Astera Health

02/27/2026

Last chance to register.

Join Dr. Alicia Elliott for our upcoming Bite Size Conversation - Your Mental Health: The Elephant on the Couch. This is your final opportunity to save a spot and be part of an open, welcoming conversation about mental health.

Dr. Elliott hopes these events help make talking about mental health feel less intimidating and more comfortable for everyone. She’s looking forward to connecting with our community and answering your questions.

The Elephant on the Couch
Thursday, March 5
5:30 – 7 p.m.
The Depot, Wadena
Free to attend (RSVP required)

Registration closes soon. Save your spot today:
https://hubs.la/Q043_NR70

02/27/2026

There’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to menopause and hormone replacement therapy. If you’re feeling unsure about what’s true, you’re not alone. Dr. Hala Madi, OB/GYN, is helping separate fact from fiction so you can feel confident about your choices.

You may have heard things like:
❌ “HRT is only for hot flashes.”
❌ “HRT always causes cancer.”
❌ “Menopause is something you just have to push through.”

Here’s the truth: HRT can help with more than hot flashes. It may also improve sleep, mood, vaginal health, and bone strength. For many women, when used appropriately, it’s a safe and effective option.

Every woman’s experience with menopause is different. The key is having an open, honest conversation with your provider about your symptoms and goals.

Want to learn more? Read Dr. Madi’s full blog here: https://hubs.la/Q0433dTh0

Learn the facts about hormone replacement therapy for menopause. Dr. Hala Madi explains benefits, risks, myths, and symptoms.

02/26/2026

🌼 Celebrating Our Latest DAISY Award Honoree, Thayda! 🌼

The DAISY Foundation Award recognizes the compassion, clinical skill, and commitment nurses show their patients every day. Thayda was nominated for the exceptional care she provided to a patient experiencing deep pain and heartbreak after a miscarriage. Her kindness and empathy made an incredibly difficult moment more bearable.

Her nomination reads:

“I had an appointment following an ER visit due to a miscarriage. From the moment Thayda called my name she treated me with so much care, offering to hold my things, never rushed me to answer questions and gave me time to grieve the loss my husband and I were experiencing. Once she was finished before leaving the room she reminded me none of it was my fault and that I wasn’t alone. She offered me a hug and asked if there was anything else she could do for me. I am so grateful I was cared for by Thayda, and that she made such a heartbreaking appointment feel a little less painful.”

Thayda, thank you for the meaningful difference you make in the lives of those you serve each and every day.

Drop a shout-out in the comments for a well-deserved DAISY below!

Know a nurse who provided exceptional care at Astera Health? Nominate them here: https://hubs.ly/Q044vlSj0

02/25/2026

Overflowing with joy! Meet Tate Arthur.

View our full online nursery: https://hubs.la/Q044r7580

02/24/2026

Everyone’s mental health journey looks different, and it’s normal to have questions along the way.

Dr. Elliott invites you to join us for our debut Bite Size Conversation: Your Mental Health event. During this session, we'll help explain how different types of behavioral health providers fit into your care and how they can support you on your journey.

Join us for:
The Elephant on the Couch
Thursday, March 5
5:30 – 7 p.m.
The Depot, Wadena
Free to attend (RSVP required)

Save your spot today:
https://hubs.ly/Q043_k6J0

02/23/2026

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

The Astera Health Foundation’s high school scholarship application is still open, but the deadline is coming up soon. If you’re a graduating senior planning a career in healthcare, now is the time to apply.

-Six $1,000 scholarships available
-Applications due April 1, 2026

Get full details and apply today at https://hubs.la/Q041hk7m0

Tag a student who dreams of working in healthcare!

02/22/2026

Learning never stops in healthcare!

We recently hosted an OB Skills Fair Day for our OB nurses and supervisors to strengthen hands-on skills and stay current with best practices in maternal and newborn care. Our own providers led the training, including Dr. Hala Madi, OB/GYN; Allison Freese-Johnson, CNM, Dr. Shaneen Schmidt, and Dr. Paige Selvey.

The team reviewed delivery techniques, fetal monitoring, emergency readiness, water birth support, and newborn equipment such as infant breathing support, jaundice treatment, and our CuddleCot system for families experiencing loss.

We are proud of our team’s commitment to continued learning and exceptional care for moms and babies.

Learn more about our birthing services and team:
https://hubs.la/Q0440zgD0

02/21/2026

Celebrating the career of one of the true stars of Astera!

After more than 45 years of dedicated service, Salli retired on Feb. 12, and current and past coworkers, and family, gathered to honor her remarkable career at Astera Health. Affectionately known as “The Vault,” Salli was entrusted with countless responsibilities over the years. If anyone had a question, she either had the answer or knew exactly who to call.

Her deep knowledge of our organization, commitment to excellence, and embodiment of our core values made her an invaluable team member for more than four decades.

Salli, thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and the steady presence you brought to so many. We wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement!

02/20/2026

Mental health matters, and we’re here to support you.

We’re always looking for meaningful ways to care for our communities. That’s why we’re expanding our Bite Size Conversation series to include Your Mental Health to create more opportunities to connect, learn, and have open conversations in a welcoming space.

Join us for our first session: The Elephant on the Couch
Thursday, March 5
5:30 – 7 p.m.
The Depot, Wadena
Free to attend (RSVP required)

We’ll break down common questions about therapy styles, provider credentials, and medication support in a relaxed, welcoming setting. No pressure. Just honest conversation and helpful information.

Save your spot today: https://hubs.ly/Q043_7ND0

02/19/2026

"Small, satellite clinics play such an important role in health care. For some, it's just proximity, but for others, it's providing care in a trusted and comforting location. I appreciate the effort to keep them open for efficient, quality care, but also the comfort and accessibility for those who need it!"

We couldn't agree more with this patient, and that's exactly what our clinic locations are there for! We want to provide high-quality access to care to all our surrounding communities!

Did you know Shana Pazdernik-Hensch, PA-C sees patients at four of our locations? Whether you're seeking care in Henning, Ottertail, Sebeka, or Verndale, she's there when you need care.

Schedule your next appointment with Shana at https://hubs.la/Q043zjYx0

02/18/2026

It’s picture week at Astera!

Our team is looking sharp and camera-ready as we update staff photos across our organization. We’re proud of the people who care for our communities every day, and it’s fun to capture their smiles.

A special thank you to Impressions by Sarah LLC for partnering with us and taking these amazing photos. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with a talented local business that helps us showcase the stars of Astera Health!

02/17/2026

There’s a lot of mixed information out there about menopause and HRT. Dr. Hala Madi, OB/GYN, is breaking down the facts so you can make informed decisions about your health.

Myths you may have heard:
❌ “HRT is unsafe for everyone.”
❌ “HRT always causes cancer.”
❌ “You just have to suffer through menopause.”

The truth? HRT is safe for many women when used correctly, the cancer risk is low for many patients, and help is available. It’s not just for hot flashes. HRT can also improve sleep, mood, vaginal health, and bone strength.

Menopause looks different for every woman. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and the best next step is an open conversation with your provider.

Ready to explore your options? Read the full blog from Dr. Madi here: https://hubs.la/Q0433bpT0

Learn the facts about hormone replacement therapy for menopause. Dr. Hala Madi explains benefits, risks, myths, and symptoms.