Program areas at Allina Health Foundation
Healing environments and property improvements: Allina Health Foundation funds some costs of constructing and maintaining healing environments, clinics and hospitals. This investment in properties ensures that all locations are maintained so patients have the best care possible. Providing whole person care to patients requires mental and emotional well-being in clinics and hospitals; this state of well-being is impacted by the physical environment of the facilities. Allina Health Foundation is committed to improving patient care locations, including renovations and expansions of clinics, hospitals and specialized facilities. In 2023, funding for property improvements included the construction of the macmillan community and education center. This center provides the latest technology for hands-on continuing education of nurses, physicians and clinicians, as well as conference facilities for medical and community trainings and events. Other grant funding supported the renovation of an inpatient mental Health unit. In 2023, Allina Health Foundation began critical work towards the development of the surgical and critical care building at abbott northwestern hospital, scheduled to open in 2026, as well as the renovation of the center for mental Health and addiction - the first-of-its-kind in Minnesota for the treatment and care of people with mental Health and addiction diagnoses.
Patient care and community services: in support of the nonprofit mission of Allina Health, Allina Health Foundation funds educational and wellness programs to community members, regardless of their ability to pay for the services. In 2023, the Foundation awarded grants to support emergency financial assistance for qualifying cancer patients. This funding helps patients with travel costs, specialized treatment and other everyday expenses supporting their physical, mental and emotional Health. The Foundation provided funding for adaptive sports and recreation programs so people with disabilities can partake in opportunities that provide friendship, community, and physical movement, all of which are important to maintaining physical, mental and emotional Health. Blood pressure cuffs funded by the Foundation are provided free-of-charge to patients for monitoring their blood pressure at home and improving their Health.
Capital equipment for improved patient care: ensuring the acquisition of the latest Health technology equipment is essential for providing the best care to patients. Allina Health Foundation awards grants to support the purchase of capital equipment that will ensure patients have easier, more convenient access to care and more precise diagnosis and treatment of Health conditions. In 2023, Allina Health Foundation supported the acquisition of a linear accelerator for precision radiation treatment for cancer patients, ensuring better life-saving care. Foundation funding also supported the purchase of updated ultrasound equipment for locations in greater Minnesota. The location of these ultrasound machines allows patients to spend less time traveling for appointments, making their care more convenient and allowing them to spend time with family or tending to other responsibilities.
Education and research: Allina Health Foundation provides funding for education and research projects to promote the Health and wellness of current and future patients. Other educational support is awarded in the form of scholarships to employees and community members pursuing careers in Health care. In 2023, the Foundation supported postpartum screening research, clinical trials for cancer patients, and clinical education for treating brain tumors.allina Health Foundation also supports employees who are facing unexpected and severe financial strain due to a crisis event. The caring for colleagues program is a source of support to ensure employees are cared for when facing financial stress that mey be caused by a major Health event, the loss of a job, or other crisis event.