Astera Health

01/20/2026

Need lab work done? Astera Health makes it easy.

With Direct Access Testing, you can schedule routine lab tests like cholesterol, thyroid, blood sugar, and more, with no referral needed. The process is quick, results are mailed directly to you, and pricing is clear upfront so you know what to expect.

-Easy to schedule
-Accurate results
-No surprises

Call 218-631-5224 to make an appointment.

See available tests and pricing: https://hubs.la/Q03_zyLG0

01/20/2026

Staples native and former Division-I athlete Dr. Brock Spandl turned a high school back injury into a lifelong passion for helping others through chiropractic care. Today, he’s helping patients at Astera Health better understand where their pain is coming from, whether it’s back, hip, neck, or more, and creating personalized treatment plans that make a real difference.

As part of our coordinated care team, Dr. Spandl is here to deliver the right care at the right time.

Learn more and schedule your appointment: https://hubs.ly/Q03_pxJH0

01/18/2026

After an incredible 45 years, we were honored to celebrate Betty’s retirement this week! On her final day, our team gave her a well-deserved “clap out” to recognize her decades of hard work, positivity, and unwavering commitment to Astera Health.

We capped off the celebration with a retirement party on Friday filled with laughter, memories, and plenty of stories about her years of service and exciting plans for the future.

The best part? Betty’s not going far! She’s already signed up to volunteer at Astera, and we’re so excited to keep seeing her big smile around our halls.

Thank you, Betty, for everything. You’ve made a lasting impact on our team and the lives of so many!

01/17/2026

Brand new and already stealing hearts! Welcome, Josie Ruth.

View our full online nursery: https://hubs.la/Q03-FHnT0

01/16/2026

We’re proud to announce that Astera Health President & CEO Joel Beiswenger has been selected to serve on a statewide advisory task force through the Minnesota Department of Health.

This group brings healthcare leaders together to address rising costs and improve affordability. Joel’s role ensures rural communities like ours have a strong voice at the table.

“I’m proud to represent our region and help shape solutions that keep care high-quality, accessible, and close to home,” said Beiswenger.

Congratulations, Joel, and thank you for continuing to advocate for rural healthcare in Minnesota!

Read the full release at https://hubs.la/Q03_8Zx80

01/15/2026

Patient care that makes a lasting impression

Great care stays with you, and brings you back when you need it most. That's exactly the kind of trust and compassion Lorinda Zigan, PA-C brings to every visit. Whether she’s in Bertha, Henning, or Wadena, Lorinda’s patients know they’re in good hands.

Learn more about our orthopedic team: https://hubs.la/Q03_0qqp0

01/14/2026

It’s a beautiful day to meet Briggs Robert!

View our full online nursery: https://hubs.la/Q03-nHYs0

01/13/2026

Not quite ready to go home after a hospital stay? You’re not alone, and we want to remind you that you have options.

Our Swing Bed program offers skilled nursing and therapy services to help patients heal safely and confidently before returning home. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, this hospital-based care bridges the gap with personalized support close to home.

Learn how Swing Bed care can support your recovery and who qualifies: https://bit.ly/456XLT1

Understand how swing bed transitional care works to provide essential rehabilitation services in a comfortable hospital setting.

01/12/2026

We’re proud to highlight Sarah, one of our athletic trainers who serve our partner schools and student-athletes.

She's in the schools throughout the week at practice and games ready to help athletes with injury prevention, on-the-field care, or recover safely. Sarah is a trusted resource for students, coaches, and families alike. Her commitment to keeping athletes healthy and game-ready is just one of the many ways Astera Health supports our communities.

Sarah and our Sports Medicine team partner with Astera Health’s orthopedics experts to help you recover and safely return to the activities you love. Learn more about our program: https://hubs.la/Q03-f-wN0

We're proud to serve our area schools:
Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools
Sebeka Public School PreK-12
Menahga Public School
Verndale Public School
Bertha-Hewitt School
New York Mills Public School ISD 553

01/11/2026

Only a Few Days Left to Register!

Start the new year focused on your well-being! Join Dr. Ben Hess on Monday, Jan. 19 from Noon – 1 p.m. at the Astera Health Main Campus for a Bite Size Conversation about how sleep apnea may be quietly affecting your energy, focus, and overall health.

Learn how better sleep can lead to better days!

***Lunch is included, but registration is required by Jan. 15 so we can plan ahead.

Reserve your spot today: https://hubs.la/Q03-5f8k0

01/10/2026

🌟 Help us celebrate one of our outstanding team members, April, our December recipient of the Star of Astera award! 🌟

April was nominated by her coworker Sarah for the way she consistently goes above and beyond with kindness, professionalism, and care. Whether answering tough questions or offering support without being asked, she makes a meaningful impact at Astera every day.

The nomination: "I would like to nominate April, our Payroll and Benefits Administrator, for Star of Astera due to her unwavering dedication, exceptional work ethic, and genuine care for everyone she supports. April consistently goes above and beyond for our employees, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and valued. She is a true champion of our core values and brings them with her to work every day, demonstrating them through her actions, integrity, and the way she treats others. Whether she is answering questions, resolving complex issues, or stepping in to help without being asked, she approaches every interaction with kindness, patience, and professionalism.

Much of April’s work happens behind the scenes, yet it is absolutely critical to the success of our organization. She manages an incredibly full plate with accuracy, efficiency, and grace, often handling sensitive and time-critical matters that many never see. Her attention to detail and commitment to doing things the right way ensures our employees have the best possible experience with payroll and benefits, giving them peace of mind and confidence in our systems. When systems fail us, she rolls up her sleeves and manually does the work with the expertise and accuracy that nobody else in our organization can.

Beyond her technical expertise, April brings a positive spirit and sense of joy to our team that cannot be overstated. She somehow manages to juggle countless responsibilities while remaining approachable, supportive, and upbeat. I truly don’t know how she does it all, but her hard work, selflessness, and dedication make a lasting impact on our organization every single day. April is an invaluable part of our team and more than deserving of this recognition."

April, thank you for the integral work you do to support our employees and the positive energy you bring to every interaction. Your attention to detail, compassion, and integrity shine through, and we’re so grateful to have you on the Astera Health team!

Learn more about the values that guide our care: https://hubs.la/Q03ZVKj90

01/09/2026

Our EMS team is often the first on the scene, and being prepared for anything is essential. In December, they held their annual Skills Day to sharpen those lifesaving skills and train for the high-pressure situations paramedics and EMTs face every day. From CPR and cardiac care to complex hands-on simulations, this team never stops learning.

Simulation scenarios included a cardiac arrest in a confined space and a postpartum emergency following a home birth, challenging situations that required teamwork, critical thinking, and fast action. Trainings like these ensure our EMS crews are always ready to respond with confidence and skill.

Ready to join a team that makes a difference? Our next EMT-Basic Course starts soon, register here: https://hubs.la/Q03-3Yd10