Tag Archive for: Flu Shots

Minneapolis VA Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder Center

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we visit the Minneapolis VA Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder Center (SCI/D) to learn about the lifelong rehabilitation and comprehensive care available to Veterans, then discuss the vaccinations that can help keep them healthy this season.

Guests:

The Minneapolis VA SCI/D Center is one of approximately 25 national hubs in the VA system. It supports Veterans with both traumatic injuries and non-traumatic conditions such as MS or ALS through an interdisciplinary team and a Midwest hub-and-spoke network. Listeners will hear how the team helps Veterans adjust, set goals at their own pace, and build independence, along with details on specialized equipment, peer mentoring, family training, and the difference between inpatient and outpatient care. A new video that walks through the inpatient experience is available on the Minneapolis VA YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Megan Daman also shares practical guidance on this season’s vaccinations, including flu shot walk-in clinics on Thursdays, October 22, October 29, and November 5, from 1 pm – 3 pm at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and all Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), plus information on the COVID-19, shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines.

Click here for more information about the Minneapolis VA Medical Center & CBOCs Flu Shot Clinic

Tune in to hear the full conversation about the care and resources available to Veterans.

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VA Vet Centers and the Debt Management Center

VA Vet Centers and the Debt Management Center

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we start with a flu shot reminder from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, then explore two Department of Veterans Affairs resources Veterans and families may not know well: Vet Centers and the VA Debt Management Center.

Guests:

During the show, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System encourages Veterans to get a flu shot at a regular appointment or walk in from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, October 29, and November 5 at the medical center and all community based outpatient clinics. The Director also introduces the Twin Cities Vet Center after its recent ribbon cutting in Eagan.

We also take a closer look at Vet Centers. Established in 1979 by Vietnam Veterans for Vietnam Veterans, they remain community-based clinics focused on connection, community, and camaraderie. Minnesota has three: Duluth, Anoka with a Saint Cloud outstation, and the Twin Cities Vet Center now in its permanent home at 2113 Cliff Drive, Suite 100, Eagan. Eligibility includes combat or deployment, support of combat missions, military sexual trauma, current use of VA education benefits, and current Reserve or National Guard members whose mental health is affecting duty. Once eligible, a Veteran remains eligible. Services include individual, group, couples, and family counseling, plus referrals and community activities. Call the local center, visit vetcenter.va.gov, or reach the 24/7 line at 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387). Twin Cities appointments: 612-243-7920.

The VA Debt Management Center works with Veterans, beneficiaries, caregivers, and family members when a change in compensation, pension, or education benefits results in money owed back to VA. The Center does not create the debt; it collects and manages the balance after VA has already established the overpayment. Common causes include a change in dependency, National Guard or Reserve pay that overlaps with VA compensation for the same days, or a dependent later using education benefits. Official notice comes by mail, and Veterans signed up for electronic notices can also see a debt on VA.gov. Unexpected callers asking for a credit card are not the Debt Management Center. Options include payment in full, a payment plan, an adjusted offset, or a hardship waiver. The fastest step after a letter arrives is to call or use Ask VA. Review balances at va.gov/manage-va-debt. Staff also refer callers in hardship to nearby Vet Centers and other community partners.

Next week we observe Suicide Prevention Month with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and learn about the steps the agency is taking to help prevent Veteran suicide.

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