Allina Health announces retirement of Helen Strike, president of River Falls Area Hospital and United Hospital – Hastings Regina Campus

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Oct. 19, 2023) — Helen Strike, president of Allina Health United Hospital — Hastings Regina Campus in Hastings, Minn. and Allina Health River Falls Area Hospital in River Falls, Wis., will retire on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. Strike has led the two hospitals for more than four years, increasing services and helping care teams and the community navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am grateful to have served the Hastings, Minn. and River Falls, Wis. communities. I firmly believe everyone should have access to convenient, exceptional care. I am proud of our work to expand and improve services,” said Strike. “As I step into the next phase of my personal journey, I remain thankful for my care teams and their work, especially the dedication they showed to our communities and our patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Strike began her time with Allina Health in 2013 as president of Mercy Hospital — Unity Campus in Fridley, MN. She served in that role until 2017. She returned to Allina Health in 2019 to head the Allina Health hospitals in River Falls and Hastings. During her tenure with Allina Health, Strike has played a critical role in helping her teams navigate the global Ebola outbreak in 2014 and implementing Allina Health’s One Hospital, Two Campuses initiative. She also led Minnesota’s critical care coordination center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to help unify health systems across the state and navigate critical care access and capacity for patients.

“Helen has been a steadfast advocate for our regional hospitals, ensuring their perspectives and needs are heard,” said Dominica Tallarico, Chief Operating Officer, Allina Health.  “Whether it was as our internal incident commander for a work stoppage or the pandemic response, Helen’s calm and determined demeanor will be missed, and we wish her the best in her next chapter.”

After Strike’s retirement, Jill Ostrem, who already serves as president of Allina Health United Hospital in St. Paul, will lead Allina Health United Hospital — Hastings Regina Campus and Allina Health River Falls Area Hospital.

Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care, and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.  

At the forefront of Allina Health’s mission are its Institutes, which offer nationally recognized experts and advanced care in key specialties:  

• Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute – A leader in cardiovascular innovation, research, and care delivery through clinical trials, publications, and training 4,000+ providers annually, it is consistently rated ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News & World Report.  
• Allina Health Cancer Institute – Providing comprehensive, personalized and innovative oncology care across the full cancer journey, delivered at ten locations – including its three largest hospitals which U.S. News & World Report consistently rates “High Performing” in multiple oncology specialties.  
• Allina Health Neuroscience, Spine and Pain Institute – Offering advanced neurological and spine care, including two nationally accredited stroke centers, innovative focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's and a chronic pain rehabilitation program – one of only two in Minnesota.  

Together, these Institutes exemplify Allina Health’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.