HealthPartners and Essentia Health Agree to Merge
October 1, 2026
On September 29, HealthPartners and Essentia Health announced that their boards of directors have approved an affiliation agreement to combine their organizations.
MMA Supports Ordinance on Banning Smoking Tobacco, Cannabis in Public Parks and Certain Other Public Spaces
August 31, 2023
On August 30, the MMA sent a letter to the City of St. Paul voicing its support of a proposed ordinance banning smoking and vaping in public parks and certain other public spaces, regardless of whether the source is nicotine or cannabis.
The MMA has long advocated for restrictions on smoking and second-hand smoke.
“The City of Saint Paul has an opportunity to help to shape healthy community norms, and an opportunity to ensure that those community members that use outdoor spaces such as public parks are able to do so safely.”
MMA President-elect Laurel Ries, MD, spoke with KSTP-TV regarding the proposed ordinance. “Minnesotans should be able to breathe clean air in public spaces,” she said.
A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for early September.
Latest News
OBBBA Cuts Kick in October 1 for Non-Citizens on Medical Assistance
October 1, 2026
On October 1, two significant provisions of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA, 2025) affecting non-citizen adults on Medical Assistance (MA; Minnesota Medicaid) take effect.
MMA Leadership Recognizes Award Recipients at Empowering Physicians Event
October 1, 2026
Five physicians, two physicians-in-training, a state senator, and two firearm safety advocacy organizations were all honored with MMA awards, as part of the association’s Empowering Physicians Event on September 25.