Minneapolis VA December News Letter

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On the Beat

Minneapolis VA - December 2025

a group of people in front of a tree wearing ugly sweaters

Leading the way in Twin Cities operating rooms

a large white and black robotic surgery machine

Robot-assisted surgery at the Minneapolis VA just got more precise.  

“We performed our first surgery with Intuitive’s new da Vinci 5 robot last week,” said Chief of General Surgery Dr. Michael G. Johnston. “We are one of the first facilities in the Twin Cities with this new technology, demonstrating our commitment to state-of-the-art care for our Veterans.” ...read more

  


QR Code convenience for prescriptions

a person with long hair sitting behind a desk and bald person wearing glasses sitting in front of desk holding a pill bottle

A new era of convenience and privacy is coming to Veterans receiving prescriptions from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Starting in 2026, the traditional multi-page medication information sheets will be replaced with a simple, secure QR code printed directly on prescription bottles.  

The QR code shares an informative short video about the medication they are taking. ...read more


A man on a mission

person in military uniform along side a plane

At age 79, Jack Nist has a new mission. He’s finding ways to encourage his fellow Veterans to take advantage of the care they have earned at the VA. He believes the people at the VA make the huge difference in patient care.  

 “You always thank us for our service, so I want to thank you for being here because you could be someplace else." ...read more


A heartwarming response

a group of five women and one man standing in two rows  in front of a tan wall all smiling

In early December, at the Twin Ports VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic multiple people rallied together to provide support and resources for a Veteran in need.

It all began when a 77-year-old Veteran walked into the clinic in crisis, with the forecast of below-zero temperatures approaching, he was desperate for help. ...read more


A year in review

a man in a suite and tie in a recording studio with a microphone and headphones

Minneapolis VA Health Care System Director Pat Kelly and members of his executive team shared a year in review conversation with host Doug Wortham on Minnesota Military Radio this month. See our Facebook post here to listen to the full podcast. 


Curbside first impressions

a person with brown short curly hair wearing glasses and a reflective vest standing in front of flags

Donna Majeskie, our VA Volunteer of the Month, has a story of compassion that blossomed from the daily struggles she and her mother faced while caring for her Veteran father.

From navigating VA appointments to maneuvering wheelchairs, these challenges planted the seed of empathy that led to a journey of dedicated volunteerism. ...read more


Sounds of holiday cheer

a large musical group with instruments in front of a decorated tree

We had the pleasure of welcoming several special visitors to our medical center this holiday season to include the 204th Army Band and the Mounds Park Academy's Madrigal Choir and Chamber Orchestra. ...see our Facebook posts here: 204th Army Band, Mounds Park Academy 


"Did you know" yellow sign with light blubs

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) are two different administrations. Enrolling in VA health care (VHA) ensures your access to necessary medical treatment. While filing a disability claim with VBA can secure you a disability rating and provide financial support for service-related conditions. Just because you have filed a claim… that does not mean you are enrolled in healthcare at the VA Medical Center. Understanding the difference can help Veterans maximize their benefits. Contact the Minneapolis VA Health Care System eligibility /enrollment office at 612-467-1991.


Upcoming Events

Advance care planning online event, Wed. Dec 24, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Empowered Relief for Chronic Pain [Virtual], Tue. Jan 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Virtual Veteran Town Hall Meeting, Thu. Jan 15, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Café - drop-in group for Veterans, Fri. Jan 16, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

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

Medical Records/Release of Information: 612-467-1992 - M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Patient Advocates: 612- 467-2106 - M-F, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Call Center/After Hours Care: 612-467-1100