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		<title>Local Features - Minneapolis VA Health Care System</title>
		<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/index.asp</link>
		<description>Listing of local health features.</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<copyright>Copyright 2010 VA</copyright>
		<docs>http://www.va.gov/rss</docs>
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		<lastBuildDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 14:33:00 CDT</lastBuildDate>
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			<title>Minneapolis Volunteer Spotlight</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_liepa.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120514_liepa.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA volunteer Brian Liepa" title="Minneapolis VA volunteer Brian Liepa"><div>]]>He is the pleasant young man stationed by the central elevators with the neon green tag that says &#34;Need assistance?  Ask me!&#34;  Always smiling and quick to approach others with a welcoming &#34;Can I help you,&#34; Brian Liepa has been volunteering at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for nearly two years.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA volunteer Brian Liepa</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">He is the pleasant young man stationed by the central elevators with the neon green tag that says &#34;Need assistance?  Ask me!&#34;  Always smiling and quick to approach others with a welcoming &#34;Can I help you,&#34; Brian Liepa has been volunteering at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for nearly two years.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteer Spotlight</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>He is the pleasant young man stationed by the central elevators with the neon green tag that says &#34;Need assistance?  Ask me!&#34;  Always smiling and quick to approach others with a welcoming &#34;Can I help you,&#34; Brian Liepa has been volunteering at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for nearly two years.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Cancer Survivor&#39;s Day</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/CancerSurvivorDay2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 14:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120508_CancerSurvivorDay.jpg" alt="Cancer Survivor&#39;s Day May 24th, 2012" title="Cancer Survivor&#39;s Day May 24th, 2012"><div>]]>May 24th, 2012 - Cancer Survivor&#39;s Day is a celebration intended for our Veterans impacted by cancer.  Our goal is to provide an opportunity for individuals affected by Cancer to come together to exchange information, ideas, and support.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/CancerSurvivorDay2012_1336506593120</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120508_CancerSurvivorDay.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Cancer Survivor&#39;s Day May 24th, 2012</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">May 24th, 2012 - Cancer Survivor&#39;s Day is a celebration intended for our Veterans impacted by cancer.  Our goal is to provide an opportunity for individuals affected by Cancer to come together to exchange information, ideas, and support.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Cancer Survivor&#39;s Day</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>May 24th, 2012 - Cancer Survivor&#39;s Day is a celebration intended for our Veterans impacted by cancer.  Our goal is to provide an opportunity for individuals affected by Cancer to come together to exchange information, ideas, and support.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Twin Ports VA Clinic Renovation To Get Underway</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/TwinPortsRenovation.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120507_TwinPorts.jpg" alt="Twin Ports VA Clinic in Superior, Wis." title="Twin Ports VA Clinic in Superior, Wis."><div>]]>The renovation project will include an upgrade in mechanical services, additional exam rooms, space for sub-specialty care and expanded telehealth services.  Other additions include space for group therapy and group education along with an office for the outreach staff. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120507_TwinPorts.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Twin Ports VA Clinic in Superior, Wis.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The renovation project will include an upgrade in mechanical services, additional exam rooms, space for sub-specialty care and expanded telehealth services.  Other additions include space for group therapy and group education along with an office for the outreach staff. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Twin Ports Clinic Renovation</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The renovation project will include an upgrade in mechanical services, additional exam rooms, space for sub-specialty care and expanded telehealth services.  Other additions include space for group therapy and group education along with an office for the outreach staff. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Eurasian Health Care Leaders Visit Minneapolis VA</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Eurasian_Health_Care_Leaders_Visit_Minneapolis_VA.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 11:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120510_eurasianvisit.jpg" alt="Eurasian Health Care Leaders delegation with several VA staff" title="Eurasian Health Care Leaders delegation with several VA staff"><div>]]>A group of 20 senior-level hospital administrators and physicians from nine Eurasian countries visited the Minneapolis VA Medical Center on May 4.  The visit was part of the U.S. Department of Commerce Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) Program of hospital administration.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120510_eurasianvisit.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Eurasian Health Care Leaders delegation with several VA staff</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A group of 20 senior-level hospital administrators and physicians from nine Eurasian countries visited the Minneapolis VA Medical Center on May 4.  The visit was part of the U.S. Department of Commerce Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) Program of hospital administration.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Eurasian Leaders Visit VA</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A group of 20 senior-level hospital administrators and physicians from nine Eurasian countries visited the Minneapolis VA Medical Center on May 4.  The visit was part of the U.S. Department of Commerce Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) Program of hospital administration.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/NationalLabWeek2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120423_LabWeek.jpg" alt="Laboratory Professionals Week - Get Results" title="Laboratory Professionals Week - Get Results"><div>]]>Lab week is a time to honor the more than 300,000 medical laboratory professionals around the country and here in our Medical Center who perform and interpret more that 10 billion laboratory tests in the USA every year.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/NationalLabWeek2012_1335197077434</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120423_LabWeek.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Laboratory Professionals Week - Get Results</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Medical laboratory teams are the cornerstone of accurate diagnoses for patients. In fact, medical lab test results comprise approximately 70 percent of a patient&#8217;s medical record today. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Getting Results - Lab Week</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Lab week is a time to honor the more than 300,000 medical laboratory professionals around the country and here in our Medical Center who perform and interpret more that 10 billion laboratory tests in the USA every year.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Sexual_Assault_Awareness_Month.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_MST.jpg" alt="Sexual Assault Awareness Month" title="Sexual Assault Awareness Month"><div>]]>1 in 5 women and 1 in 100 men have told their VA provider that they experienced sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment while in the military. Military sexual trauma (MST) the term VA uses to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred while a veteran was in the military. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Sexual_Assault_Awareness_Month_1301942023487</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_MST.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Sexual Assault Awareness Month</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">1 in 5 women and 1 in 100 men have told their VA provider that they experienced sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment while in the military. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Sexual Assault Awareness</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>1 in 5 women and 1 in 100 men have told their VA provider that they experienced sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment while in the military. Military sexual trauma (MST) the term VA uses to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred while a veteran was in the military. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Tool Enhances Veterans Access to Their VA Health Care</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/secure_messaging_primarycare.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120330_securemessging.jpg" alt="hands typing on a computer keyboard" title="hands typing on a computer keyboard"><div>]]>Veterans who receive primary care services in the Minneapolis VA Health Care System can now take advantage of a new way to communicate with their health care teams that&#8217;s as fast as email, but completely safe and secure!<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/secure_messaging_primarycare_1333120568822</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120330_securemessging.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">hands typing on a computer keyboard</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans who receive primary care services in the Minneapolis VA Health Care System can now take advantage of a new way to communicate with their health care teams that&#8217;s as fast as email, but completely safe and secure!</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Talk to YOUR health care team!</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans who receive primary care services in the Minneapolis VA Health Care System can now take advantage of a new way to communicate with their health care teams that&#8217;s as fast as email, but completely safe and secure!</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Excellence Through Learning, Discovery and Best Practices</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Excellence_Video2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/Excellence_Video_ad_180.jpg" alt="Excellence through Learning, Discovery and Best Practices - video graphic" title="Excellence through Learning, Discovery and Best Practices - video graphic"><div>]]>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has a long history of providing Veterans a full range of patient care services. We believe that it is a combination of research, education and clinical care that leads to excellence in serving Veterans. This video highlights some examples of how research, education and clinical care improve the lives of Veterans with PTSD and Chronic Diseases.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Excellence_Video2012_1332362477410</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/Excellence_Video_ad_180.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Excellence through Learning, Discovery and Best Practices - video graphic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has a long history of providing Veterans a full range of patient care services. We believe that it is a combination of research, education and clinical care that leads to excellence in serving Veterans.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Excellence Video</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has a long history of providing Veterans a full range of patient care services. We believe that it is a combination of research, education and clinical care that leads to excellence in serving Veterans. This video highlights some examples of how research, education and clinical care improve the lives of Veterans with PTSD and Chronic Diseases.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Military Service Information Added to My HealtheVet</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MSI_MyHealtheVet.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120308_militaryMHV.jpg" alt="military service members in uniform" title="military service members in uniform"><div>]]>Veterans with an upgraded My HealtheVet can now gain access to key portions of their Department of Defense (DoD) Military Service Information (MSI).<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/MSI_MyHealtheVet_1331225970007</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120308_militaryMHV.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">military service members in uniform</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans with an upgraded My HealtheVet can now gain access to key portions of their Department of Defense (DoD) Military Service Information (MSI).</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">MyHealtheVet adds Mil Service </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans with an upgraded My HealtheVet can now gain access to key portions of their Department of Defense (DoD) Military Service Information (MSI).</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Five Steps to Safer Health Care</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/5steps.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120214_5steps.jpg" alt="5 Steps to Safer Health Care" title="5 Steps to Safer Health Care"><div>]]>There are many ways to take an active role your health care.  Here are 5 steps to help you become more involved and work with your health care team to improve your health.
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/5steps_1329239858811</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120214_5steps.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">5 Steps to Safer Health Care</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">There are many ways to take an active role your health care.  Here are 5 steps to help you become more involved and work with your health care team to improve your health.

</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">5 Steps to Safer Health Care</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>There are many ways to take an active role your health care.  Here are 5 steps to help you become more involved and work with your health care team to improve your health.
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>National Take-Back Initiative</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/National_TakeBack2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120426_gotdrugs.jpg" alt="Got Drugs?" title="Got Drugs?"><div>]]>National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  This is a great opportunity for those who have accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120426_gotdrugs.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Got Drugs?</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  This is a great opportunity for those who have accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">National Take-Back Initiative</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  This is a great opportunity for those who have accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>3 Good Questions for Your Health</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/3Questions.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120118_3_questions.jpg" alt="3 Good Questions for Your Health" title="3 Good Questions for Your Health"><div>]]>Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, there are three questions you should ask to better understand your health.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/3Questions_1326901289649</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120118_3_questions.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">3 Good Questions for Your Health</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, there are three questions you should ask to better understand your health.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">3 Good Questions for Health</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, there are three questions you should ask to better understand your health.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Activates AudioCare</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/AudioCare.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:30:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20111004_audiocare.jpg" alt="AudioCare, 1-855-560-1721, picture of a phone" title="AudioCare, 1-855-560-1721, picture of a phone"><div>]]>AudioCare is the automated communications between the Minneapolis VA and the patient. By using a touch-tone telephone, patients gain easy access to appointments and prescriptions 24 hours a day seven days a week.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/AudioCare_1317760818664</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20111004_audiocare.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">AudioCare, 1-855-560-1721, picture of a phone</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">AudioCare is the automated communications between the Minneapolis VA and the patient. By using a touch-tone telephone, patients gain easy access to appointments and prescriptions 24 hours a day seven days a week.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">AudioCare Connects Patients</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>AudioCare is the automated communications between the Minneapolis VA and the patient. By using a touch-tone telephone, patients gain easy access to appointments and prescriptions 24 hours a day seven days a week.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Be Involved in Your Health Care</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/be_involved.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120104_be_involved.jpg" alt="a VA doctor listens to a man and a woman" title="a VA doctor listens to a man and a woman"><div>]]>Find out ways to become more involved in your health care. How you can work with your health care team to make sure you get answers to all your questions and the best care possible.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/be_involved_1325706825498</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120104_be_involved.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a VA doctor listens to a man and a woman</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Find out ways to become more involved in your health care. How you can work with your health care team to make sure you get answers to all your questions and the best care possible.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Be Involved in Your Health</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Find out ways to become more involved in your health care. How you can work with your health care team to make sure you get answers to all your questions and the best care possible.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Addictive Disorders Service Coping Skills Group</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/new_ADS_coping_skills_group_2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb20111228_ads_photo.jpg" alt="photo of a female Veteran" title="photo of a female Veteran"><div>]]>The new ADS skills group was developed after Veterans were surveyed regarding what types of information/skills might be helpful to them in their recovery from addictions. We developed these skills classes from the information we received from Veterans. We are launching the new skills groups January 4, 2012.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/new_ADS_coping_skills_group_2012_1325191089211</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb20111228_ads_photo.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">photo of a female Veteran</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A new skills group was developed after Veterans were surveyed regarding what types of information and skills might be helpful to them in their recovery from addictions. We are inviting any Veteran to attend that is interested.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New ADS Coping Skills Group</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The new ADS skills group was developed after Veterans were surveyed regarding what types of information/skills might be helpful to them in their recovery from addictions. We developed these skills classes from the information we received from Veterans. We are launching the new skills groups January 4, 2012.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Historic Housing for our Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/housing_veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20111116_snelling.jpg" alt="concept drawing of a rehabbed housing unit" title="concept drawing of a rehabbed housing unit"><div>]]>The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has been identified as one of the proposed development sites to provide 58 permanent housing units for Veterans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/housing_veterans_1321473893269</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20111116_snelling.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">concept drawing of a rehabbed housing unit</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has been identified as one of the proposed development sites to provide 58 permanent housing units for Veterans.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Historic Housing for our Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has been identified as one of the proposed development sites to provide 58 permanent housing units for Veterans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>World AIDS Day at the Minneapolis VA</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/World_AIDS_Day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:30:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20111128_worldAIDSday.jpg" alt="World AIDS Day, December 1st" title="World AIDS Day, December 1st"><div>]]>Did you know that there are more than 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS around the world?  Thursday, December 1st marks the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day.  Within the past 30 years there has been significant progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but there is still more to be done.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/World_AIDS_Day_1322501324691</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20111128_worldAIDSday.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">World AIDS Day, December 1st</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA is the largest provider of care to those living with HIV/AIDS in the United States.  There are over 24,000 veterans in VA care that live with HIV/AIDS everyday.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">World AIDS Day</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Did you know that there are more than 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS around the world?  Thursday, December 1st marks the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day.  Within the past 30 years there has been significant progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but there is still more to be done.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Northwest Metro VA Outpatient Clinic to Open November 15th</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ramsey_Clinic_Opening.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:45:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20111014_ramsey.jpg" alt="photo of the new Northwest Metro VA clinic building" title="photo of the new Northwest Metro VA clinic building"><div>]]>The new community-based outpatient clinic in Ramsey, Minn. opened its doors on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The clinic will provide a wide range of services including primary care, mental health care, dental care, eye care and audiology.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Ramsey_Clinic_Opening_1318603579516</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20111014_ramsey.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">photo of the new Northwest Metro VA clinic building</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The new community-based outpatient clinic in Ramsey, Minn. opened its doors on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The clinic will provide a wide range of services including primary care, mental health care, dental care, eye care and audiology.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Northwest Metro VA Clinic</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The new community-based outpatient clinic in Ramsey, Minn. opened its doors on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The clinic will provide a wide range of services including primary care, mental health care, dental care, eye care and audiology.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Resource Outreach Center To Open In Early 2012 In Minneapolis</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VetResourceCenter.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20111005_VetResourceOutreachCenter.jpg" alt="photo of 1201 Harmon Place building near downtown Minneapolis" title="photo of 1201 Harmon Place building near downtown Minneapolis"><div>]]>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will open a Veterans Resource Outreach Center in February 2012 at 1201 Harmon Place near downtown Minneapolis to focus on homeless Veterans. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VetResourceCenter_1317827433108</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20111005_VetResourceOutreachCenter.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">photo of 1201 Harmon Place building near downtown Minneapolis</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will open a Veterans Resource Outreach Center in February 2012 at 1201 Harmon Place near downtown Minneapolis. &#34;This center is another tool to help us achieve the VA&#8217;s ultimate goal of eliminating Veteran homelessness.&#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Reaching Out</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will open a Veterans Resource Outreach Center in February 2012 at 1201 Harmon Place near downtown Minneapolis to focus on homeless Veterans. </hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) pilot program kicks off in Twin Ports</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VLER_TwinPorts.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110916_VLER.jpg" alt="two doctors look at a computer screen" title="two doctors look at a computer screen"><div>]]>VA announced that it is expanding the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) pilot program to include an estimated 5,000 Veterans in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin who receive care at Twin Ports VA Outpatient Clinic in Superior, Wis.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VLER_TwinPorts_1316184220923</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110916_VLER.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">two doctors look at a computer screen</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA announced that it is expanding the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) pilot program to include an estimated 5,000 Veterans in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin who receive care at Twin Ports VA Outpatient Clinic in Superior, Wis.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Health Information Exchange</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA announced that it is expanding the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER) pilot program to include an estimated 5,000 Veterans in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin who receive care at Twin Ports VA Outpatient Clinic in Superior, Wis.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Midwest Health Care Network Opens &#39;Hub&#39; for Regional Tele-ICU </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Tele_ICU.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110826_teleicu.jpg" alt="a woman and man look at multiple computer monitors in the Tele-ICU" title="a woman and man look at multiple computer monitors in the Tele-ICU"><div>]]>A &#34;second set of eyes&#34; can now monitor patients at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals across the VA Midwest Health Care Network, thanks to a Tele-Intensive Care Unit (Tele-ICU) that opened on August 2 at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Tele_ICU_1314386684233</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110826_teleicu.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a woman and man look at multiple computer monitors in the Tele-ICU</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A &#34;second set of eyes&#34; can now monitor patients at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals across the VA Midwest Health Care Network, thanks to a Tele-Intensive Care Unit (Tele-ICU) that opened on August 2 at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Midwest Opens Tele-ICU Hub</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A &#34;second set of eyes&#34; can now monitor patients at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals across the VA Midwest Health Care Network, thanks to a Tele-Intensive Care Unit (Tele-ICU) that opened on August 2 at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Reaching Our Rural Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Rural_Health_20110817.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110816_ruralhealthphoto.jpg" alt="a woman in a wheel chair uses her home computer " title="a woman in a wheel chair uses her home computer "><div>]]>Minneapolis VA Health Care System works to ensure rural Veterans have access to care by offering health care through tele-health and through Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Rural_Health_20110817_1313595317081</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110816_ruralhealthphoto.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a woman in a wheel chair uses her home computer </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Did you know that 41% of Veterans live in rural areas?  Minneapolis VA Health Care System expands services and technologies that will make a difference.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Reaching Our Rural Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA Health Care System works to ensure rural Veterans have access to care by offering health care through tele-health and through Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Keeping the Medical Center in Bloom</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Keeping_the_Medical_Center_in_Bloom.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110803_master_gardener.jpg" alt="VA&#39;s Master Gardener, Dan Devereaux, tends to the gardens at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center" title="VA&#39;s Master Gardener, Dan Devereaux, tends to the gardens at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center"><div>]]>VA&#39;s Master Gardener, Dan Devereaux, keeps the gardens in bloom at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Keeping_the_Medical_Center_in_Bloom_1312402991431</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110803_master_gardener.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA&#39;s Master Gardener, Dan Devereaux, tends to the gardens at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">If you&#8217;ve ever smelled the Dwarf Korean Lilac bushes on campus or admired the blooming flowers, perhaps you&#8217;ve wondered how those plants made their way to the medical center. The answer rests with our master gardener Dan Devereaux and his crew.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Medical Center in Bloom</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA&#39;s Master Gardener, Dan Devereaux, keeps the gardens in bloom at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Funds Going to Minnesota Agency in New Homeless Prevention Initiative</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MACV_Grant_Homeless_Prevention_Initiative.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110726_MACV.jpg" alt="Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans" title="Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans"><div>]]>More than $1 million will go to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V).  This grant is part of $60 Million in Homeless Funding for Veteran Families from the Department of Veterans Affairs. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/MACV_Grant_Homeless_Prevention_Initiative_1311705750723</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110726_MACV.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">More than $1 million will go to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V).  This grant is part of $60 Million in Homeless Funding for Veteran Families from the Department of Veterans Affairs.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Funding Homeless Prevention</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>More than $1 million will go to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V).  This grant is part of $60 Million in Homeless Funding for Veteran Families from the Department of Veterans Affairs. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>HUD, VA Grants Going to Minnesota Public Housing Agencies</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/HUD_VA_HousingGrants.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110721_VA_HUD_Grants.jpg" alt="Housing for homeless Vets; picture of keys in a hand" title="Housing for homeless Vets; picture of keys in a hand"><div>]]>HUD, VA grants going to Minnesota public housing agencies to provide permanent housing for homeless Veterans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/HUD_VA_HousingGrants_1311264371256</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110721_VA_HUD_Grants.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Housing for homeless Vets; picture of keys in a hand</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">HUD, VA grants going to Minnesota public housing agencies to provide permanent housing for homeless Veterans.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Housing for Homeless Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>HUD, VA grants going to Minnesota public housing agencies to provide permanent housing for homeless Veterans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Dental Team Pulls Together, Saves a Life</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Dental_Team_Pulls_Together_Saves_a_Life.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110629_dentalteam.jpg" alt="Dental team pulls together" title="Dental team pulls together"><div>]]>This is the story of strangers helping strangers helping a stranger &#8211; and possibly saving a life!  Dental team pulls man from creek in Minnehaha Park.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Dental_Team_Pulls_Together_Saves_a_Life_1309363160257</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110629_dentalteam.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dental team pulls together</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">This is the story of strangers helping strangers helping a stranger &#8211; and possibly saving a life!  Dental team pulls man from creek in Minnehaha Park.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Dental Team Pulls Together</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>This is the story of strangers helping strangers helping a stranger &#8211; and possibly saving a life!  Dental team pulls man from creek in Minnehaha Park.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Appointment Of New Chief Of Staff</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/New_Chief_of_Staff.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110628_crossley.jpg" alt="Dr. Kent Crossley" title="Dr. Kent Crossley"><div>]]>Dr. Kent Crossley has been appointed Chief of Staff of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.  An educator, researcher and Veteran; Dr. Crossley will now lead the organization in three major missions of patient care, education and VA research.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/New_Chief_of_Staff_1309269941080</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110628_crossley.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Kent Crossley</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Dr. Kent Crossley has been appointed Chief of Staff of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.  An educator, researcher and Veteran; Dr. Crossley will now lead the organization in three major missions of patient care, education and VA research.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Chief of Staff Appointed</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Dr. Kent Crossley has been appointed Chief of Staff of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.  An educator, researcher and Veteran; Dr. Crossley will now lead the organization in three major missions of patient care, education and VA research.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Million Veteran Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Million_Veteran_Program.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110616_MVP.jpg" alt="Million Veteran Program" title="Million Veteran Program"><div>]]>Minneapolis VAHCS is now a participating site for a new VA research initiative called the Million Veteran Program (MVP): A Partnership with Veterans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Million_Veteran_Program_1308251621969</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110616_MVP.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Million Veteran Program</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VAHCS is now a participating site for a new VA research initiative called the Million Veteran Program (MVP): A Partnership with Veterans.  Learn more about how to enroll.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Million Veteran Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VAHCS is now a participating site for a new VA research initiative called the Million Veteran Program (MVP): A Partnership with Veterans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Fisher House Dedication</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/FisherHouseII.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110608_fisherhouse.jpg" alt="Fisher House II at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center" title="Fisher House II at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center"><div>]]>The new 20-room Fisher House will expand the capacity for a growing demand in family lodging while loved ones are receiving care at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/FisherHouseII_1307549015627</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110608_fisherhouse.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Fisher House II at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Dedication Ceremony &#8211; June 9, 2011  The new 20-room Fisher House will expand the capacity for a growing demand in family lodging while loved ones are receiving care at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Fisher House Dedication</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The new 20-room Fisher House will expand the capacity for a growing demand in family lodging while loved ones are receiving care at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Spinal Cord Injury Center</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/SCI_AmericanVeteranTVstory.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110607_sci_video.jpg" alt="Spinal Cord Injury Center" title="Spinal Cord Injury Center"><div>]]>VA is using new technologies to help improve the lives of Veterans living with spinal cord injuries in the Minneapolis area.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/SCI_AmericanVeteranTVstory_1307460070553</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110607_sci_video.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Spinal Cord Injury Center</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA is using new technologies to help improve the lives of Veterans living with spinal cord injuries in the Minneapolis area.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Spinal Cord Injury Center</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA is using new technologies to help improve the lives of Veterans living with spinal cord injuries in the Minneapolis area.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Civil Servant of the Year &#8211; Leadership Award</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/2010CivilServant_LeadershipAward.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 May 2011 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110510_west.jpg" alt="Kathryn West, 2010 Civil Servant of the Year" title="Kathryn West, 2010 Civil Servant of the Year"><div>]]>Leadership Award recipient, Kathryn West has developed exceptional community relationships with the goal of building bridges between the VA Health Care System and the community.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/2010CivilServant_LeadershipAward_1305043723971</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110510_west.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Kathryn West, 2010 Civil Servant of the Year</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Leadership Award recipient, Kathryn West has developed exceptional community relationships with the goal of building bridges between the VA Health Care System and the community.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Building Bridges</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Leadership Award recipient, Kathryn West has developed exceptional community relationships with the goal of building bridges between the VA Health Care System and the community.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Research Day</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_research_day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2011 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110502_researchday.jpg" alt="VA Research Day" title="VA Research Day"><div>]]>Thursday, May 5: &#34;VA Research Day &#39;11&#34; will give veterans an opportunity to learn first-hand from scientific investigators how the medical research supported by the VA will shape the future of their health care.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_research_day_1304347593499</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110502_researchday.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Research Day</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Thursday, May 5: &#34;VA Research Day &#39;11&#34; will give veterans an opportunity to learn first-hand from scientific investigators how the medical research supported by the VA will shape the future of their health care.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Research Day</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Thursday, May 5: &#34;VA Research Day &#39;11&#34; will give veterans an opportunity to learn first-hand from scientific investigators how the medical research supported by the VA will shape the future of their health care.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA to Dedicate New Clinics in St. James and Mankato on April 30</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Dedication_St_James_and_Mankato.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110420_mankatostjames.jpg" alt="new VA clinics in St. James and Mankato, Minn. dedication set for April 30th" title="new VA clinics in St. James and Mankato, Minn. dedication set for April 30th"><div>]]>Veterans and the public are invited to dedication events for two new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics on Saturday, April 30.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Dedication_St_James_and_Mankato_1303325583083</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110420_mankatostjames.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">new VA clinics in St. James and Mankato, Minn. dedication set for April 30th</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans and the public are invited to dedication events for two new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics on Saturday, April 30.  St. James &amp; Mankato, Minn.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Dedicates 2 New Clinics</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans and the public are invited to dedication events for two new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics on Saturday, April 30.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA to open clinic in Mankato</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_clinic_Mankato.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110411_mankato.jpg" alt="The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) has opened a primary care clinic in Mankato, Minn, April l11." title="The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) has opened a primary care clinic in Mankato, Minn, April l11."><div>]]>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) has opened a primary care clinic in Mankato, Minn, April 11.   Services will include primary and preventive health care medicine and mental health care services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_clinic_Mankato_1302532104588</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110411_mankato.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) has opened a primary care clinic in Mankato, Minn, April l11.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) has opened a primary care clinic in Mankato, Minn, April 11.   Services will include primary and preventive health care medicine and mental health care services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA opens clinic in Mankato</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) has opened a primary care clinic in Mankato, Minn, April 11.   Services will include primary and preventive health care medicine and mental health care services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New VA Clinic Opens in St. James, Minn.</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Clinic_Opens_St_James.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110404_stjamescboc.jpg" alt="photo of the new VA Clinic in St. James, Minn." title="photo of the new VA Clinic in St. James, Minn."><div>]]>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System opens a new St. James VA Clinic effective April 4 and a new clinic in Mankato on April 11.  These clinics expand services for Veterans in the South Central Minnesota area.  They provide primary and preventative care along with mental health care services.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Clinic_Opens_St_James_1301927201365</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110404_stjamescboc.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">photo of the new VA Clinic in St. James, Minn.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System opens a new St. James VA Clinic effective April 4 and a new clinic in Mankato on April 11.  These clinics expand services for Veterans in the South Central Minnesota area.  They provide primary and preventative care along with mental health care services.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Clinic Opens in St. James</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System opens a new St. James VA Clinic effective April 4 and a new clinic in Mankato on April 11.  These clinics expand services for Veterans in the South Central Minnesota area.  They provide primary and preventative care along with mental health care services.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minnesota Timberwolves Honor VA Research Non-Profit</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Timberwolves_Honor_MNVets.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110311_TwolvesMNVETS.jpg" alt="Timberwolves President Chris Wright; Clay Tenquist, MNVets executive director; VA medical center director Steven Kleinglass and T&#39;wolves mascot Crunch" title="Timberwolves President Chris Wright; Clay Tenquist, MNVets executive director; VA medical center director Steven Kleinglass and T&#39;wolves mascot Crunch"><div>]]>The Minnesota Veterans Medical Research &amp; Education Foundation (MNVets) was recognized during the Timberwolves basketball game. Over the past five years the Foundation has provided more than half a million dollars in funding to the Minneapolis VA.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Timberwolves_Honor_MNVets_1301414582269</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110311_TwolvesMNVETS.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Timberwolves President Chris Wright; Clay Tenquist, MNVets executive director; VA medical center director Steven Kleinglass and T&#39;wolves mascot Crunch</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minnesota Veterans Medical Research &amp; Education Foundation (MNVets) was recognized during the Timberwolves basketball game. Over the past five years the Foundation has provided more than half a million dollars in funding to the Minneapolis VA.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">T&#39;Wolves Honor MNVets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minnesota Veterans Medical Research &amp; Education Foundation (MNVets) was recognized during the Timberwolves basketball game. Over the past five years the Foundation has provided more than half a million dollars in funding to the Minneapolis VA.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Redefining normal blood pressure</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/redefining_normal_blood_pressure.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101130_caringforwomen.jpg" alt="a woman veteran visits with a doctor " title="a woman veteran visits with a doctor "><div>]]>As many as 100 million Americans may currently be misclassified as having abnormal blood pressure, according to Dr. Brent Taylor from the Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VAHCS) in Minneapolis and his colleagues.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/redefining_normal_blood_pressure_1299694401788</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101130_caringforwomen.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a woman veteran visits with a doctor </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">As many as 100 million Americans may currently be misclassified as having abnormal blood pressure, according to Dr. Brent Taylor from the Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VAHCS) in Minneapolis and his colleagues.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Abnormal blood pressure?</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>As many as 100 million Americans may currently be misclassified as having abnormal blood pressure, according to Dr. Brent Taylor from the Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VAHCS) in Minneapolis and his colleagues.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Secure Messaging Now Available for Patients</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Secure_Messaging_Now_Available_for_Patients.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110224_SecureMessagingMyhealthevet.jpg" alt="MyHealtheVet" title="MyHealtheVet"><div>]]>To date, seven care teams at the Medical Center have Secure Messaging (SM)! More than 3300 patients have opted in. Have you wanted to be able to talk to your doctor online?<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Secure_Messaging_Now_Available_for_Patients_1299247311568</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110224_SecureMessagingMyhealthevet.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">MyHealtheVet</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">To date, seven care teams at the Medical Center have Secure Messaging (SM)! More than 3300 patients have opted in. Have you wanted to be able to talk to your doctor online?</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Secure Messaging with your Doc</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>To date, seven care teams at the Medical Center have Secure Messaging (SM)! More than 3300 patients have opted in. Have you wanted to be able to talk to your doctor online?</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Researcher: Spiritual Strength Helps Patients Cope with Symptoms of PTSD</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/spiritual_strength_helps_PTSD.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110224_SpiritualStrength.jpg" alt="Spiritual Strength Helps Patients Cope with Symptoms of PTSD" title="Spiritual Strength Helps Patients Cope with Symptoms of PTSD"><div>]]>VA Researcher: Spiritual Strength Helps Patients Cope with Symptoms of PTSD.
Recently, Dr. Irene Harris and a team of researchers tested their hypothesis that PTSD treatment could be enhanced through including a spiritually-integrated protocol.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/spiritual_strength_helps_PTSD_1298996754157</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110224_SpiritualStrength.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Spiritual Strength Helps Patients Cope with Symptoms of PTSD</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Researcher: Spiritual Strength Helps Patients Cope with Symptoms of PTSD.
Recently, Dr. Irene Harris and a team of researchers tested their hypothesis that PTSD treatment could be enhanced through including a spiritually-integrated protocol.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Spiritual Strength Helps PTSD</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Researcher: Spiritual Strength Helps Patients Cope with Symptoms of PTSD.
Recently, Dr. Irene Harris and a team of researchers tested their hypothesis that PTSD treatment could be enhanced through including a spiritually-integrated protocol.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Dr. Melissa West Receives VA&#39;s Top Ethics in Medicine Award</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/DrWest_Receives_Ethics_Award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110224_DrMelissaWest_EthicsAward.jpg" alt="Dr. Melissa West is awarded the William A. Nelson Award for Excellence in Health Care Ethics by Randy Petzel, MD, VA&#39;s Undersecretary for Health." title="Dr. Melissa West is awarded the William A. Nelson Award for Excellence in Health Care Ethics by Randy Petzel, MD, VA&#39;s Undersecretary for Health."><div>]]>Melissa West, MD, was honored February 15 in Washington, DC, with the presentation of the William A. Nelson Award for Excellence in Health Care Ethics by Randy Petzel, MD, VA&#39;s Undersecretary for Health.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/DrWest_Receives_Ethics_Award_1298570541064</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110224_DrMelissaWest_EthicsAward.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Melissa West is awarded the William A. Nelson Award for Excellence in Health Care Ethics by Randy Petzel, MD, VA&#39;s Undersecretary for Health.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Melissa West, MD, was honored February 15 in Washington, DC, with the presentation of the William A. Nelson Award for Excellence in Health Care Ethics by Randy Petzel, MD, VA&#39;s Undersecretary for Health.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Dr. Receives Ethics Award</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Melissa West, MD, was honored February 15 in Washington, DC, with the presentation of the William A. Nelson Award for Excellence in Health Care Ethics by Randy Petzel, MD, VA&#39;s Undersecretary for Health.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA &#34;Salutes&#34; Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_Salutes_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110215_NationalSalute.jpg" alt="Valentines were handed out to Veteran patients during the National Salute to Veteran Patients" title="Valentines were handed out to Veteran patients during the National Salute to Veteran Patients"><div>]]>Hearts were aflutter at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center as more than 60 service organization officials, beauty queens, volunteers and cheerleaders visited hospitalized Veterans as part of the &#34;National Salute to Veterans.&#34;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Minneapolis_VA_Salutes_Veterans_1297804690975</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110215_NationalSalute.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Valentines were handed out to Veteran patients during the National Salute to Veteran Patients</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Hearts were aflutter at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center as more than 60 service organization officials, beauty queens, volunteers and cheerleaders visited hospitalized Veterans as part of the &#34;National Salute to Veterans.&#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Minneapolis &#34;Salutes&#34; Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Hearts were aflutter at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center as more than 60 service organization officials, beauty queens, volunteers and cheerleaders visited hospitalized Veterans as part of the &#34;National Salute to Veterans.&#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Nurse Reaches Out to Help Small East African Village</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Nurse_Reaches_Out.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Jan 2011 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110128_OtternessRN.jpg" alt="thatched roof hut used as dispensary clinic in Idete, Tanzania" title="thatched roof hut used as dispensary clinic in Idete, Tanzania"><div>]]>Sara Otterness, a nurse at the VA Medical Center, spearheads the effort to improve the health of a small village high in the mountains of Tanzania in Eastern Africa, medical care is delivered in a dirt floor hut, thatched roof and no running water.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Nurse_Reaches_Out_1296226286689</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110128_OtternessRN.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">thatched roof hut used as dispensary clinic in Idete, Tanzania</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Sara Otterness, a nurse at the VA Medical Center, spearheads the effort to improve the health of a small village high in the mountains of Tanzania in Eastern Africa, medical care is delivered in a dirt floor hut, thatched roof and no running water.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Nurse Reaches Out</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Sara Otterness, a nurse at the VA Medical Center, spearheads the effort to improve the health of a small village high in the mountains of Tanzania in Eastern Africa, medical care is delivered in a dirt floor hut, thatched roof and no running water.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Ramsey Clinic Construction </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ramsey_Clinic_Construction.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110117_RamseyCBOC.jpg" alt="construction site of the soon to come Ramsey, Minn." title="construction site of the soon to come Ramsey, Minn."><div>]]>Despite a harsh winter, work is continuing at the new community-based outpatient clinic in Ramsey, Minn.  According to the developer, steel beams will begin to be erected this week.  A temporary shelter encloses the stairwell for the facility. Ground was broken on the construction last fall.   <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Ramsey_Clinic_Construction_1295382142569</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110117_RamseyCBOC.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">construction site of the soon to come Ramsey, Minn.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Despite a harsh winter, work is continuing at the new community-based outpatient clinic in Ramsey, Minn.  According to the developer, steel beams will begin to be erected this week.  A temporary shelter encloses the stairwell for the facility. Ground was broken on the construction last fall.   </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Ramsey Clinic Construction</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Despite a harsh winter, work is continuing at the new community-based outpatient clinic in Ramsey, Minn.  According to the developer, steel beams will begin to be erected this week.  A temporary shelter encloses the stairwell for the facility. Ground was broken on the construction last fall.   </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA STUDY: Soldiers with PTSD More Likely to Experience Long-Term Psychological Effects </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_STUDY_Soldiers_with_PTSD.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110103_VAstudyPTSD.jpg" alt="a photo of a U.S. Marine" title="a photo of a U.S. Marine"><div>]]>Soldiers with PTSD found more likely to experience long-term psychological effects says a survey of 953 combat-deployed U.S. National Guard Soldiers conducted by the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and the University of Minnesota Medical School.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_STUDY_Soldiers_with_PTSD_1294079123796</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110103_VAstudyPTSD.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a photo of a U.S. Marine</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Soldiers with PTSD found more likely to experience long-term psychological effects says a survey of 953 combat-deployed U.S. National Guard Soldiers conducted by the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and the University of Minnesota Medical School.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">PTSD Long-Term Effects</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Soldiers with PTSD found more likely to experience long-term psychological effects says a survey of 953 combat-deployed U.S. National Guard Soldiers conducted by the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and the University of Minnesota Medical School.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>&#34;Honoring the Warrior&#34; Exhibit Has Impact</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Honoring_the_Warrior.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101229_honoringwarriorexhibit.jpg" alt="woman leads a discussion in front of a painting" title="woman leads a discussion in front of a painting"><div>]]>The Minneapolis Institute of Art has created a specialized tour for Veterans titled &#34;Honoring the Warrior&#34; which combines art history, art appreciation and art therapy into a unique therapeutic experience.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Honoring_the_Warrior_1293646827429</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101229_honoringwarriorexhibit.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">woman leads a discussion in front of a painting</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis Institute of Art has created a specialized tour for Veterans titled &#34;Honoring the Warrior&#34; which combines art history, art appreciation and art therapy into a unique therapeutic experience.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Art Exhibit Has Impact</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis Institute of Art has created a specialized tour for Veterans titled &#34;Honoring the Warrior&#34; which combines art history, art appreciation and art therapy into a unique therapeutic experience.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Ice Sculptures of Military Heroes</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ice_Sculpture_for_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101220_ice_carving.jpg" alt="Picture of four ice sculptures portraying military heroes" title="Picture of four ice sculptures portraying military heroes"><div>]]>Twin Cities artist carves ice sculptures portraying military heros<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Ice_Sculpture_for_Veterans_1292882081875</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101220_ice_carving.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Picture of four ice sculptures portraying military heroes</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A Twin Cities artist carved four ice sculptures portraying military heroes</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Ice Sculptures of Heroes</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Twin Cities artist carves ice sculptures portraying military heros</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Awards Contract for New Mankato Clinic</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Contract_for_New_Mankato_Clinic.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101208_mankato.jpg" alt="VA Awards Contract for New Mankato Clinic" title="VA Awards Contract for New Mankato Clinic"><div>]]>Five-year contract valued at $10.6 million awarded for a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Mankato, Minn., with a satellite clinic in St. James, Minn.  The clinics are expected to open in April 2011.  More than 2400 veterans will be served by the two clinics.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Contract_for_New_Mankato_Clinic_1291834124037</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101208_mankato.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Awards Contract for New Mankato Clinic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Five-year contract valued at $10.6 million awarded for a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Mankato, Minn., with a satellite clinic in St. James, Minn.  The clinics are expected to open in April 2011.  More than 2400 veterans will be served by the two clinics.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Mankato Clinic</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Five-year contract valued at $10.6 million awarded for a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Mankato, Minn., with a satellite clinic in St. James, Minn.  The clinics are expected to open in April 2011.  More than 2400 veterans will be served by the two clinics.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Country Store Funds Veterans Affairs Volunteers</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Country_Store_Funds_VA_Volunteers.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 07:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101207_country_store.jpg" alt="a man holding several floor mats" title="a man holding several floor mats"><div>]]>From books, popcorn and a little love, the annual Minneapolis VA Health Care System &#34;Country Store&#34; raised more than $16,000 to help fund the volunteer program.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Country_Store_Funds_VA_Volunteers_1291669249939</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101207_country_store.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a man holding several floor mats</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">From books, popcorn and a little love, the annual Minneapolis VA Health Care System &#34;Country Store&#34; raised more than $16,000 to help fund the volunteer program.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Funding VA Volunteers</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>From books, popcorn and a little love, the annual Minneapolis VA Health Care System &#34;Country Store&#34; raised more than $16,000 to help fund the volunteer program.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Fort Snelling Honors Heroes</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Fort_Snelling_Honors_Heroes.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101211_fortsnelling_wreaths.jpg" alt="people attend a wreath laying ceremony at Fort Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis" title="people attend a wreath laying ceremony at Fort Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis"><div>]]>Sixty-three brave souls battled nearly 20-inches of snow, a harsh wind and cold temperatures on Saturday, Dec. 11, to place wreaths on the graves of American heroes buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Fort_Snelling_Honors_Heroes_1292520171898</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101211_fortsnelling_wreaths.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">people attend a wreath laying ceremony at Fort Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Sixty-three brave souls battled nearly 20-inches of snow, a harsh wind and cold temperatures on Saturday, Dec. 11, to place wreaths on the graves of American heroes buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Fort Snelling Honors Heroes</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Sixty-three brave souls battled nearly 20-inches of snow, a harsh wind and cold temperatures on Saturday, Dec. 11, to place wreaths on the graves of American heroes buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Caring for our Women Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Caring_for_our_Women_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101130_caringforwomen.jpg" alt="a VA doctor examines a woman patient" title="a VA doctor examines a woman patient"><div>]]>Minneapolis VA Health Care System has been a leader in providing women&#39;s health services for the past 20 years. Minneapolis VA has taken the charge to treat women veterans seriously. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Caring_for_our_Women_Veterans_1291150659734</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101130_caringforwomen.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a VA doctor examines a woman patient</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA Health Care System has been a leader in providing women&#39;s health services for the past 20 years. Minneapolis VA has taken the charge to treat women veterans seriously.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Caring for our Women Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA Health Care System has been a leader in providing women&#39;s health services for the past 20 years. Minneapolis VA has taken the charge to treat women veterans seriously. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Find Healing Through Creative Arts</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Veterans_Find_Healing_Through_Creative_Arts.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Nov 2010 12:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101201_creative_arts.jpg" alt="a group of people waving on a bus" title="a group of people waving on a bus"><div>]]>For many of the talented veterans participating in the event, their interest in art as therapy came about during a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital stay. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Veterans_Find_Healing_Through_Creative_Arts_1291386863780</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101201_creative_arts.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a group of people waving on a bus</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For many of the talented veterans participating in the event, their interest in art as therapy came about during a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital stay. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Healing Through Creative Arts </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>For many of the talented veterans participating in the event, their interest in art as therapy came about during a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital stay. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>The VA and Caregivers</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_and_Caregivers.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101124_caregiver_national.jpg" alt="woman and man standing next to each other" title="woman and man standing next to each other"><div>]]>The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that caregivers provide a valuable service for Veterans and are &#34;partners&#34; with the VA in providing excellent healthcare. Caregivers provide the support and care needed to allow Veterans to remain in their own home. Caregivers also play an important role in supporting Veterans who are hospitalized or living outside their home.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_and_Caregivers_1290608855718</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101124_caregiver_national.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">woman and man standing next to each other</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that caregivers provide a valuable service for Veterans receiving VA healthcare. Caregivers provide the support and care needed to allow Veterans to remain in their own home and also play an important role in supporting Veterans who are hospitalized or living away from home.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The VA and Caregivers</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that caregivers provide a valuable service for Veterans and are &#34;partners&#34; with the VA in providing excellent healthcare. Caregivers provide the support and care needed to allow Veterans to remain in their own home. Caregivers also play an important role in supporting Veterans who are hospitalized or living outside their home.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>November is National Diabetes Month </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/November_is_National_Diabetes_Month.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101117_diabetes.jpg" alt="glucometer for glucose testing " title="glucometer for glucose testing "><div>]]>November is National Diabetes Month and an opportunity to increase awareness of the disease. Over 24 million people have diabetes in the United States. An estimated 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed each year.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/November_is_National_Diabetes_Month_1290002340614</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101117_diabetes.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">glucometer for glucose testing </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">November is National Diabetes Month and an opportunity to increase awareness of the disease. Over 24 million people have diabetes in the United States. An estimated 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed each year.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">November is National Diabetes </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>November is National Diabetes Month and an opportunity to increase awareness of the disease. Over 24 million people have diabetes in the United States. An estimated 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed each year.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Ramsey Veterans Affairs Clinic Underway</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ramsey_VA_Clinic_Underway.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101108_ramseyCBOC_groundbreaking.jpg" alt="people shoveling dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ramsey VA Clinic" title="people shoveling dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ramsey VA Clinic"><div>]]>About 300 people, including 100 elementary school children, attended the groundbreaking for a new Veterans clinic on Nov. 8 in Ramsey, MN.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Ramsey_VA_Clinic_Underway_1289404969535</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101108_ramseyCBOC_groundbreaking.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">people shoveling dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ramsey VA Clinic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">About 300 people, including 100 elementary school children, attended the groundbreaking for a new Veterans clinic on Nov. 8, 2010 in Ramsey, MN.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Ramsey VA Clinic Underway</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>About 300 people, including 100 elementary school children, attended the groundbreaking for a new Veterans clinic on Nov. 8 in Ramsey, MN.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Medical Foster Home Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/caregiver.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101103_caregiver.jpg" alt="Picture of veteran who participates in Medical Foster Home Program" title="Picture of veteran who participates in Medical Foster Home Program"><div>]]>Medical Foster Home Program (MFH)- This is a description of the program that offers safe, long-term care for veterans in a home like setting.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/caregiver_1288810085781</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101103_caregiver.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Picture of veteran who participates in Medical Foster Home Program</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">To help Veterans and their families, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System provides a Medical Foster Home Program (MFH).   MFH is a voluntary program that offers safe, long-term care in a home like setting. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Medical Foster Home Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Medical Foster Home Program (MFH)- This is a description of the program that offers safe, long-term care for veterans in a home like setting.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Researchers: Test reveals brain network responsible for involuntary flashbacks</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_researchers_involuntary_flashbacks.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101028_MEG.jpg" alt="Dr. Brian Engdahl (L) and Dr. Apostolos P Georgopoulos stand next to a patient in the MEG unit." title="Dr. Brian Engdahl (L) and Dr. Apostolos P Georgopoulos stand next to a patient in the MEG unit."><div>]]>Scientists at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and the University of Minnesota have found a correlation between increased circuit activity in the right side of the brain and the suffering of involuntary flashbacks by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufferers.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_researchers_involuntary_flashbacks_1288272966176</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101028_MEG.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Brian Engdahl (L) and Dr. Apostolos P Georgopoulos stand next to a patient in the MEG unit.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Scientists at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and the University of Minnesota have found a correlation between increased circuit activity in the right side of the brain and the suffering of involuntary flashbacks by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufferers.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Researchers: Flashbacks</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Scientists at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and the University of Minnesota have found a correlation between increased circuit activity in the right side of the brain and the suffering of involuntary flashbacks by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufferers.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Question and Answer Session with Helen Pearlman, Nurse Executive</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/interview_helen_pearlman_nurseexecutive.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101026_pearlman.jpg" alt="portrait of Helen Pearlman, Nurse Executive, Minneapolis VA Health Care System " title="portrait of Helen Pearlman, Nurse Executive, Minneapolis VA Health Care System "><div>]]>Helen V. Pearlman, became Nurse Executive at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System on September 1, 2010. Prior to her appointment, she spent 28 years in the U.S. Navy.

&#34;I hope I can continue to promote outstanding care of our Veterans...And I hope I can be viewed as an advocate for women veterans.&#34;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/interview_helen_pearlman_nurseexecutive_1288097485561</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101026_pearlman.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">portrait of Helen Pearlman, Nurse Executive, Minneapolis VA Health Care System </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Helen V. Pearlman, became Nurse Executive at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System on September 1, 2010. Prior to her appointment, she spent 28 years in the U.S. Navy.

&#34;I hope I can continue to promote outstanding care of our Veterans...And I hope I can be viewed as an advocate for women veterans.&#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Interview with Helen Pearlman</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Helen V. Pearlman, became Nurse Executive at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System on September 1, 2010. Prior to her appointment, she spent 28 years in the U.S. Navy.

&#34;I hope I can continue to promote outstanding care of our Veterans...And I hope I can be viewed as an advocate for women veterans.&#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>80 Patients Triaged During Disaster Drill </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/National_Disaster_Drill.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101019_national_disasterdrill.jpg" alt="Staff members from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center triage a patient during an exercise." title="Staff members from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center triage a patient during an exercise."><div>]]>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System conducted an exercise simulating a large National Disaster on Friday, Oct. 15, 2010 at the Minnesota Air National Guard base in Minneapolis.  The VA partnered with the military, community, EMS and nonprofit emergency response organizations totally 180 participants.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/National_Disaster_Drill_1287520036000</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20101019_national_disasterdrill.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Staff members from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center triage a patient during an exercise.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System conducted an exercise simulating a large National Disaster on Friday, Oct. 15, 2010 at the Minnesota Air National Guard base in Minneapolis.  The VA partnered with the military, community, EMS and nonprofit emergency response organizations totally 180 participants.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">National Disaster Drill</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System conducted an exercise simulating a large National Disaster on Friday, Oct. 15, 2010 at the Minnesota Air National Guard base in Minneapolis.  The VA partnered with the military, community, EMS and nonprofit emergency response organizations totally 180 participants.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Polytrauma: Working Miracles, One Veteran at a Time</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Polytrauma_Working_Miracles_One_Veteran_at_a_Time.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/photos/healthfeatures/thumb_20101024_kyle_anderson.jpg" alt="VA Physical Therapist helps a Veteran with situps" title="VA Physical Therapist helps a Veteran with situps"><div>]]>Veteran Kyle Anderson travels a long road to recovery with the help of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s polytrauma center.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Polytrauma_Working_Miracles_One_Veteran_at_a_Time_1287061246676</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/photos/healthfeatures/thumb_20101024_kyle_anderson.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Physical Therapist helps a Veteran with situps</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veteran Kyle Anderson travels a long road to recovery with the help of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s polytrauma center.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Polytrauma Working Miracles</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veteran Kyle Anderson travels a long road to recovery with the help of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s polytrauma center.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Military Liaison Promoted to &#34;Gunny&#34;</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Military_Liaison_Promoted_to_Gunny.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/photos/healthfeatures/thumb_20101014_wounded_warrior_promotion.jpg" alt="Newly promoted Gunnery Sgt. Justin Young" title="Newly promoted Gunnery Sgt. Justin Young"><div>]]>U.S. Marine Corp. Staff Sgt. Justin Young, a military liaison for the Wounded Warrior Regiment at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant at a ceremony.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Military_Liaison_Promoted_to_Gunny_1287060330478</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/photos/healthfeatures/thumb_20101014_wounded_warrior_promotion.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Newly promoted Gunnery Sgt. Justin Young</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">U.S. Marine Corp. Staff Sgt. Justin Young, a military liaison for the Wounded Warrior Reginment at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant at a ceremony.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Promoted to &#34;Gunny&#34;</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>U.S. Marine Corp. Staff Sgt. Justin Young, a military liaison for the Wounded Warrior Regiment at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant at a ceremony.</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Flu Shots Available at Minneapolis VA Health Care System </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/flushots.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:35:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/2010_flushot_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Photo of Influenza shot needles and vaccine vial with text saying &#34;2010 Flu Shots&#34;" title="Photo of Influenza shot needles and vaccine vial with text saying &#34;2010 Flu Shots&#34;"><div>]]>Flu shots are now available at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and Outpatient Clinics in greater Minnesota and North West Wisconsin. Find more information to stay up to date on the flu this year. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Flu_Shots_Available_at_Minneapolis_VA_Health_Care_System_1286915816632</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/2010_flushot_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Photo of Influenza shot needles and vaccine vial with text saying &#34;2010 Flu Shots&#34;</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Flu shots are now available at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and Outpatient Clinics in greater Minnesota and North West Wisconsin. Find more information to stay up to date on the flu this year. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Flu Shots Available</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Flu shots are now available at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and Outpatient Clinics in greater Minnesota and North West Wisconsin. Find more information to stay up to date on the flu this year. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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