HealthPartners

At HealthPartners, we're always looking for new tools to simplify health care. Iris is one those tools. It's a digital health service available to many of our HealthPartners members. It offers 24/7 access to a team of oncology nurses who provide expert, personalized advice on managing side effects, questions for the doctor and assistance with treatment navigation. HealthPartners member Latonya Smith used Iris when she was struggling with side effects from radiation therapy. Her cancer clinic was closed, but she needed some guidance. “It was good to get reassurance until I could get back into clinic to see my oncologist,” Latonya said. “My nurse has helped me through complications from chemo and radiation therapy, explained what surgery would look like and gave me tips to make it easier – things you don’t even think of, like rearranging items around the house to make life a little easier after surgery.” She also had access to a nutritionist and therapist through Iris, both offering oncology-specific recommendations in line with her clinic care teams. Iris also provides a wide range of resources such as articles and on-demand webinars. Iris is helping members on their journey toward wellness.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month and we’re reinforcing our commitment to ending the stigma surrounding mental health. That stigma can keep people from seeking support or receiving the care they need and deserve. Through the Make It OK campaign, thousands of ambassadors and community partners have promoted increased understanding and caring conversations around mental health. We recently updated our Make It OK website to better facilitate those conversations. The enhanced website includes in-depth content on both mental illnesses and mental health and well-being, including resources specifically developed for groups such as veterans, teens, seniors and people of color. These comprehensive resources offer equitable access to information, which represents a commitment to supporting all individuals on their mental health journeys. “We believe supporting the diverse perspective of communities with relevant resources will build partnership momentum as we work together to end the stigma of mental health and illnesses,” said Marna Canterbury, our vice president of community health and partnerships. Learn more about the Make It OK Campaign: https://bit.ly/3WGylbz

Compassion is integral to health care, and we're fortunate to have many colleagues who embody it daily. This heartwarming story illustrates one such example, where the compassionate care from our team at Westfields made a family's bittersweet journey a little brighter. When Annie Thaemert announced her first pregnancy, her mom, Leya Gaynor, was battling cancer. Leya's goal was to make it to the baby’s due date. But Leya’s condition worsened throughout the fall until the day after Thanksgiving when she made the decision to go into hospice care. At this point, the baby's sex remained a secret. Annie shared that by keeping it secret, it gave her mom "the motivation to fight longer to stay around.” As Leya's health worsened, she felt a pressing need to learn the gender of her unborn grandchild. But there was one problem, Annie’s next appointment was several days away. Enter Dr. Joe Renier, a physician and hospitalist at Westfields. Without hesitation, he brought an ultrasound machine into Leya's room. With Annie reclined on the couch, Dr. Renier was able to get a clear view of the baby. After determining the baby's sex, Dr. Renier leaned in and quietly whispered it into Leya’s ear. “She was very content with that,” he recalls. “She smiled and said, ‘thank you.’” Leya passed away a few days later, but not before she got her last wish. “I really wanted nothing more than for my mom to meet my baby, but her being able to find out the sex was the next best thing,” Annie says. “I can’t say enough how meaningful the experience was for me, and for my mom as well.” A few months later, Annie gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Today is our moment to honor the moms in our lives, both those here with us and those we cherish in memory.

Early in her career at Regions Hospital, Emergency Center nurse Erika Stel was caring for a patient experiencing a miscarriage. While the patient's medical needs were met, Erika recognized the need for more compassionate support during such distressing times. Erika embarked on a mission. Since that day, Erika has developed a solution in the form of “fetal loss care kits.” These thoughtfully curated kits contain essential items to address patients' physical needs while fostering remembrance, dignity and healing. In each kit, patients will find materials to discreetly bring home soiled clothing, pregnancy and infant loss resources as well as heart-shaped stones, a remembrance poem and a card signed by their care team. "Equipping patients with these items and resources is pivotal in offering support during their difficult journey," Erika explains. "Experiencing a pregnancy loss in the ER leaves an indelible mark, but we can soften the experience by providing tangible support." This National Nurses Week, we salute Erika and all our nurses for embodying the spirit of being partners for good, extending kindness and compassion to patients during their most vulnerable moments.

We are all the patient experience! In recognition of Patient Experience Week, we’d like to thank each of our colleagues who are trusted partners to our patients and families and our entire community. And whether you see us online, in our clinics or at our hospitals, we’d also like to thank you – our 1.3 million patients – for choosing us for your care and service. It’s our greatest privilege. To the best teams and best patients, happy Patient Experience Week from all of us at HealthPartners! We’re grateful to be your partners for good.

Abraham Westlund, a phlebotomist at Methodist Hospital, dedicates his days to drawing blood, conducting screenings and managing lab specimens. Yet, his impact stretches beyond medical tasks. When he's not in the lab, Abraham often shares his musical talents, playing the piano and singing in the hospital lounge. His music isn't just entertainment; it's a source of comfort and solace for patients. In one touching instance, Abraham's song moved a patient so deeply that her family requested him to perform at her memorial service. He chose a song that held significance for the patient during her hospitalization. “I see it as my job to put a smile on someone’s face,” Abraham says. “Even on hard days, in hard situations, if I can make whatever time they have left better, that’s what I want to do.” For Abraham, bringing a smile to someone's face is more than just a job — it's a mission. Even amidst challenging circumstances, Abraham aims to leave a positive impact on their lives.

Dodie is an incredible example of why it’s so important for organizations to provide pathways for career development. For more than 30 years, HealthPartners peers and leaders have given Dodie the support she needed to step into new roles.

This National Volunteer Week, let's follow Ed Nowak's lead and be partners for good in our communities. Ed is a business analyst for our health plan. He also does a lot of volunteering. “The first time I remember volunteering, my teacher asked for someone to run a film projector for the class, and I immediately put my hand up,” says Ed. He volunteers at work, supporting holiday toy drives and helping out at Medicare seminars. Even outside of work, he's committed to various organizations such as the Humane Society, Meals on Wheels, and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to donating his time, Ed also donates his blood. He started donating when he enlisted in the Army reserves. He recently found out he has O negative and CMV negative blood type. This makes him a "Hero for Babies," as the Red Cross says it's the safest blood for immune deficient newborns needing transfusions. “HealthPartners supports communities and events around the Twin Cities and makes it easy for employees to volunteer for different events,” he says. “I also have a manager that is supportive of my desire to volunteer.”

We’re excited to announce Emily Blomberg is the next president of Regions Hospital! Emily starts at Regions on June 13. The Rochester native returns to Minnesota after serving as chief operating officer for University of Iowa Health Care. She was COO for Hennepin Healthcare from 2017-2022. Join us in congratulating Emily and welcoming her to HealthPartners! Learn more about Emily: https://bit.ly/4b57hqe