Tag Archive for: Veterans Health

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.

/by

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.

/by

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.

/by