The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force, and the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with an event on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds this September. The official “9/11 Day of Remembrance” is scheduled in-person for Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
In addition to memorializing the events of that day and honoring those impacted, this event is focused on honoring the more than 40,000 Minnesota Veterans who have served in the Global War on Terrorism during the last 20 years as well as bringing the community together through a message of hope, unity and resilience.
The event will feature moments of silence and tolling of church bells in remembrance of the airplane attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, a reading of names of Minnesotans killed that day and in-action during the Global War on Terrorism, and a commemorative ceremony including aircraft flyovers, guest speakers, musical performances and military honors. Speakers will include Gov. Tim Walz, retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke, Gold Star Mother Jill Stephenson and Mariah Jacobson, daughter of Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett.
The public is encouraged to bring lawn chair and blankets to sit comfortably. If you are unable to attend but would still like to see the program, it will be streamed live starting at 7:15 a.m. at MinnesotaVeteran.org/911event.
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In recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and subsequent Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has created a commemorative coin as an expression of appreciation to Minnesota Veterans who have served since that fateful day. These coins are a limited edition and available for a short time.
Minnesota GWOT Veterans are invited to register for this free coin by visiting https://bit.ly/GWOTvetcoin (registration site works best using Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Firefox). If you’re having trouble registering please e-mail mdva.communications@state.mn.us.
Coins will be distributed by County Veterans Services Officers.
Fergus Falls
Luverne
Minneapolis
Silver Bay
St. Paul
Mental Health Crisis Services are Available in Minnesota
Mental health crisis services are available 24/7 for all adults and children across Minnesota. If you’re in crisis, help is available and there are options to help you cope. Support is available if someone you know is thinking of suicide.
Crisis Resources:
If you, or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK(8255) (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) – The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
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State Mobile Crisis Services (https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/people-with-disabilities/health-care/childrens-mental-health/resources/crisis-contacts.jsp) – Every county in Minnesota provides Mobile Crisis Services for both children and adults that may be experiencing suicidal feelings or mental health crisis. Crisis services are available within each county 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. County crisis teams are available for phone support as well as in-person crisis help.
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Crisis Text Line (https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/policies-procedures/adult-mental-health/crisis-text-line/) - Text MN to 741741. The Crisis Text Line provides free crisis support 24/7 for any crisis.
Sadly, an average of 100 Minnesota Veterans die by suicide each year. Two-thirds of these deaths are by guns.
To help prevent Veteran suicide MDVA is partnering with the VA Healthcare System to distribute free gun locks. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a locked gun can mean the difference between a tragic outcome and a life saved for someone in crisis. Though Veterans are well-versed in firearm safety, all gun owners should understand that during emotional or stressful times, delaying access to a gun could mean the difference between life and death. Gun locks can prevent someone in crisis from tragically taking their own life
In an effort to reduce these preventable tragedies, MDVA is offering free gun locks. To request a gun lock, please email MDVA.Communications@state.mn.us with your name and address. This information will not be shared; requests are confidential.
Thank you for supporting the efforts of MDVA and the “Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.” For more information on MDVA’s suicide prevention efforts, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/EndVetSuicide.
The Suicide Prevention Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health presents the Suicide Prevention Webinar series. These educational webinars serve as a way to connect and share information. The series includes six webinars with subject matter experts working across the state on these topics:
Sign up here for the Suicide Prevention Webinar Series.
Please contact the organizers: Shelly Dieu at shelly.dieu@state.mn.us or Tanya Carter at tanya.carter@state.mn.us if you have any questions.
The application period is now open for the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs “SOT Grants.” The grants are available to qualified organizations that support Minnesota Veterans. The grant application period is open August 30 through September 24, 2021. SOT grant applications may be submitted any time during this period.
MDVA launched the Support Our Troops (SOT) grant program in 2016. The grants are financed from sales of the Minnesota "Support Our Troops" License Plates. Minnesota organizations with programs designed to “support and improve the lives of Veterans and their families” may apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.
The SOT grant application is available on the MDVA website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/Grants during the open grant cycle. Detailed instructions for how to apply are outlined in the application.
Interested organizations may also sign-up here to receive alerts for future grant applications periods.
This position will report to the County Administrator for supervision. This Appointed position is responsible for managing the Veterans Service Office to ensure the quality and efficiency of service delivery and compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations and County policies and procedures. Responsibilities include supervising staff; developing and administering the departmental budget; administering and coordinating the County Veteran programs; developing community outreach to Veterans; acting as a liaison to external Veterans organizations; and developing Veteran programs.
The application period closes Sept. 16.
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Older adults are one of Minnesota’s most valuable resources. Age-Friendly Minnesota wants to hear what you have to say about what you want and need in your community as you grow older that will help ensure you can age well.
The results of the survey will be used to set priorities and develop strategies for plans, policies, and services that ensure that all Minnesotans can thrive across the lifespan. Results will be used by the State of Minnesota as well as by regions, sovereign nations, and community organizations.
This survey has 10 sections will take about 20 minutes to complete.
Take the survey here >>
VA is extending debt relief for Veterans through September 30, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. VA will suspend collection of all Veteran benefit overpayments incurred between April 6, 2020, and September 30, 2021. No adverse actions or collection attempts will occur during this suspension period. Additionally, all co-payments for medical care and pharmacy services incurred from April 6, 2020, through September 30, 2021, will be cancelled, along with any fees or interest. Any payments for this time period will be refunded.
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We can see the end of this pandemic, but we are not quite there yet. We will take concrete steps to keep Minnesotans safe while we get the vaccine to even more people.
The latest COVID-19 updates from the Governor's office are available at mn.gov/covid19.
MDVA's latest COVID-19 updates can be found at MinnesotaVeteran.org/COVID.
All Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and clinics that administer COVID-19 vaccines are accepting walk-ins for eligible Veterans, spouses and caregivers.
This walk-in service ensures all Veterans enrolled in VA health care and those authorized under the SAVE LIVES Act have an opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccination from VA at a time convenient for them.
The urgency to vaccinate as many eligible individuals as quickly as possible remains a top priority for VA.
“VA encourages those who wish to get their COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment to check the walk-in hours and requirements at their local facility,” said Acting VA Under Secretary for Health Richard Stone, M.D. “ Individuals taking advantage of walk-in vaccinations may need to wait for the vaccine to be prepared and will be screened when entering the facility.”
To date, VA has vaccinated more than 2.7 million individuals, including over 60,000 individuals under the SAVE LIVES Act. For more information about COVID-19 vaccinations at VA, click here.
VA vaccination clinics are not open 24 hours. Face masks are mandatory for all and physical distancing measures will be in place.
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