Month: October 2021

Altru Health System has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Altru earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions

“Altru is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get with The Guidelines-Stroke initiative,” said Steven Weiser, MD, and President of Altru Health System. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”

Altru additionally received the Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes and Honor Roll Elite Award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed with more than 90% of compliance for 12 consecutive months for the “Overall Diabetes Cardiovascular Initiative Composite Score.”

Altru has also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.

“We are pleased to recognize Altru for their commitment to stroke care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice-Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get with The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

The post ALTRU HEALTH SYSTEM RECEIVES GET WTH THE GUIDLINES-STROKE GOLD PLUS QUALITY ACHIEVMENT AWARD appeared first on KROX.

MnDOT announced today motorists on Highway 2 between Highway 32 and Erskine can now access both eastbound and westbound lanes. Motorists will experience lane closures while crews complete striping and rumble strips. The project is expected to be complete by mid-November, weather permitting.

During the project, crews installed a J-turn at Marcoux corner. It also included replacing the concrete pavement on the eastbound lanes between Highway 32 and two miles west of Erskine, as well as a portion east of Erskine near the weigh station.

Hoffman Construction was the contractor for the $22.3 million project. The improvements provide a smoother roadway and increase safety. For more information, visit the website at www.mndot.gov/d2/projects/2021/hwy2-rci.

J-turns decrease fatalities and injuries caused by T-bone crashes on four-lane divided highways. In some parts of the country, they are sometimes referred to as R-CUTs, Michigan Lefts, or Reduced Conflict Intersections. J-turns improve safety, with up to a 70 percent reduction in injury crashes nationwide.

Important reminders for motorists regarding work zone safety:

• Slow down when approaching every work zone, then navigate through with care and caution.
• Stay alert; work zones constantly change.
• Watch for workers and slow-moving equipment.
• Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300.
• Minimize distractions behind the wheel.
• Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

The post HIGHWAY 2 PROJECT FROM HIGHWAY 32 TO ERSKINE NEAR COMPLETION appeared first on KROX.

On Friday, October 29, at approximately 7:39 a.m., the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a residential fire at 130 5th Ave NE in the City of McIntosh. McIntosh Fire Department and Fosston Essentia Ambulance also responded.

The residence was unoccupied and there were no injuries. The fire appears to have originated in an oil furnace located in the basement. There was no damage reported as a result of the fire. The owner of the residence, Northwest Minnesota Multi-County HRA, was in the process of replacing the furnace at the time of the fire.

No further information will be released.

The post POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RESPONDS TO RESIDENTIAL FIRE IN MCINTOSH appeared first on KROX.

Today, Governor Tim Walz announced that COVID-19 first dose vaccinations are up nearly 40% among Minnesotans 12-17 years old in just one week since the launch of the “Kids Deserve a Shot” campaign.

Six months into 12-17-year-olds being eligible, the state launched the “Kids Deserve a Shot” campaign to help drive up vaccination in the youth population, an age group that currently has the lowest vaccination rate. The first week of the campaign, more than 2,200 Minnesotans 12-17 got their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, compared to just 1,600 the week before.

“Every shot in the arm helps us fight COVID-19, and we’re excited to reward every 12-17-year-old who joins us in that fight,” said Governor Walz. “Whether kids have completed their vaccine series or haven’t started yet, there’s a reward for them. There are only 12 days left to get your first dose and be eligible for that $200 in your pocket, and every fully vaccinated 12-17-year-old can register for their shot at $100,000 for college.”

“It’s great to see Minnesotans youth stepping up, getting their shots, and taking advantage of these rewards,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “You’ll get $200 for starting your vaccine series by November 9, and five Minnesotans 12-17 years old will get a $100,000 college scholarship for being fully vaccinated— don’t miss this opportunity to be one of them!”

UPCOMING DEADLINE: The deadline for 12-17-year-olds to get their first shot and be eligible for the $200 Visa gift card is just over a week away on Tuesday, November 9. Minnesotans 12-17 years old who start and complete their two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series between October 18 and November 30 are eligible to receive a $200 Visa gift card. All

Next week the state will announce the Minnesota experience drawings that will happen each week in addition to the $100,000 Minnesota college scholarship drawings. Kids 12-17 must receive both doses of COVID-19 vaccine before being entered into the drawings. All Minnesotans ages 12-17 who have completed their two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series at any time by the entry deadlines are eligible for the drawings.

The post GOVERNOR WALZ ANNOUNCES VACCINATIONS UP NEARLY 40% AMONG MINNESOTA 12-17-YEAR-OLDS appeared first on KROX.

The UMC Torch & Shield Award Banquet will take place next week on Wednesday, November 3, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The Torch & Shield Award recognizes individuals who have provided leadership and aided in the development of the University of Minnesota Crookston, Northwest Research and Outreach Center, and Extension. It is the highest award an individual can receive from the campus.

This year’s recipients are Jason Brantner and Lyle Westrom.

The Torch & Shield Award:

• Honors contributions of significance to higher education, the Crookston campus, and the region
• Recognizes champions of UMN Crookston, NWROC, and Extension for their impact on the region through teaching, research, and outreach.
• Distinguish both high profile individuals and those who have been “quiet” contributors to the success of UMN Crookston.

RSVPs are required by Monday, November 1 at noon and can be made by contacting Angelika Huglen at ahuglen@umn.edu or 218-281-8401. The cost is $60 per person. Cocktail or black-tie attire is preferred.

Torch & Shield evening information:

5:30 p.m. Program | Kiehle Auditorium 

6:30 p.m. Social | Kiehle Rotunda

7:30 p.m. Dinner | Brown Dining Room

The post UMC TORCH & SHIELD AWARD BANQUET SLATED FOR NOVEMBER 3 appeared first on KROX.

The Minnesota Department of Health released the COVID-19 numbers for today and the state reported 3,348 cases with 16 deaths. 2 deaths were reported in northwest Minnesota, 1 in Roseau County, and 1 in Beltrami County. Polk County reported 23 new cases with five probable, Roseau County had 19, Norman County had 9 with one probable, Red Lake County had 3 with one probable, Pennington County had 3 with five probable, and Mahnomen County had 2,

All the information is below –

Data is for cases that were tested and returned positive. All data is preliminary and may change as cases are investigated. Many data points are collected during case interviews. Data presented below is for all cases, regardless of interview status. Data for cases pending interview may be listed as “unknown/missing.”

Positive PCR test results are considered confirmed cases. Positive antigen test results are considered probable cases.

All probable cases get the same public health follow up and recommendations as cases confirmed by PCR tests.

Testing

Minnesota Case Overview

Patients no longer needing isolation

Deaths

Hospitalizations

Case Demographics

Age

Gender

Race & Ethnicity

Residence

Cases by County of Residence

County of residence is confirmed during the case interview. At the time of this posting not all interviews have been completed.

As of 10/28/21, likely exposure and residence type are no longer collected for all cases and therefore no longer reported. Archived data can be found in the COVID-19 Weekly Report.

The post MINNESOTA REPORTS 3,348 NEW COVID CASES AND 16 DEATHS, POLK COUNTY HAS 23 NEW CASES appeared first on KROX.

In collaboration with the Crookston Area Chamber, Crookston Visitors Bureau, Downtown Crookston Development Partnership, and select community partners, the Welcome Home Crookston Committee has been regrouped to revitalize the desired program for all new individuals and families that are calling Crookston their home.

This group is not exclusive to Chamber members, and any business is invited to be a part of this opportunity to promote and showcase the great things they have to offer. There will be Welcome Home to Crookston Bags provided to every new resident, whether they are renters or homebuyers.

Things that could be included in the bag include coupons or promotional discounts to businesses and some swag/promotional items. The go-live date is set for January 2, 2022, which will allow ample time for businesses to decide if they would like to participate in the campaign.

If you would like to participate with your business, you can contact Mark Landa at the Chamber at 218-281-4320 or email him at mlanda@visitcrookston.com. You can also ask Landa any other questions you may have or talk to him if you’re interested in becoming a member of the Chamber.

The post CROOKSTON AREA CHAMBER REVITALIZING THE WELCOME HOME CROOKSTON COMMITTEE appeared first on KROX.

The Crookston High School held a Halloween Costume Contest and Parade this morning before classes began. Participants walked around the High School as classmates and teachers watched. There were forty-two total entries from the students, and nine winners were selected by the teachers and received a bag of candy.

The winners were Amelia Horner, Maiya Aguilar, Juliana Goodyke, Taylor Wieland, Adelia Weiland, Emily Balboa, Hattie Weiland, and Luke Noah. There was also one other winner in an inflatable dinosaur that was never identified in full but put down the first name Terrick.

Pictures of the students walking the hallways and a few of the winners from the event can be found down below –

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