Tag Archive for: Minneapolis VA

Celebrating 850 Shows: A Milestone Edition of Minnesota Military Radio

Celebrating 850 Shows: A Milestone Edition of Minnesota Military Radio

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we mark a significant milestone as the program airs its 850th show. For more than 15 years, Minnesota Military Radio has served as a dedicated platform sharing the stories of Minnesota’s service members, Veterans, families, and the organizations that support them.

Guests:

This special milestone edition takes a walk down memory lane, reflecting on the program’s beginnings in 2010 and the partnerships that have sustained it. Listeners will hear shout-outs from key leaders and partners, including the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, and iHeartMedia. Producers from each partner organization join the conversation to discuss their roles, memorable moments, and the ongoing work of informing and connecting Minnesota’s military community.

From early support that helped launch the show to the growth that now reaches dozens of stations across the state and a national audience, this episode highlights the collaborative effort behind every broadcast. It also looks ahead, celebrating the mission that continues to honor Veterans, support current service members, and share important resources with listeners.

Through consistent storytelling, community partnerships, and a commitment to those who serve, Minnesota Military Radio has become a trusted voice for Minnesota’s military community. This 850th show is both a celebration of that legacy and a reminder of the work still ahead.

Thank you for listening and for supporting Minnesota’s Veterans every week.

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New Leadership and Milestone Moments at the Minneapolis VA

New Leadership and Milestone Moments at the Minneapolis VA

On this week’s episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we turn our attention to the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. We hear from system leadership about a recent high-level visit, welcome a new senior nurse executive with deep military roots, and get clarification on the Veterans Health Administration’s 80th anniversary along with updates on ongoing outreach.

Guests:

Director Pat Kelly discusses VA Secretary Doug Collins’ third visit to Minnesota, including a stop at the Lyle C. Pearson Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Mankato. The conversation covers the Secretary’s focus on hearing directly from staff and Veteran leaders, priority issues already moving forward such as access for state Veterans homes and simplifying community care, and the continuing importance of Community Based Outpatient Clinics in bringing specialty services closer to where Veterans live.

The middle segments feature Jana Nohrenberg, the Minneapolis VA’s new Associate Director for Patient Care Services and Nurse Executive. She shares her path into nursing, an unexpected journey into Army ROTC, 28 years of service that culminated in retirement as a Colonel, and her decision to continue serving Veterans at the VA. Listeners will hear how her experience as a critical care nurse, chief nursing officer at Landstuhl, and nursing faculty member informs her dual role overseeing nursing practice and key patient care services.

In the final segment, Melanie Nelson provides important context around the Veterans Health Administration’s 80th anniversary, distinguishing it from the much longer history of VA care that stretches back to the Revolutionary War and Civil War eras. She also shares how the outreach team continues connecting with Veterans across the catchment area this summer, including Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair.

Through new leadership and sustained outreach, the Minneapolis VA remains focused on meeting Veterans where they are and delivering the care they have earned.

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Care Beyond the VA: Home-Based Primary Care and Medical Foster Homes for Minnesota Veterans

Care Beyond the VA: Home-Based Primary Care and Medical Foster Homes for Minnesota Veterans

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we check in with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System to explore two important programs delivering care beyond the traditional medical center. Learn how Home-Based Primary Care and the Medical Foster Home Program are helping Veterans receive personalized, comprehensive care in the comfort of their homes or in supportive family-style environments.

We also discuss upcoming improvements to primary care appointments and how the VA is working to ensure Veterans receive more dedicated time with their providers.

Guests

Home-Based Primary Care

The Home-Based Primary Care program brings a full team of healthcare professionals directly to Veterans who may have difficulty accessing care at a VA facility. This team can include nurses, social workers, dietitians, therapists, and primary care providers who work together to deliver coordinated, patient-centered care.

By meeting Veterans where they are, this program helps address complex health needs while supporting independence and improving quality of life.

Medical Foster Home Program

The Medical Foster Home Program offers an alternative living arrangement for Veterans who require more daily support. Veterans live in private homes with trained caregivers who provide 24/7 assistance in a family-style setting.

These homes are carefully screened and supported by VA care teams, creating a unique environment where Veterans can receive individualized care while remaining part of a household and community.

Supporting Veterans at Every Stage

Both programs work together to provide a continuum of care—whether a Veteran remains in their own home or transitions to a foster home setting. With a focus on comfort, dignity, and personalized care, these services help ensure Veterans receive the support they need throughout their healthcare journey.

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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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