Regions Hospital

Dr. Tom Blee, a trauma surgeon at Regions, took action to help at-risk youth. “There were so many more trauma cases and kids getting injured,” says Dr. Blee. “So, I started to find out what was happening and who could help with this." Dr. Blee co-founded LIFEteam, a mentorship program that helps young people get an education, find housing, and secure jobs while escaping harmful cycles. He also supports addiction recovery and teaches colleagues about gang culture to improve patient care. “We’d meet many young men who had no father, no male role models,” he says. “We’d try to build a team around them to start helping.” Dr. Blee is a partner for good practicing medicine with a purpose. He finds his work with young people deeply fulfilling – a respite from his high-stress day job. “Everyone can change," he says, "And it fills my cup to be a part of that."

As our community sees a surge in respiratory illnesses, our hospitals are busy and our teams are working extremely hard to care for our patients. To help ensure all community members have timely access to care, here are a few reminders of when to seek urgent vs. emergency services and how to stay healthy this time of year. Thank you for helping us out! When to visit urgent care: ?Minor injuries and burns ?Cold and flu symptoms ?Cuts, scrapes and stitches ?Sprains and strains ?Sore throat and strep throat When to visit the emergency room: ?Major injuries and burns ?Chest pain or shortness of breath ?Stomach pain (severe) ?Bleeding you can’t stop ?Allergic reaction (severe) ?Pregnant women in labor ?Poisoning How to stay healthy: ?Stay home if you or your family are sick ?Wash hands often ?Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve, not your hands ?Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and mobile devices ?Avoid close contact with sick people ?Mask when appropriate ?Stay up to date on vaccinations

The new year always brings something new for Xiongmee Chang. When the calendar goes from December 31 to January 1, the Regions nurse manager resolves to take on two challenges outside her comfort zone. That’s how she became the coach of her son’s track team despite knowing little about track and field. She used the same approach when applying to join the Hmong Nurses Association, Inc. (HNA) Board of Directors this year. HNA’s Twin Cities branch hosts workshops in the Hmong community that provide information and education. “There’s so much out there to teach that, over time, I hope the traditional practice of the Hmong culture and western medicine world meet in the middle,” says Xiongmee. Xiongmee strives to inspire others daily. She's a partner for good making a positive impact on her colleagues, patients and community.

After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Regions Hospital pet therapy volunteer Dave Kettering and his smiley Samoyed dog, Sarah, are headed for retirement.? But before hanging up their leash for a final time, our volunteer services team held a retirement “pawty” for the pair. There were good friends, good memories, and of course, lots of scratches for Sarah. In their years together, Dave and Sarah logged thousands of hours. This includes time with patients and families, training new pet therapy teams and being a familiar favorite at colleague events. Dave has even been invited to – and attended – the funerals of patients whose lives he touched.?? “Dave and Sarah not only provided joy and comfort for our patients, families and colleagues, but they became our friends,” shares Jenny Granovsky, volunteer coordinator. “We will miss Sarah’s fluffy snuggles and Dave’s guidance and wise-crack jokes. They have given so much to our program – all without expecting anything in return.”? A big thank you to Dave and Sarah for leaving their hand – and paw – prints on Regions forever!

Our team is experienced in providing advanced care as a Level I Trauma Center, but they also ensure patients’ basic needs are met, like offering warm clothes during winter. Our colleagues donated nearly 500 winter hats and mittens, ensuring they’re available throughout the hospital for patients in need. Jeff Loeks, supervisor of patient experience, shares, “These donations are incredibly important as we go into the winter season. There isn’t a day that goes by that I haven’t given items away, and every single piece helps somebody.” A big thank you to our colleagues for their generosity and commitment to community. You’re warming the heads, hearts and hands of those we serve!

Do more than just work – make a positive change. Apply to Regions today and be a part of making health care accessible and affordable for our community: https://lnkd.in/gw9842pV

Twin sisters Vanessa Jones and Val Harris started working at Regions Hospital in 1999 and are celebrating 25 years with us this year. They both work in the labor and delivery unit of our Family Birth Center, Vanessa as a patient care assistant and Val in environmental services. They love getting to smile, joke and lean on each other throughout the day. For the twins, working at Regions and being able to interact with patients and their families has been nothing short of "a wonderful experience." See for yourself why colleagues like Val and Vanessa have found a dream career here at Regions – apply today: https://lnkd.in/g--k5vJY

We can't say thank you enough to our Veterans. Earlier this week, on Veteran’s Day, we expressed our gratitude to the many colleagues who have served or are currently serving our country, as well as to those with family members who have done the same. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices you and your families have made. Regions is a proud Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company and our support for veterans takes many forms, including specialized programs like HeroCare. We’re committed to being here for veterans who are our colleagues and patients. To our veterans: thank you for all you’ve given and all we’ve gained through your service — on Veteran’s Day and every day.

Several of our colleagues were included on Minnesota Physician Publishing’s list of 100 Most Influential Health Care Leaders for 2024. The list – published every four years – recognizes individuals helping to make Minnesota a global model of excellence through exemplary leadership in health care. Congratulations to the following leaders: ? Andrea Walsh, president and chief executive officer ? Dr. Nathan T. Chomilo, pediatrician and Medicaid medical director at the Minnesota Department of Human Services ? Dr. Steve Connelly, co-executive medical director ? Dr. David Hamlar, otolaryngology physician and University of Minnesota Medical School DEI council chairman ? Dr. Zeke McKinney, occupational medicine physician and HealthPartners Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency program director ? Megan Remark, executive vice president and chief operating officer ? Dr. Mark Sannes, co-executive medical director

At Regions Hospital, we know a healthy environment is key to a healthy community. That’s why we have a long-standing commitment to energy efficiency and conservation. We’re excited to share that Regions Hospital has recently received the 2024 Sustainability Award from the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA)! In recent years, Regions has committed to this work by: Participating in Xcel Energy’s most comprehensive energy efficiency program, saving 2.5 million kWh of electricity and 83,000 therms of natural gas in the last three years. Installing a solar garden that generated 22 percent of the hospital’s electricity in 2023. Signing onto the Health Sector Climate Pledge through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and working toward a 50 percent reduction in organizational greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. We’re so grateful for our colleagues – including Tyler Minke, Tony Mies, Terry Durant and Josh Knoll (pictured) – who are dedicated to exploring and implementing energy-efficient programs. Their work has tremendous benefits for our patients, colleagues and community.