For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Kitty Hietala, 507/233-1209

Allina Hospitals & Clinics, New Ulm Medical Center and Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation announce federal funding for Heart of New Ulm project

NEW ULM, Minn. 01/08/2010--New Ulm Medical Center hosted Congressman Tim Walz and staff from U.S. Senator Klobuchar’s office at the medical campus today to thank them for their work on behalf of the Heart of New Ulm project.

These elected officials, along with U.S. Senator Al Franken and Congresswoman Betty McCollum, played a major role in helping to secure a recent $250,000 congressional appropriation.

"This support reflects a changing attitude about health care. We need to help people take responsibility for their health. We need to help people be as healthy has they can be no matter what their health status is and create an environment that supports a healthy lifestyle," said Dr. Charles Stephens, Heart of New Ulm medical director.

The Heart of New Ulm project is a 10-year initiative by Allina Hospitals & Clinics, the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation and New Ulm Medical Center to eliminate heart attacks in New Ulm, Minn. In its first year, more than 5,000 residents participated in a heart health screening, and more than 3,000 registered for a community fitness challenge.

"In 2009, we found that about a third of New Ulm residents are at risk for diabetes. This funding will help us reduce their risk of diabetes and heart disease in 2010 by motivating people to make small lifestyle changes and measuring their progress," said Betsy Pieser, Heart of New Ulm manager. The $250,000 federal appropriation will be used to support local lifestyle programs that target improvements in fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity and weight management.

Friday’s event featured several New Ulm residents who made significant health improvements during the project’s first year. Also, Heart of New Ulm leaders presented an overview of first year accomplishments and shared plans for the project’s future.

The New Ulm Medical Center Foundation is continuing to raise additional funds to ensure the success of the Heart of New Ulm project. Primary funding for the project is from the Center for Healthcare Innovation at Allina and the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. More information can be found at allina.com.

More about the Heart of New Ulm, Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, New Ulm Medical Center and Allina Hospitals & Clinics

The Heart of New Ulm is a project designed to reduce the number of heart attacks that occur in the New Ulm area over the next 10 years and improve the health of the community. The Heart of New Ulm is a collaborative partnership of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, the New Ulm Medical Center and the New Ulm Community.

The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation is creating a world without heart disease through groundbreaking clinical research and innovative educational programs.

New Ulm Medical Center is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a not-for-profit family of hospitals, clinics and other care services dedicated to meeting the lifelong health care needs of communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.