United Hospital District

02/11/2026

Transforming Care—Right Here at Home

United Hospital District is proud to announce the beginning of an exciting new chapter in local healthcare: UHD is bringing a state-of-the-art MRI system to our region, made possible by a generous $1.5 million gift from the Mike and Tami Hoffman Family Foundation.

This transformational investment will allow patients to receive advanced MRI imaging right here at home, supporting earlier detection, more accurate diagnoses, and personalized treatment plans—without the burden of long-distance travel.

Planning is underway with construction expected to start in early spring. The MRI is expected to be open to patients in January 2027.

We are deeply grateful to Mike and Tami Hoffman for their incredible generosity and commitment to strengthening rural healthcare. This gift will impact countless lives for years to come.

Stay tuned as we share updates along the way and take you behind the scenes of this exciting journey.

02/09/2026

National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week! ❤️

At United Hospital District, we’re celebrating Cardiac Rehab Nurse Jennifer Ihle, RN, who helps patients heal, regain strength, and move forward after a heart event. With compassion, expertise, and encouragement, Jen has played a vital role in helping patients rebuild their lives—right here in our community—for the past 14 years specializing in cardiac rehab and 20 years total at UHD.

In rural communities, having a local hospital can make all the difference. When someone is having a heart attack, every minute matters. Having emergency care close to home can save lives. And when the crisis is over, recovery is just beginning. Cardiac rehab provides the guidance, support, and confidence patients need to return to everyday life, surrounded by familiar faces and trusted care.

Heart health isn’t just about emergencies—it’s about prevention. Routine screenings like cholesterol and glucose tests are simple but powerful tools that can help detect potential issues early and keep your heart strong for years to come. Visit uhd.org to learn more about our free heart health screenings this month.

We’re also sharing a powerful story from the Faribault County Register about John Roper and his journey through a heart attack, open-heart surgery, and recovery. After lifesaving care and surgery, John returned home and became a cardiac rehab patient at UHD, working closely with Jen on his path to healing. Check out the full story here: https://www.faribaultcountyregister.com/news/local-news/2025/12/21/surviving-a-heart-attack-open-heart-surgery/

His story is a reminder of why rural hospitals and cardiac rehab programs matter—and of the incredible impact that dedicated caregivers like Jen have on the lives of patients and families every day.

Thank you, Jen, for the compassion and care you bring to our community. And thank you to our patients for trusting UHD with your heart health.

Learn more about Jen as a cardiac rehab nurse and the important work she does every day in this story: https://www.keyc.com/sponsored/united-hospital-district/heart-health-close-home-uhd/

02/06/2026

At United Hospital District, we’re proud to have Mandy Carr, PA-C, caring for patients at our Blue Earth Clinic. Mandy is a board-certified provider specializing in family medicine, with medical interests in psychiatry and pediatrics.

Mandy says it best: “I consider it my responsibility to provide compassionate, evidence-based, personalized care to each and every one of my patients.”

Patients appreciate Mandy’s approachable nature and the genuine care she brings to every visit, helping build trust and lasting relationships. One recently shared:

“Mandy Carr and Andrea Kuhns are a wonderful pair. They both have a passion for what they do, and they make you feel safe and at ease to discuss any topic with your health. Thank you for making me feel comfortable to talk about anything! UHD has the best team and care around!”

Another patient said:

“My first visit with Mandy was the first time I had ever met her, but you wouldn’t have known it by how personable she was right from the start. She made me feel comfortable immediately—almost like talking with a friend—while still being professional and extremely knowledgeable. She made it easy to open up about mental health concerns I had by being relatable and understanding.”

We’re so grateful to have Mandy as part of the UHD family—providing care that makes our community feel heard, supported, and truly cared for.

02/02/2026

United Hospital District is proud to share a meaningful new partnership that’s strengthening care for families right here in our communities. UHD officially launched a Tele-NICU collaboration with Children’s Minnesota, expanding access to specialized newborn expertise—while keeping families close to home.

Through this partnership, our care teams can connect in real time with neonatal specialists from Children’s Minnesota to support high-risk deliveries and newborn care whenever advanced consultation is needed. That means timely, expert guidance for our tiniest patients, without families having to immediately travel long distances.

See some of our team members taking part in hands-on simulation trainings, preparing for real-life scenarios and working together to deliver the very best care when it matters most.

This collaboration strengthens our local obstetric and newborn services and reflects our continued commitment to providing high-quality care—close to home—when families need it most.

01/30/2026

Provider Spotlight!

At United Hospital District, we’re proud to spotlight Dr. Bob Karp, MD, who has been caring for families at our Blue Earth and Fairmont locations with compassion, dedication, and a true commitment to community.

Dr. Karp is a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine and obstetrics and has been a valued member of the UHD team since 2013. For many years, he has been there for families through routine visits, and some of life’s most meaningful milestones—including welcoming new babies.

Our patients say it best:
“Dr. Karp is a great provider to see no matter what you need. He truly cares and is very compassionate about his patients. Thank you, UHD, for making me feel at home!”

“Dr. Karp, the surgery crew, and the OB nurses Brianna and Alecia were absolutely amazing. They made me feel right at home and were so compassionate. I would 10/10 recommend them to any of my family and friends. UHD is truly a wonderful place, and I wouldn’t go anywhere else!”

Thank you, Dr. Karp, for your years of dedication, your compassion, and the trusted care you provide to families across our communities.

01/29/2026

Your Health Comes First — Always.

We understand that recent events and conversations in our communities may be creating uncertainty for some.

During times like this, one thing remains unchanged at United Hospital District: our commitment to caring for people.

UHD is here to provide compassionate, high-quality care to all. We provide care to every patient who comes through our doors.

Our focus is — and will always be — your health and well-being.

If you or your family need care, please know we are here for you, close to home.

01/28/2026

Cervical Health Awareness!

Cervical health is an important part of women’s overall wellness. Routine screenings, such as Pap tests, play a key role in detecting changes early and helping prevent cervical cancer.

Regular screenings can identify potential concerns before symptoms appear, allowing for timely care and better health outcomes. Staying up to date with recommended screenings is one of the most effective steps women can take to protect their long-term health.

At United Hospital District, our providers are committed to delivering respectful, high-quality care in a comfortable setting. If you are due for a cervical health screening or have questions about recommended testing, we encourage you to contact your local UHD Clinic to schedule an appointment.

Prioritizing preventive care today helps support a healthier future.

Contact your UHD Clinic to learn more or schedule an appointment.

01/27/2026

February is American Heart Month — and UHD is here to help you take care of your heart! ❤️

Next month, in honor of American Heart Month, United Hospital District Clinics will once again offer FREE Heart Health Screenings (glucose & cholesterol) at all three clinic locations.

• By appointment only — no walk-ins.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Limit one free screening per person.
• Please arrive fasting (nothing to eat or drink after midnight).
• Results will be mailed to you.

Blue Earth Clinic
• Every Thursday | 7:30–8:15 a.m.
• Call to schedule: (507) 526-7388

Wells Clinic
• Every Thursday | 7:30–8:15 a.m.
• Call to schedule: (507) 553-6550

Fairmont Clinic
• Every Friday | 7:30–8:15 a.m.
• Call to schedule: (507) 238-1287

A quick screening today can help protect your heart tomorrow.
Schedule your appointment now to save your spot for February!

01/23/2026

Provider Spotlight!

We’re excited to spotlight Tim Soelter, PA-C, a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in Orthopedics. Tim provides compassionate, comprehensive care at both our Blue Earth and Fairmont Clinics.

He is committed to recognizing each patient as a unique individual, building trusting relationships, and guiding patients confidently through their healing journey.

Here's what patients are saying about Tim:
"Tim Soelter, always goes above and beyond when it comes to making sure his patients' voices are heard and makes sure that their plan of action takes their wants into consideration. I cannot say enough good things about how lucky UHD is for having him on their team."
"Tim Soelter was awesome with doing my daughter's cast and doing it how she wanted, red, white, and blue. Thanks!"
"I think Tim Soelter is an excellent provider. He listens to your concerns. He's personable and friendly, and the nurses are also very attentive as well, I'd highly recommend him."

We’re thankful for Tim’s commitment to our community and his ability to help patients feel heard, supported, and confident in their care.

01/21/2026

Happy National CRNA Week!

Today we’re giving a big THANK YOU to the amazing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who help take great care of our patients right here at United Hospital District.

Our CRNAs are advanced practice providers who keep patients safe and comfortable before, during, and after procedures—monitoring every step along the way and making sure recovery goes smoothly. With extensive training and national certification, they bring both expertise and a calming presence when it matters most.

Did you know? CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural America, making them an especially important part of healthcare in our community. We’re lucky to have such a skilled and dedicated team close to home!

Let’s hear it for our UHD CRNA team:
• Laraine Klunder
• Cyndi Jensen
• Jeffrey Eikanger
• Aaron Juliar

Thank you for the care, comfort, and confidence you provide our patients every day!

01/19/2026

Dr. David Heine, MD, a Board-Certified physician serving patients at UHD’s Wells Clinic, believes the foundation of great care is truly knowing his patients.

He takes time to listen, understand each person’s story, and learn what matters most to them and their health goals. By getting to know each patient, he helps them feel supported, understood, and confident throughout their visit.

With a focus on chronic condition management and long-term health coaching, Dr. Heine blends his medical knowledge with strong patient relationships to help each person live their best life.

UHD values Dr. Heine not only for his expertise and compassionate care but also as a trusted and dedicated member of our healthcare team, committed to making a difference for every patient who walks through our doors.

01/17/2026

Healthy Recipes, Brought to You by UHD!

Finding meals that are tasty, healthy, and easy to make can be a challenge, especially during the winter months. That’s why United Hospital District is sharing simple, nourishing recipes from The Real Food Dietitians—made for real life and busy schedules.

We’re kicking things off with a winter favorite: Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Cozy, filling, and made right in the crockpot, this comforting recipe requires minimal prep and is gluten-free with an easy dairy-free option.

Packed with protein from high-quality chicken, nourishing bone broth, wild rice, and plenty of vegetables, this soup is a well-balanced, feel-good meal perfect for chilly days.

Click the link to find the recipe and warm up this weekend!

Tried the recipe? Share a photo in the comments—we’d love to see your soup!



Recipe By: Stacie Hassing, RDN, LD. “Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Easy + Gluten Free).” The Real Food Dietitians, 22 Nov. 2024, therealfooddietitians.com/slow-cooker-creamy-chicken-wild-rice-soup/.

Enjoy this creamy and flavorful chicken and wild rice soup, created to where you can enjoy it gluten and dairy-free without having to sacrifice any flavor.