Minneapolis VA June Newsletter

View as a webpage

On the Beat

Minneapolis VA - June 2024 

group in wheelchairs

Minneapolis VA Spinal Cord and Disorder Patients celebrate the announcement of the 2025 National Wheelchair Games, Minneapolis bound!

Minneapolis VA WWII Veteran in the running for SilverSneakers Member of the Year Award

WWII Female Veteran

Two more days to vote for Minnesota's own Marion Peck! 

Peck served in the U.S. Navy Women's Reserve, better known as the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) from 1943-1946 and spent her days dispersing payroll. “I loved the Navy,” said Peck. “If they’d take a 101-year-old I’d be on an aircraft carrier tomorrow.”

This week she found out she was included in SilverSneakers 2024 top ten most inspiring stories, with the opportunity to be the national award recipient if she gets the most votes online. ...Read more


Research: yesterday, today, and tomorrow

medical professionals viewing research posters

“The work we perform at VA strongly relies on our partnership with the University of Minnesota. While many VA sites have academic partners, the Minneapolis VA and University of Minnesota were one of the first to formally affiliate, and currently have the longest-standing academic affiliation in the entire VA system,” said Dr. Joshua P. Nixon, Deputy Associate Chief of Staff for Research, Minneapolis VA. ...Read more


Working together to support Veterans

Service Officer in classroom

The Minneapolis VA hosted onsite training for County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) located in over 40 counties throughout the Minneapolis VA catchment area in June.

“Your partnership with the Minneapolis VA is invaluable. Without you Veterans would not have the resources or guidance, in their community, to navigate what can be a challenging system. You assist Veterans everyday to ensure they are receiving the healthcare and benefits they have earned,” said Director Kelly. ...Read more


Champlin Veteran takes part in arts festival

Veteran in Creative Arts

In 2018, while taking his father, a WWII Marine Corps veteran, to a medical appointment at the Minneapolis VA, Burns noticed a poster advertising the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition.

“It was an invitation to try out for the competition,” he said. Burns said veterans select the songs they want to perform, the paintings they want to showcase, or the creative writing to submit for the competition. ...Read more


Veterans are Consultants to VA researchers

veteran engagement group

A table full of Veterans gathered together in the research wing of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center to talk about pain and opioids. This was the second time the team was together face to face since its inception.   

“We supply information to researchers because we’re Veterans and we know what Veterans want,” said Laurie, one of 13 members of the national Pain/Opioid Consortium of Research (CORE) Veteran Engagement Panel. “I manage chronic pain daily, most of which is musculoskeletal. My goal is to give back to Veterans and being part of this program, I can do that.” ...Read more


June Volunteer of the Month

red vest volunteer

Congratulations to Vicki Musech, our Minneapolis VA June Volunteer of the month.  

Vicki began volunteering at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System 14 years ago, even though it was an hour's drive from her home in rural Wisconsin. 

Vicki and her childhood friend, Lois Dopp, are known as the "coffee ladies" at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. They bring warmth and comfort to Veterans and their families through their camaraderie and cups of coffee. ...Read more


Recently separated and transitioning service members

Training for transiting Veterans

From July 16th through 18th, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MT, VA and partner service organizations will host an exclusive virtual event for recently separated Veterans, transitioning service members, and their families, caregivers, and survivors who reside in the Continental United States.

Are you looking to file or get a status on your claim? Sign up for VA health care? Whatever it is, VA and our partners are here to help. Schedule an appointment to speak directly over the phone with VA and get dedicated one-on-one service!

Visit www.va.gov/VEAC for more information!


Upcoming Events

New Patient Orientation (virtual) July 10, 2024. This is your opportunity to learn, ask, and feel confident about your journey within our health care system. We’re here to assist you every step of the way. Join us virtually and make your transition to Minneapolis VA Health Care System seamless! ... Read more

Empowered Relief ® is for YOU! This ONE-TIME class is for Veterans with chronic pain. Research has shown it can offer long-term relief. Please join us for a 2.5 hours class on Tue. Jul 16, 2024, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm. ...Read more

Monthly food pantry for Veterans. Open on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while supplies last. ...Read more

Visit our website for upcoming events at Events | VA Minneapolis Health Care | Veterans Affairs

Minneapolis VA Key Service Contact Numbers

Veteran Crisis Line: 988 - Available 24/7

Billing Customer Service desk – 612-467-1298

Medical Records/Release of Information: 614-388-7399 - M-F, 8:00 a.m.-noon and 1:00-4:30 p.m.

Patient Advocates: 612- 467-2102 - M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Enrollment and Eligibility: 612-467-2019 - M-F, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.