Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Minnesota Now with Nina Moini
Cathy Wurzer and Alex Cheng

Allina Health's CEO on the statewide hospital plea for help

Allina Health President and CEO Dr. Penny Wheeler
Allina Health President and CEO Dr. Penny Wheeler speaks to reporters in 2016 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Matt Sepic | MPR News 2016

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

The latest surge of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota has been unrelenting. Since Thanksgiving, the number of active coronavirus cases in the state has gone ever higher, hitting a new peak for 2021 last Friday — and hospitals are overwhelmed.

That’s why leaders from nine major health care systems signed and published a full-page ad in newspapers across the state to ask Minnesotans for help. The presidents and CEOs of North Memorial Health, CentraCare, Allina Health, Mayo Clinic, Hennepin Healthcare, Essentia Health, Fairview Health Services, Children's Minnesota and HealthPartners all say the situation in Minnesota hospitals is critical.

At the beginning of the ad, they write, “We’re heartbroken. We’re overwhelmed.”

Dr. Penny Wheeler, CEO of Allina Health, is one of the signees. She joined Cathy Wurzer with more on the situation.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.