Tag Archive for: Minneapolis VA

Every Minute Matters: Stroke Awareness and Prevention at the Minneapolis VA

Every Minute Matters: Stroke Awareness and Prevention at the Minneapolis VA

May is Stroke Awareness Month and this week on Minnesota Military Radio we are talking about strokes. What are signs of a stroke, and why time is critical when reacting to those signs.

Guests include:

 

Guests share information from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center VA-recognized Primary Stroke Center and we learn what the Minneapolis VA is doing – not only to help Veterans who have had a stroke – but to help prevent them from having one.

 

Listeners also learn about BEFAST, an acronym used to identify the sudden onset of stroke symptom, immediate action can significantly reduce long-term damage and improve recovery outcomes.

  • Balance loss
  • Eyesight changes
  • Facial drooping
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech difficulties
  • Time to call 911

Learn more at a Stroke Awareness Fair at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center main auditorium on Monday, May 11th, 2026,  8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. There will be a variety of VA clinics and community agencies with information booths about Stroke Prevention.

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Modernizing Care for Minnesota Veterans: Minneapolis VA’s Federal Electronic Health Record Rollout and AI Enhancements

Modernizing Care for Minnesota Veterans: Minneapolis VA's Federal Electronic Health Record Rollout and AI Enhancements

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham sits down with key leaders from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System for an in-depth look at advancements in Veteran care.

Guests include:

The episode opens with an update from Minneapolis VA Medical Center Director Pat Kelly, who shares news of a recent ribbon-cutting for the Polytrauma System of Care, ongoing efforts to combat Veteran suicide and an upcoming Resource Fair and Claims Clinic in Chippewa Falls on March 24th.The main focus shifts to VA’s Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization. Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Bayer explain how this modern, 21st-century platform will create a seamless, shared health record across federal systems. Benefits for Veterans include:

  • Real-time access to records
  • Elimination of paper copies, CDs, faxes, and duplicated tests
  • Improved scheduling, standardization of care across sites
  • A more modern patient portal with better secure messaging and apps

Dr. Bock joins to discuss the exciting integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like ambient AI scribe. This HIPAA-compliant technology documents clinical appoints, with patient consent, so clinicians can focus more on the Veteran and less on the computer. AI output is reviewed by the provider, ensuring accuracy. This episode highlights how the Minneapolis VA is modernizing to deliver even better, more efficient, and compassionate care to Minnesota’s Veterans.

 

To learn about upcoming events visit https://www.va.gov/minneapolis-health-care/events/. For more information on the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization visit https://digital.va.gov/ehr-modernization/about/. For more on AI in the clinic rooms visit https://news.va.gov/143486/powered-by-ai-improving-veteran-care-experience/.

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Spotlighting the Poly Trauma Center of Excellence: Lifeline for Minnesota Veterans

Spotlighting the Poly Trauma Center of Excellence: Lifeline for Minnesota Veterans

This week, host Retired Command Sergeant Major Doug Wortham spotlights the incredible work of the Poly Trauma Center of Excellence at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. For veterans and service members facing complex, life-changing injuries—often involving traumatic brain injury (TBI) combined with other physical and emotional trauma—this center provides a full continuum of specialized care designed to optimize recovery and quality of life.

The episode dives deep into the Poly Trauma System of Care, which celebrated its 20th anniversary recently, with Minneapolis as one of the original five Centers of Excellence. Guests from the Minneapolis VA share insights on acute rehabilitation, transitional programs, outpatient services, recent facility renovations (including private rooms, consolidated therapy spaces, and enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration), family/caregiver support, and the innovative RENEW (Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program) for active duty service members, including those in special operations.

Guests Include:

Key topics covered:

  • Defining polytrauma and its impact on brain, body, and emotional health
  • The continuum of care: acute rehab, transitional living, outpatient TBI/polytrauma services, and lifespan support
  • Major renovations improving patient experience (private rooms, natural light, built-in therapy progress tracking, family lounges)
  • The RENEW program: 5-week intensive for chronic/milder polytrauma issues, focusing on community integration, purpose, and return to duty or civilian life
  • Family involvement, including Fisher House support, and interdisciplinary team approach (PT, OT, speech, psychology, nursing, and more)
  • How to access care: referrals from community hospitals, primary care, or regional partners

Listeners hear inspiring stories of mission-driven care, long-term staff dedication (60+ combined years among guests), and real impact—helping veterans and service members reclaim their best lives after severe injuries.

For more on the Poly Trauma System of Care nationwide, visit polytrauma.va.gov. Learn about services at the Minneapolis VA here.

Or listen directly: Download MP3

Thank a veteran today—and honor those who continue to serve.

Produced in partnership with the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.

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Minneapolis VA 2025 Year in Review

Minneapolis VA 2025 Year in Review

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we host our annual Minneapolis VA Health Care System 2025 year in review.

The episode covers major accomplishments from the past year, including earning a second consecutive 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This top honor recognizes outstanding quality care, placing the Minneapolis VA among the best hospitals in Minnesota.
Other key highlights include successfully hosting the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in summer 2025, a premier adaptive sports event that brought hundreds of disabled veterans to the Twin Cities for competition and rehabilitation.
The leadership team also discusses expanding food pantries to address veteran food insecurity, with partnerships helping distribute resources at the main facility and community clinics.
Looking ahead, exciting developments include the upcoming ribbon-cutting for a new women’s clinic designed specifically for women veterans’ needs.
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Minneapolis VA Patient Advocacy Team

Minneapolis VA Patient Advocate Team

This week, we meet members of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System’s Patient Advocate Team and learn that the Patient Advocacy Program is for all Veterans and their families who receive care at VA health care facilities. What can the patient advocate do? What are their limitations? And what do patients bring into the relationship when it comes to resolving an issue they may have in the country’s largest health care system. Guests include:

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