TCHC Foundation nursing scholarship (PDF)
- June 19, 2018: TCHC Foundation awards scholarships to area students
- June 4, 2018: Tri-County Health Care Foundation to host Duck Drop (PDF)
- June 1, 2018: Wadena farmers market moves to new location
- May 31, 2018: Tri-County hosts 37th annual Sunnybrook Stomp (PDF)
- May 30, 2018: Car seat clinic to be held at the Ottertail clinic (PDF)
- May 24, 2018: Tri-County Health Care partners with Essentia podiatrist
- May 21, 2018: Trails4Transplants kicks off trail ride at Garden of Hope
- May 16, 2018: Tri-County Health Care recognized for antibiotic stewardship (PDF)
- May 16, 2018: Soprano singer, medical student to perform concert (PDF)
- May 2, 2018: Free health assessments, lab work offered to area residents
- April 17, 2018: TCHC introduces foot care clinics (PDF)
- April 17, 2018: Men's Night Out draws more than 400 attendees
- April 16, 2018: TCHC physician student performs at Carnegie Hall (PDF)
- April 11, 2018: Sue Nathe named Distinguished Member of MHIMA (PDF)
- April 9, 2018: Sebeka Fire and Rescue receives TCHC Foundation grant
- April 6, 2018: TCHC paramedic presented Star of Life award (PDF)
- April 4, 2018: Garden of Hope dedicated at TCHC
- March 22, 2018: Two advanced practice providers join TCHC rural clinics (PDF)
- March 20, 2018: EMS program draws more than 120 personnel
- March 15, 2018: TCHC Foundation offers high school scholarships (PDF)
- March 13, 2018: Physician assistant joins TCHC ReadyCare team
- March 9, 2018: Tri-County, Lakewood staff take the plunge for Special Olympics Minnesota
- February 27, 2018: Justin Morneau is Men's Night Out keynote speaker (PDF)
- February 22, 2018: New provider joins TCHC Wadena Clinic behavioral health
- February 9, 2018: TCHC chooses name for prenatal/OB program (PDF)
- February 8, 2018: Volunteer opportunity in health care available to area teens (PDF)
- February 6, 2018: More than 500 people attend February Festival of Health
- February 2, 2018: Tri-County Health Care earns ACR ultrasound accreditation (PDF)
- January 24, 2018: TCHC awarded grant for opioid management program
- January 17, 2018: TCHC's February Festival of Health slated for Feb. 3 (PDF)
- January 16, 2018: Tri-County Health Care awarded hospital accreditation from The Joint Commission (PDF)
- January 12, 2018: Faren Elizabeth is first baby of the year at TCHC
- January 9, 2018: TCHC recognized nationally for promoting organ donation (PDF)
- December 29, 2017: TCHC restricts visitors due to influenza activity
- December 27, 2017: TCHC hires new vice president of patient care services
- December 22, 2017: TCHC Foundation awards six scholarships (PDF)
- December 6, 2017: TCHC introduces prenatal yoga for expectant mothers (PDF)
- November 30, 2017: TCHC seeks new name for prenatal/OB program (PDF)
- November 30, 2017: New physician joins TCHC Ottertail Clinic (PDF)
- November 28, 2017: Physician added to TCHC emergency department (PDF)
- November 10, 2017: Tri-County EMS offers free Stop the Bleed kits to public (PDF)
- November 3, 2017: New physician assistant joins TCHC Henning Clinic (PDF)
- October 18, 2017: Tri-County Health Care introduces new midwife program (PDF)
- October 11, 2017: Overhauled women's health event a hit with attendees (PDF)
- October 3, 2017: Two providers join Verndale Clinic (PDF)
- September 29, 2017: Tri-County Health Care CEO descends for diabetes (PDF)
- September 28, 2017: Brett Brockpahler receives Jim Lawson Memorial Scholarship (PDF)
- September 26, 2017: Goodbye, Women's Day Out. Hello, Live Pink! (PDF)
- September 11, 2017: Tri Aquatics Moms Course strengthens, stabilizes and soothes (PDF)
- September 7, 2017: TCHC Foundation donates AED funds to police department (PDF)
- August 31, 2017: Tri-County Health Care dedicates new ambulance (PDF)
- August 23, 2017: Henning Clinic ranked one of top 15 performers in state (PDF)
- August 15, 2017: Golf Classic raises $13,000 for Tri-County Health Care Foundation (PDF)
- August 4, 2017: Urologists join Tri-County Health Care specialty services (PDF)
- July 19, 2017: Sixth annual TCHC Block Party draws 1,200 people (PDF)
- July 14, 2017: OB/GYN Beth Helgerson joins Tri-County Health Care (PDF)
- June 29, 2017: Tri-County Health Care hosts sixth annual Block Party (PDF)
- June 28, 2017: Tri-County Health Care earns ACR accreditation
- June 27, 2017: TCHC Foundation awards scholarships to area students (PDF)
- June 27, 2017: TCHC Foundation awards Marquardt-Prindle Scholarship (PDF)
- June 27, 2017: Shelby Pulju receives TCHC Foundation nursing scholarship (PDF)
- June 19, 2017: Successful Sunnybrook Stomp perseveres during downpour (PDF)
- June 1, 2017: Sunnybrook Stomp (PDF)
- May 26, 2017: Tri-County Health Care Auxiliary elects new leaders (PDF)
- May 16, 2017: Descending for diabetes (PDF)
- May 11, 2017: Tri Aquatics Moms Course (PDF)
Healthy Times Issues
- Healthy Times Winter 2022 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Fall 2021 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Summer 2021 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Fall 2020 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Winter 2020 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Summer 2019 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Spring 2019 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Fall 2018 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Summer 2018 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Winter 2018 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Fall 2017 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Summer 2017 (PDF)
- Healthy Times Spring 2017 (PDF)
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:
Michael Denny
Content Strategist
Email: michael.denny@tchc.org
Office: 218-632-8181