Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Foundation Funds New Cardiac Catheterization Lab at the Marilyn Covey Heart and Vascular Center 

Comprehensive Heart Care Our Community Can Count On

When it comes to healing hearts, our community can count on the experts at Essentia Health Marilyn Covey Heart & Vascular Center. From interventional cardiology to cardiac rehabilitation, the center provides accessible, comprehensive care to both our Brainerd community members and people traveling from out of town. 

Thanks to generous community donors and a planned gift from the Center’s compassionate namesake, the late Marilyn Covey, our Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Foundation funded $800,000 toward a new cardiac catheterization lab in support of our 24/7 STEMI program, which opened in September 2022 and has seen tremendous outcomes. 

“The Foundation’s support has made it possible for the Center to experience significant growth,” said Amber Pikula, BSN, RN, Cardiovascular Manager and STEMI Coordinator for the Marilyn Covey Heart and Vascular Center. “Our 24/7 STEMI program has already saved more lives than we ever imagined. And because of the Foundation, we were able to open our second cath lab—and we’re adding more imaging to our initial cath lab.”

An acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most severe type of heart attack and has a greater risk of serious complications and death—especially if the proper treatment isn’t received in a timely manner. The new cath lab enables our highly skilled cardiovascular care team to quickly mobilize and prepare for incoming STEMI patients. This expedited care prevents further damage to the heart muscle and improves outcomes when every second counts. 

A Legacy of Love

Throughout her life, Marilyn Covey generously contributed several significant gifts enabling the heart center’s expansion. She also named Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Foundation as a beneficiary in her will, leaving a lasting legacy and impact. 

“It’s inspiring to see her donations live on after her passing, and continue helping the place she loved so much,” said Lisa Covey, Marilyn’s daughter. 

Marilyn was first inspired to give when she noticed that her friends and family had to travel out of town for cardiac care. Her goal was to change this by helping create a center that offers comprehensive heart health services and healing, right here in Brainerd. 

“The generosity and vision of the Covey family, and the support of the Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Foundation and other devoted donors, has given the Heart and Vascular Center the opportunity to provide high-quality, reliable cardiovascular care for our patients close to where they live,” Ron Siebert, Operations Administrator – Heart & Vascular Division.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Foundation or discussing the different ways to leave a planned gift , please contact David Jeremiason, Director of Development, Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Foundation: [email protected] or (218) 820-6893.