Children’s Minnesota experts were featured in a variety of news segments across broadcast, print and online media. The below are highlights of coverage. Read or watch the following to get the latest insights from our experts.
KARE 11-TV: 13-year-old former patient raises $50K for Children’s Minnesota
At age 5, Julia found herself at Children’s Minnesota where she was diagnosed with viral asthma. After her health improved, she wanted to help other patients by raising money for Children’s. Over the years, she has organized several walk/run events, a garage sale and hosted a pancake breakfast. In December, Julia closed in on a major fundraising milestone: $50,000.
Star Tribune: Minnesota DHS adds Medicaid drug coverage for transgender teens
The new policy, which took effect in August, allows doctors to prescribe hormones, such as testosterone, for those who have decided to transition. Dr. Christopher Dunne, an endocrinologist at Children’s Minnesota’s Gender Health program, explained why these medications are important for transgender teens. He has been advocating for this policy change for several years.
WCCO-TV: Wild’s Koivu presents Check to Children’s Minnesota families
The Minnesota Wild Foundation presented Wild team captain, Mikko Koivu, with a $5,000 check to celebrate his 1,000th NHL game. Koivu and his wife, Helena, delivered the check to Children’s in St. Paul where the money was used to help the parents of patients buy holiday gifts at shops set up inside the hospital.
Star Tribune: St. Paul police bring Christmas cheer to Children’s
St. Paul police officers delivered gifts to young patients at Children’s St. Paul hospital. Santa, Mrs. Claus and “reindeer” arrived at the hospital with a police escort just a few days before Christmas. This visit marked the 12th year of holiday visits from the volunteer-run Cops and Kids program, which uses proceeds from St. Paul Police Department fundraisers to buy gifts for Children’s patients during the holiday season.
KTTC: Minnesota’s teens at heart of Juul lawsuit
Minnesota joined a handful other states in filing a lawsuit against e-cigarette maker Juul Labs, alleging unlawful marketing to minors. Dr. Anne Griffiths, a pediatric pulmonologist at Children’s, spoke at the press conference announcing the lawsuit, stating the only way some teens will stop vaping is when they are admitted the hospital.
Public News Service: MN joins states with specialized clinics for transgender youth
Children’s Gender Health program is one of only a few of its kind in the country. Dr. Angela Kade Goepferd, director of medical education at Children’s, said families with transgender or gender nonconforming children often don’t know where to turn for information and guidance. Children’s newest program aims to answer any questions patients and families may have.
WCCO-TV: Tips on how to handle food allergies this holiday season
Food is a big part of any holiday gathering. However, children with food allergies can sometimes feel left out of the celebrations. Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of general pediatrics, offered tips to parents to make sure everyone stays safe and included. She also explained common food allergies and demonstrated how to use an EpiPen.
KARE11-TV: Frozen 2 frenzy comes to the patients of Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota hosted a Frozen 2 viewing party for patients in The Child Life Zone in Children’s St. Paul hospital. The celebration of the Disney animated blockbuster included a visit from Anna and Elsa themselves. This special event was made possible by Zach Parise of the Minnesota Wild and his wife, Alisha. The wives of several other Wild players helped patients with winter-themed crafts and cookie decorating.
WBIR: E. Tennessee Children’s Hospital explores new trends in vaping-related illnesses
Dr. Griffiths gave a seminar at East Tennessee Children’s Health on the latest trends concerning vaping. She spoke to parents, nurses and doctors about the how the product is labeled, marketed and the symptoms of vaping-related illnesses. She said e-cigarettes are often labled as food grade products, even though they might not be safe for lungs.
WCCO-TV: Give To Kids Day At Children’s Minnesota
Joy Johnson-Lind, senior director of child and family services at Children’s, emphasized how the generosity of the community pays for the wrap around services provided at no cost to our patients and families. She described the role of child life specialists and how pet therapy is used to help normalize the hospital environment.