Minnesota Department of Health

Wildfire smoke and ash in northern Minnesota are being monitored for their impact on drinking water sources, particularly lakes. Advanced treatment systems in cities like Ely are designed to handle contaminants, but private water systems in rural areas face greater risks. Scientists warn that toxic compounds from fires could affect surface water used by some communities.

Minnesota’s Weather Authority issued a heat alert with today’s highs reaching mid to upper 90s and heat indices up to 104, breaking the 1936 record. A cold front will bring thunderstorms tonight, followed by wildfire smoke returning Saturday, poor air quality in northeast Minnesota and Wisconsin, and continued heat through Monday. Health risks include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and worsened pre-existing conditions, with cooling centers listed for multiple counties.

Wildfires in northern Minnesota, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, have triggered an air quality alert due to heavy smoke. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency attributes the fires to recent hot weather and lightning, with Canadian wildfires also contributing to smoky conditions. Minnesota has seen an increase in wildfire-related air quality alerts in recent years due to hotter and drier conditions.

Minnesota state officials have taken control of The Terrace nursing home in Crystal after a judge approved emergency receivership due to resident safety concerns and 63 citations since December. The ruling allows the state to transfer residents and cover operating costs following the facility's Medicare certification termination by CMS.

A Minnesota Weather Authority Alert is in effect from Sunday through Tuesday as extreme heat, with heat index values in the high 90s to triple digits, impacts the state. Health risks include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic conditions. Cooling centers are available in multiple counties.

The Jim Lupient Waterpark in northeast Minneapolis was closed after broken glass was found in the pool. State protocols require draining, cleaning, and chemical recalibration before reopening, which will take an undetermined time. The glass was brought in despite prohibitions, and updates will be provided by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is addressing patient experiences with healthcare discrimination in Minnesota. The article was first published on KSTP.com.

Elevated E. coli levels have closed four metro beaches, including Lake Hiawatha and Lake McCarrons County Park, prompting warnings about fecal contamination risks. Authorities report no illnesses but advise avoiding water ingestion. Some lakes, like Bde Maka Ska, are now open after previous closures.

The Minnesota Supreme Court will review a case challenging whether the state can regulate private backyard pools rented via online platforms like public facilities. The lawsuit, Hittner v. Minnesota Department of Health, involves the Upper Midwest Law Center arguing against costly regulations for homeowners using Swimply, a pool rental service akin to Airbnb.

The article discusses the dangers of extreme heat in Minnesota and provides guidance on identifying heat exhaustion and stroke. It highlights symptoms like faintness, dizziness, and confusion, as well as advice from an HCMC physician and data from the Minnesota Department of Health on heat-related emergency visits.

Minnesota’s Weather Authority issued a Forecast First Alert for dangerous heat and humidity starting Sunday, with temperatures near 90°F and heat indices up to 108°F through midweek. Southern and western Minnesota face 'major' heat risks, while some areas may experience 'extreme' risks, posing health threats like heat exhaustion, stroke, and dehydration to vulnerable populations.

More than 3,400 Minnesota Medicaid providers were notified of disenrollment due to incomplete paperwork, failed verification, or background checks during a state-led revalidation project. The review, aimed at combating fraud and complying with federal requirements, affected 61% of 5,583 providers examined.

A Minnesota lawmaker proposes using hospital tax to fill charity care gap, as hospitals spend less on charity care than those in other states. The proposal aims to help financially distressed hospitals and patients with growing medical debt. State Rep. Steve Elkins introduced legislation to steer money from an existing healthcare tax back to hospitals.