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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>
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		<lastBuildDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2021 16:11:00 CDT</lastBuildDate>
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			<title>A Message from Minneapolis VA Director</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20210420_message.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2021 15:10:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Consistent with our VA ICARE Values, we are all champions of solidarity, diversity, and inclusion. It&#8217;s in our mission to stand against intolerance in all its forms.                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20210420_message.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20210420_message.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190516_thumb_MVAMC.jpg" alt="medical center" title="medical center" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagealt type="string">medical center</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Consistent with our VA ICARE Values, we are all champions of solidarity, diversity, and inclusion. It&#8217;s in our mission to stand against intolerance in all its forms.                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Message from Minneapolis VA</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Consistent with our VA ICARE Values, we are all champions of solidarity, diversity, and inclusion. It&#8217;s in our mission to stand against intolerance in all its forms.                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>My Life, My Story by Gordon</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20210325_My-Life-My-Story_Gordon.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2021 11:32:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;I&#39;ve had a good life. I&#39;ve had a good marriage. I&#39;ve been fortunate. It&#39;s been beautiful, and tomorrow&#39;s going to be beautiful.&#34; Read Veteran Gordon&#39;s My Life, My Story.      <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20210325_My-Life-My-Story_Gordon.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20210325_My-Life-My-Story_Gordon.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191104_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Army.jpg" alt="Graphic with tan background and the US Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story." title="Graphic with tan background and the US Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story." /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191104_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Army.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Graphic with tan background and the US Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;I&#39;ve had a good life. I&#39;ve had a good marriage. I&#39;ve been fortunate. It&#39;s been beautiful, and tomorrow&#39;s going to be beautiful.&#34; Read Veteran Gordon&#39;s My Life, My Story.     </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">My Life, My Story by Gordon</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;I&#39;ve had a good life. I&#39;ve had a good marriage. I&#39;ve been fortunate. It&#39;s been beautiful, and tomorrow&#39;s going to be beautiful.&#34; Read Veteran Gordon&#39;s My Life, My Story.     </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Fighting Flu Together</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200908_flu_vaccine.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2020 17:10:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Getting a flu shot this fall is more important than ever! Reduce your risk of flu and help prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by patients with the flu or coronavirus.      <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200908_flu_vaccine.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200908_flu_vaccine.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190417_thumb_flu_shot.jpg" alt="Closeup photo of a person getting the flu vaccine in the arm" title="Closeup photo of a person getting the flu vaccine in the arm" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Closeup photo of a person getting the flu vaccine in the arm</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Getting a flu shot this fall is more important than ever! Reduce your risk of flu and help prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by patients with the flu or coronavirus.     </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Fighting Flu Together</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Getting a flu shot this fall is more important than ever! Reduce your risk of flu and help prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by patients with the flu or coronavirus.     </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Receives Multiple EPA Awards</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200821_GEMS_award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2020 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA received the EPA&#8217;s top award for environmentally preferable purchasing practices in FY 2019 by decreasing its printer and copier paper purchases by 31 percent from the previous year.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200821_GEMS_award.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200821_GEMS_award.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200821_thumb_GEMS_award_01.jpg" alt="George Johnson, manager of the Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Green Environmental Management System program standing in front of the Minneapolis VA medical center" title="George Johnson, manager of the Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Green Environmental Management System program standing in front of the Minneapolis VA medical center" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200821_thumb_GEMS_award_01.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">George Johnson, manager of the Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Green Environmental Management System program standing in front of the Minneapolis VA medical center</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA received the EPA&#8217;s top award for environmentally preferable purchasing practices in FY 2019 by decreasing its printer and copier paper purchases by 31 percent from the previous year.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Saving Money and Environment</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA received the EPA&#8217;s top award for environmentally preferable purchasing practices in FY 2019 by decreasing its printer and copier paper purchases by 31 percent from the previous year.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>My Life, My Story by Jean</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200715_My-Life-My-Story_Jean.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2020 12:35:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;For my 16th birthday, he rented a one engine airplane. We flew up north and had lunch. That&#8217;s when I knew what I wanted to do with my life &#8211; I wanted to fix airplanes.&#34; Read Veteran Jean&#39;s My Life, My Story. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200715_My-Life-My-Story_Jean.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200715_My-Life-My-Story_Jean.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/200715_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Marines_Navy.jpg" alt="Graphic with tan background and the US Marine Corps and Navy seals; it reads My Life. My Story." title="Graphic with tan background and the US Marine Corps and Navy seals; it reads My Life. My Story." /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/200715_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Marines_Navy.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Graphic with tan background and the US Marine Corps and Navy seals; it reads My Life. My Story.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;For my 16th birthday, he rented a one engine airplane. We flew up north and had lunch. That&#8217;s when I knew what I wanted to do with my life &#8211; I wanted to fix airplanes.&#34; Read Veteran Jean&#39;s My Life, My Story.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">My Life, My Story by Jean</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;For my 16th birthday, he rented a one engine airplane. We flew up north and had lunch. That&#8217;s when I knew what I wanted to do with my life &#8211; I wanted to fix airplanes.&#34; Read Veteran Jean&#39;s My Life, My Story.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Moving Forward Together: Safe Care is Our Mission</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200623_moving_forward.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2020 04:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA is prepared to safely care for you whenever you need us. We are gradually increasing routine face to face health care while ensuring a safe environment. This information will help make contact go smoothly. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200623_moving_forward.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200623_moving_forward.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190516_thumb_MVAMC.jpg" alt="photo of a large white building with grass and a road in the foreground" title="photo of a large white building with grass and a road in the foreground" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190516_thumb_MVAMC.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">photo of a large white building with grass and a road in the foreground</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA is prepared to safely care for you whenever you need us. We are gradually increasing routine face to face health care while ensuring a safe environment. This information will help make contact go smoothly.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Safe Care is Our Mission</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA is prepared to safely care for you whenever you need us. We are gradually increasing routine face to face health care while ensuring a safe environment. This information will help make contact go smoothly.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Using Technology to Care for Patients</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200423_iVMA.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2020 10:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is implementing technology to assist in reducing the use of Personal Protective Equipment and allowing patients in isolation to connect with loved ones. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200423_iVMA.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200423_iVMA.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200423_thumb_iVMA01.jpg" alt="photo of a person with short dark hair and a beard pictured an iPad tablet screen that is hanging in a patient room" title="photo of a person with short dark hair and a beard pictured an iPad tablet screen that is hanging in a patient room" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200423_thumb_iVMA01.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">photo of a person with short dark hair and a beard pictured an iPad tablet screen that is hanging in a patient room</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is implementing technology to assist in reducing the use of Personal Protective Equipment and allowing patients in isolation to connect with loved ones.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Patient Care Technology</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is implementing technology to assist in reducing the use of Personal Protective Equipment and allowing patients in isolation to connect with loved ones.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Access VA Care from Home</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200403_VA_Care_from_Home.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2020 16:50:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">VA virtual care options can make it easier and safer to receive care from your providers. Here are some ways to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) by accessing VA care virtually. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200403_VA_Care_from_Home.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200403_VA_Care_from_Home.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200402_thumb_telehealth.jpg" alt="photo of a person with short, gray hair using a tablet computer" title="photo of a person with short, gray hair using a tablet computer" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200402_thumb_telehealth.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">photo of a person with short, gray hair using a tablet computer</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA virtual care options can make it easier and safer to receive care from your providers. Here are some ways to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) by accessing VA care virtually.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Access VA Care from Home</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA virtual care options can make it easier and safer to receive care from your providers. Here are some ways to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) by accessing VA care virtually.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Cancellation of Elective Surgeries and Procedures</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200320_elective_surgeries.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:20:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19 and to limit the risk of exposure to patients and staff, Minneapolis VA Health Care System is cancelling all elective surgeries and procedures. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200320_elective_surgeries.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200320_elective_surgeries.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200320_thumb_coronavirus.jpg" alt="computer rendoring of Coronavirus" title="computer rendoring of Coronavirus" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200320_thumb_coronavirus.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">computer rendoring of Coronavirus</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19 and to limit the risk of exposure to patients and staff, Minneapolis VA Health Care System is cancelling all elective surgeries and procedures.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Elective Surgeries Update</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19 and to limit the risk of exposure to patients and staff, Minneapolis VA Health Care System is cancelling all elective surgeries and procedures.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Screening Process</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200319_screening_process.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2020 16:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">To keep Veterans, employees, volunteers and visitors safe, we have set up Coronavirus screening areas at our Medical Center and VA Community Clinics.                                                                     <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200319_screening_process.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200319_screening_process.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190516_thumb_MVAMC.jpg" alt="photo showing the front of the Minneapolis VA medical center building" title="photo showing the front of the Minneapolis VA medical center building" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190516_thumb_MVAMC.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">photo showing the front of the Minneapolis VA medical center building</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">To keep Veterans, employees, volunteers and visitors safe, we have set up Coronavirus screening areas at our Medical Center and VA Community Clinics.                                                                    </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Screening Process</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>To keep Veterans, employees, volunteers and visitors safe, we have set up Coronavirus screening areas at our Medical Center and VA Community Clinics.                                                                    </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA to Host Vietnam Veteran Recognition</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200305_national_vietnam_war_veteran_day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2020 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">POSTPONED: Our Veterans&#39; health and well being is our top priority. Due to recent increased Infectious disease precautions we are postponing this event. Stay tuned for future event announcements. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200305_national_vietnam_war_veteran_day.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200305_national_vietnam_war_veteran_day.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200305_thumb_Vietnam.jpg" alt="photo of a man facing away from the camera looking at posters" title="photo of a man facing away from the camera looking at posters" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200305_thumb_Vietnam.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">photo of a man facing away from the camera looking at posters</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">POSTPONED: Our Veterans&#39; health and well being is our top priority. Due to recent increased Infectious disease precautions we are postponing this event. Stay tuned for future event announcements.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Vietnam Veteran Recognition</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>POSTPONED: Our Veterans&#39; health and well being is our top priority. Due to recent increased Infectious disease precautions we are postponing this event. Stay tuned for future event announcements.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Community Care Delivery Under New VA Contract</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200219_Community-Care.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2020 12:40:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">VA will transition community health care delivery to local Veterans under the VA Community Care Network, a contract vehicle used to purchase care for Veterans in their community eligible under MISSION Act requirements. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200219_Community-Care.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200219_Community-Care.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200219_thumb_ccn.jpg" alt="grey and blue graphic showing an outline of the upper midwest US with text for Iron Mountain, MI, Minneapolis, St. Cloud, MN, Fargo, ND, and Sioux Falls, SD" title="grey and blue graphic showing an outline of the upper midwest US with text for Iron Mountain, MI, Minneapolis, St. Cloud, MN, Fargo, ND, and Sioux Falls, SD" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20200219_Community-Care_1582136374012</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200219_thumb_ccn.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">grey and blue graphic showing an outline of the upper midwest US with text for Iron Mountain, MI, Minneapolis, St. Cloud, MN, Fargo, ND, and Sioux Falls, SD</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA will transition community health care delivery to local Veterans under the VA Community Care Network, a contract vehicle used to purchase care for Veterans in their community eligible under MISSION Act requirements.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New VA Community Care Contract</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA will transition community health care delivery to local Veterans under the VA Community Care Network, a contract vehicle used to purchase care for Veterans in their community eligible under MISSION Act requirements.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Shakopee VA Clinic Open House &amp; Virtual Town Hall</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200212_Shakopee_open_house.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Feb 2020 14:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Shakopee VA Community Clinic, in Shakopee, MN, will hold an Open House and Virtual Town Hall with Minneapolis VA leadership on Feb. 27, 2020, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.                <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200212_Shakopee_open_house.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200212_Shakopee_open_house.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200212_thumb_open-house.jpg" alt="white text that reads Open House inside a blue box, black and white photo of the Shakopee VA Community Clinic in background" title="white text that reads Open House inside a blue box, black and white photo of the Shakopee VA Community Clinic in background" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200212_thumb_open-house.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">white text that reads Open House inside a blue box, black and white photo of the Shakopee VA Community Clinic in background</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Shakopee VA Community Clinic, in Shakopee, MN, will hold an Open House and Virtual Town Hall with Minneapolis VA leadership on Feb. 27, 2020, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.               </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Shakopee VA Clinic Open House</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Shakopee VA Community Clinic, in Shakopee, MN, will hold an Open House and Virtual Town Hall with Minneapolis VA leadership on Feb. 27, 2020, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.               </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>SensorySuite Reduces Mammogram Pain and Anxiety</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200207_SensorySuite.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2020 16:30:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA has created a special room for mammograms that stimulates the senses to reduce anxiety and pain. Join us on Feb. 12 for a walk-in Mammogram Screening Event at the Medical Center from 8 a.m. &#8211; 4 p.m. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200207_SensorySuite.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200207_SensorySuite.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200207_thumb_sensorysuite1.jpg" alt="hospital room with mammogram equipment and two screens showing nature scenes" title="hospital room with mammogram equipment and two screens showing nature scenes" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200207_thumb_sensorysuite1.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">hospital room with mammogram equipment and two screens showing nature scenes</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA has created a special room for mammograms that stimulates the senses to reduce anxiety and pain. Join us on Feb. 12 for a walk-in Mammogram Screening Event at the Medical Center from 8 a.m. &#8211; 4 p.m.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Reduce Mammogram Anxiety/Pain</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA has created a special room for mammograms that stimulates the senses to reduce anxiety and pain. Join us on Feb. 12 for a walk-in Mammogram Screening Event at the Medical Center from 8 a.m. &#8211; 4 p.m.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Annie Supports Self-Management of Chemo Symptoms</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200205_annie.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2020 11:13:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Veterans with cancer who undergo aggressive therapies often endure adverse effects. A team at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center in Minnesota decided to enlist the help of Annie &#8211; VA&#8217;s new automated text messaging system. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200205_annie.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200205_annie.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200205_thumb_annie.jpg" alt="two people standing in the back row with two people sitting in chairs in front row" title="two people standing in the back row with two people sitting in chairs in front row" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20200205_annie_1580921506167</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20200205_thumb_annie.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">two people standing in the back row with two people sitting in chairs in front row</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans with cancer who undergo aggressive therapies often endure adverse effects. A team at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center in Minnesota decided to enlist the help of Annie &#8211; VA&#8217;s new automated text messaging system.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Help Manage Chemo Symptoms </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans with cancer who undergo aggressive therapies often endure adverse effects. A team at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center in Minnesota decided to enlist the help of Annie &#8211; VA&#8217;s new automated text messaging system.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Starts Medication Take-Back Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200124_medsafe.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jan 2020 10:10:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is starting a new safety initiative to help Veterans, their families and VA staff safely dispose of unwanted and unneeded medications.         <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200124_medsafe.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20200124_medsafe.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/200124_thumb_med_box.jpg" alt="large, blue, metal container with the word &#34;medsafe&#34; in white letters on the front" title="large, blue, metal container with the word &#34;medsafe&#34; in white letters on the front" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/200124_medsafe_1579884716424</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/200124_thumb_med_box.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">large, blue, metal container with the word &#34;medsafe&#34; in white letters on the front</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is starting a new safety initiative to help Veterans, their families and VA staff safely dispose of unwanted and unneeded medications.        </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Medication Take-Back Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is starting a new safety initiative to help Veterans, their families and VA staff safely dispose of unwanted and unneeded medications.        </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>First Minneapolis VA Baby Born Using IVF</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191226_IVF.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Dec 2019 12:20:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#8220;When you&#8217;re a 20-year-old you don&#8217;t think about having a baby in the future, the whole military mindset is there is a mission go straight forward, don&#8217;t worry about anything else.&#8221;     <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191226_IVF.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191226_IVF.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191226_thumb_IVF_1.jpg" alt="Two adults holding a baby in front of a black background." title="Two adults holding a baby in front of a black background." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20191226_IVF_1577381975541</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191226_thumb_IVF_1.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Two adults holding a baby in front of a black background.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;When you&#8217;re a 20-year-old you don&#8217;t think about having a baby in the future, the whole military mindset is there is a mission go straight forward, don&#8217;t worry about anything else.&#8221;    </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">First Minneapolis VA IVF Baby</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;When you&#8217;re a 20-year-old you don&#8217;t think about having a baby in the future, the whole military mindset is there is a mission go straight forward, don&#8217;t worry about anything else.&#8221;    </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>My Life, My Story by Jesse</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191216_My-Life-My-Story_Jesse.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2019 18:05:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;Music was always there. It was the one thing that kept everything together.&#34; Read Veteran Jesse&#39;s My Life, My Story.                                                              <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191216_My-Life-My-Story_Jesse.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191216_My-Life-My-Story_Jesse.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191104_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Army.jpg" alt="Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story." title="Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20191216_My-Life-My-Story_Jesse_1576538999325</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191104_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Army.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;Music was always there. It was the one thing that kept everything together.&#34; Read Veteran Jesse&#39;s My Life, My Story.                                                             </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">My Life, My Story by Jesse</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;Music was always there. It was the one thing that kept everything together.&#34; Read Veteran Jesse&#39;s My Life, My Story.                                                             </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Town Hall and Services Fair at VA Medical Center</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191126_town_hall_minneapolis.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2019 19:10:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Save the date! Veteran Town Hall and Services Fair, December 16, 2019, 4-7 p.m. at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417                                                      <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191126_town_hall_minneapolis.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191126_town_hall_minneapolis.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/MVAHCS_Veterans_Town_Hall_Feature_180x130.jpg" alt="graphic of a microphone and speech bubble that says Veterans Town Hall" title="graphic of a microphone and speech bubble that says Veterans Town Hall" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/MVAHCS_Veterans_Town_Hall_Feature_180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">graphic of a microphone and speech bubble that says Veterans Town Hall</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Save the date! Veteran Town Hall and Services Fair, December 16, 2019, 4-7 p.m. at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417                                                     </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veteran Town Hall and Services</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Save the date! Veteran Town Hall and Services Fair, December 16, 2019, 4-7 p.m. at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417                                                     </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>My Life, My Story by Larry</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191106_My-Life-My-Story_Larry.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Nov 2019 16:30:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;I skipped a couple of sections [on the test] thinking it would fail me, and they still passed me. I asked when the next bus was leaving, and...I left, without telling anybody.&#34; Read Veteran Larry&#39;s My Life, My Story. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191106_My-Life-My-Story_Larry.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191106_My-Life-My-Story_Larry.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191104_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Army.jpg" alt="Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story." title="Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20191106_My-Life-My-Story_Larry_1573079042140</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191104_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Army.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;I skipped a couple of sections [on the test] thinking it would fail me, and they still passed me. I asked when the next bus was leaving, and...I left, without telling anybody.&#34; Read Veteran Larry&#39;s My Life, My Story.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">My Life, My Story by Larry</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;I skipped a couple of sections [on the test] thinking it would fail me, and they still passed me. I asked when the next bus was leaving, and...I left, without telling anybody.&#34; Read Veteran Larry&#39;s My Life, My Story.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>My Life, My Story by Lance</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191104_My-Life-My-Story_Lance.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2019 14:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;I got to have this special time with my daughter, which I&#8217;ll never forget. How sweet she was and how sweet that was. It was quite a gift. I&#8217;ll always remember that.&#34; Read Veteran Lance&#39;s My Life, My Story. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191104_My-Life-My-Story_Lance.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191104_My-Life-My-Story_Lance.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191104_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Army.jpg" alt="Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story." title="Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20191104_My-Life-My-Story_Lance_1572896320794</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191104_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Army.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;I got to have this special time with my daughter, which I&#8217;ll never forget. How sweet she was and how sweet that was. It was quite a gift. I&#8217;ll always remember that.&#34; Read Veteran Lance&#39;s My Life, My Story.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">My Life, My Story by Lance</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;I got to have this special time with my daughter, which I&#8217;ll never forget. How sweet she was and how sweet that was. It was quite a gift. I&#8217;ll always remember that.&#34; Read Veteran Lance&#39;s My Life, My Story.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>My Life, My Story by Keith</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191023_My-Life-My-Story_Keith.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2019 18:10:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;Music was always there. It was the one thing that kept everything together.&#34; Read Veteran Keith&#39;s My Life, My Story.                                                              <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191023_My-Life-My-Story_Keith.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191023_My-Life-My-Story_Keith.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191023_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Keith.jpg" alt="Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story." title="Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20191023_My-Life-My-Story_Keith_1571871799393</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191023_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Keith.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Graphic with tan background and the Army seal; it reads My Life. My Story.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;Music was always there. It was the one thing that kept everything together.&#34; Read Veteran Keith&#39;s My Life, My Story.                                                             </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">My Life, My Story by Keith</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;Music was always there. It was the one thing that kept everything together.&#34; Read Veteran Keith&#39;s My Life, My Story.                                                             </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>My Life, My Story by Aric</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191009_My-Life-My-Story_Aric.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Oct 2019 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;I was in the military for 25 years 9 months and 28 days of total time...Now I work part-time in a preschool. The kids do as much for me as I do for them.&#34; Read Veteran Aric&#39;s My Life, My Story. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191009_My-Life-My-Story_Aric.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191009_My-Life-My-Story_Aric.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191009_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Aric.jpg" alt="Graphic with tan background and the Air Force and Air National Guard seals; it reads My Life. My Story." title="Graphic with tan background and the Air Force and Air National Guard seals; it reads My Life. My Story." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20191009_My-Life-My-Story_Aric_1570632120107</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191009_thumb_My_Life_My_Story_Aric.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Graphic with tan background and the Air Force and Air National Guard seals; it reads My Life. My Story.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;I was in the military for 25 years 9 months and 28 days of total time...Now I work part-time in a preschool. The kids do as much for me as I do for them.&#34; Read Veteran Aric&#39;s My Life, My Story.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">My Life, My Story by Aric</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;I was in the military for 25 years 9 months and 28 days of total time...Now I work part-time in a preschool. The kids do as much for me as I do for them.&#34; Read Veteran Aric&#39;s My Life, My Story.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Job Fair, October 8, 2019</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191004_Job_Fair.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Oct 2019 10:40:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Save the date! Veterans Job Fair, October 8, 2019, 2 - 4:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417                                                      <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191004_Job_Fair.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20191004_Job_Fair.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191004_thumb_jobfair.jpg" alt="Image of a person using a laptop" title="Image of a person using a laptop" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/191004_thumb_jobfair.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Image of a person using a laptop</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Save the date! Veterans Job Fair, October 8, 2019, 2 - 4:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417                                                     </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans Job Fair on October 8</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Save the date! Veterans Job Fair, October 8, 2019, 2 - 4:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417                                                     </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Events in Late September</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190912_events.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Sep 2019 15:10:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics during the rest of September.                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190912_events.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190912_events.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/events_sm.jpg" alt="image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!" title="image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190912_events_1568318164522</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/events_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics during the rest of September.                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Events in Late September</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics during the rest of September.                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Events in September</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190823_events.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Aug 2019 15:35:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics in September.                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190823_events.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190823_events.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/events_sm.jpg" alt="image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!" title="image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190823_events_1566591146493</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/events_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics in September.                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Events in September</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics in September.                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Coming Up This Week</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180809_events.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Aug 2019 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">What was our most popular Facebook post this week? Find out the answer and what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics next week.                                          <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180809_events.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180809_events.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190809_thumb_Orthopedists_Passion.jpg" alt="photo of three people in a medical examination room; the person on the left is kneeling and holding up the prosthetic leg of the person in the middle of the photo; the person in the middle is sitting on the exam table with their right leg raised" title="photo of three people in a medical examination room; the person on the left is kneeling and holding up the prosthetic leg of the person in the middle of the photo; the person in the middle is sitting on the exam table with their right leg raised" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180809_events_1565374347875</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190809_thumb_Orthopedists_Passion.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">photo of three people in a medical examination room; the person on the left is kneeling and holding up the prosthetic leg of the person in the middle of the photo; the person in the middle is sitting on the exam table with their right leg raised</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">What was our most popular Facebook post this week? Find out the answer and what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics next week.                                         </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Events August 10 - 16, 2019</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>What was our most popular Facebook post this week? Find out the answer and what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics next week.                                         </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Events August 3 - 9, 2019</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190731_events.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2019 18:15:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics next week.                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190731_events.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190731_events.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/events_sm.jpg" alt="image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!" title="image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190731_events_1564614154386</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/events_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics next week.                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Events August 3 - 9, 2019</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics next week.                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Events July 27-August 2, 2019</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190724_events.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jul 2019 15:20:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics.                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190724_events.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190724_events.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/events_sm.jpg" alt="image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!" title="image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190724_events_1563998535076</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/events_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">image with a photo in the background of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a large white building, text on top of the photo reads coming up!</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics.                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Coming Up Next Week</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Find out what&#39;s happening at the Minneapolis VA medical center and surrounding VA Community Clinics.                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA MISSION Act Urgent Care Benefits</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190606_MISSION_Act.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jun 2019 09:35:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The urgent care benefit covers treatment of non-emergent symptoms such as flu-like symptoms (coughs and colds), wheezing, sprains, sore throats, painful urination, bumps and bruises, ear pain, and mild skin irritations. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190606_MISSION_Act.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190606_MISSION_Act.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/Urgent_Care_Benefits_180X130.png" alt="image of patient in a hospital with the text starting June 6, 2019 New Urgent Care Benefits" title="image of patient in a hospital with the text starting June 6, 2019 New Urgent Care Benefits" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190606_MISSION_Act_1559831006073</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/Urgent_Care_Benefits_180X130.png</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">image of patient in a hospital with the text starting June 6, 2019 New Urgent Care Benefits</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The urgent care benefit covers treatment of non-emergent symptoms such as flu-like symptoms (coughs and colds), wheezing, sprains, sore throats, painful urination, bumps and bruises, ear pain, and mild skin irritations.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA MISSION Act Urgent Care</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The urgent care benefit covers treatment of non-emergent symptoms such as flu-like symptoms (coughs and colds), wheezing, sprains, sore throats, painful urination, bumps and bruises, ear pain, and mild skin irritations.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Going Tobacco Free Effective May 29</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190516_tobacco_free.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2019 11:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">We are committed to providing excellent health care for Veterans. To fully promote a healthy environment for all our Veterans, visitors, and contractors, we will be a tobacco-free campus effective May 29, 2019. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190516_tobacco_free.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190516_tobacco_free.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190516_thumb_MVAMC.jpg" alt="photo of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a white building with a large circle of grass and a roundabout in front" title="photo of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a white building with a large circle of grass and a roundabout in front" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190516_tobacco_free_1558023444096</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190516_thumb_MVAMC.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">photo of the Minneapolis VA medical center, a white building with a large circle of grass and a roundabout in front</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">We are committed to providing excellent health care for Veterans. To fully promote a healthy environment for all our Veterans, visitors, and contractors, we will be a tobacco-free campus effective May 29, 2019.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Tobacco Free Minneapolis VA</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>We are committed to providing excellent health care for Veterans. To fully promote a healthy environment for all our Veterans, visitors, and contractors, we will be a tobacco-free campus effective May 29, 2019.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Study: Flu Linked to Heart Failure Hospitalization</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190417_flu_heart_failure.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2019 17:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research study is the largest to confirm the long-held notion of a connection between influenza and heart failure.        <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190417_flu_heart_failure.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190417_flu_heart_failure.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190417_thumb_flu_shot.jpg" alt="Provider giving a patient the flu vaccine in their arm." title="Provider giving a patient the flu vaccine in their arm." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190417_flu_heart_failure_1555538920130</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190417_thumb_flu_shot.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Provider giving a patient the flu vaccine in their arm.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research study is the largest to confirm the long-held notion of a connection between influenza and heart failure.       </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Flu Linked to Hospitalization </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research study is the largest to confirm the long-held notion of a connection between influenza and heart failure.       </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Volunteer Spotlight - Joseph Dedeaux</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190410_volunteer_spotlight_Joseph_D.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2019 15:15:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">On Monday mornings, you will find Joe Dedeaux outside the Main entrance extending a greeting and a helping hand to everyone arriving at our facility.                                             <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190410_volunteer_spotlight_Joseph_D.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190410_volunteer_spotlight_Joseph_D.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190410_thumb_Joseph_Dedeaux.jpg" alt="On Monday mornings, you will find Joe Dedeaux outside the Main entrance extending a greeting and a helping hand to everyone arriving at our facility." title="On Monday mornings, you will find Joe Dedeaux outside the Main entrance extending a greeting and a helping hand to everyone arriving at our facility." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190410_volunteer_spotlight_Joseph_D_1554926866198</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190410_thumb_Joseph_Dedeaux.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On Monday mornings, you will find Joe Dedeaux outside the Main entrance extending a greeting and a helping hand to everyone arriving at our facility.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">On Monday mornings, you will find Joe Dedeaux outside the Main entrance extending a greeting and a helping hand to everyone arriving at our facility.                                            </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteer Spotlight - Joseph</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>On Monday mornings, you will find Joe Dedeaux outside the Main entrance extending a greeting and a helping hand to everyone arriving at our facility.                                            </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Acute Regional Pain Service</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190403_Acute_Regional_Pain_Service.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2019 13:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VAHCS Anesthesiology Department introduces Acute Regional Pain Service offering peripheral nerve blocks, or &#8220;pain blocks&#8221; to Veterans undergoing surgery.                             <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190403_Acute_Regional_Pain_Service.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190403_Acute_Regional_Pain_Service.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190308_thumb_Pain_Service.jpg" alt="CRNA Garrett Peterson (center) and Dustin Palm, MD, discuss pain control strategies with patient." title="CRNA Garrett Peterson (center) and Dustin Palm, MD, discuss pain control strategies with patient." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190403_Acute_Regional_Pain_Service_1554313711220</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190308_thumb_Pain_Service.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">CRNA Garrett Peterson (center) and Dustin Palm, MD, discuss pain control strategies with patient.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VAHCS Anesthesiology Department introduces Acute Regional Pain Service offering peripheral nerve blocks, or &#8220;pain blocks&#8221; to Veterans undergoing surgery.                            </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Acute Regional Pain Service</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VAHCS Anesthesiology Department introduces Acute Regional Pain Service offering peripheral nerve blocks, or &#8220;pain blocks&#8221; to Veterans undergoing surgery.                            </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Medication Safety</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190402_medication_safety.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2019 17:05:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">You can help raise awareness of medication safety by sharing this information on your social media.                                                                                     <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190402_medication_safety.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190402_medication_safety.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190402_thumb_medication.jpg" alt="Medication Safety" title="Medication Safety" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190402_medication_safety_1554241670405</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190402_thumb_medication.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Medication Safety</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">You can help raise awareness of medication safety by sharing this information on your social media.                                                                                    </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Medication Safety</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>You can help raise awareness of medication safety by sharing this information on your social media.                                                                                    </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA to Host Vietnam War Veterans Event</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190314_national_vietnam_war_veteran_day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2019 15:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Vietnam Veterans are invited to attend the Vietnam Veteran Recognition event on March 29, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Displays, info booths and giveaways will happen throughout the day. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190314_national_vietnam_war_veteran_day.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190314_national_vietnam_war_veteran_day.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190314_thumb_Vietnam-War-Veterans-Day.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA Medical Center to Host National Vietnam War Veterans Day Event on March 29" title="Minneapolis VA Medical Center to Host National Vietnam War Veterans Day Event on March 29" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190314_national_vietnam_war_veteran_day_1552594847674</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190314_thumb_Vietnam-War-Veterans-Day.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA Medical Center to Host National Vietnam War Veterans Day Event on March 29</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Vietnam Veterans are invited to attend the Vietnam Veteran Recognition event on March 29, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Displays, info booths and giveaways will happen throughout the day.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Vietnam War Veterans Day Event</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Vietnam Veterans are invited to attend the Vietnam Veteran Recognition event on March 29, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Displays, info booths and giveaways will happen throughout the day.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Recognized for Patient Experience</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190227_Patient_Experience.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2019 13:45:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is one of 12 facilities in Veterans Health Administration to be recognized as a &#34;Best Experience&#34; site based on patient feedback.                <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190227_Patient_Experience.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190227_Patient_Experience.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190227_thumb_Patient_Experience.jpg" alt="The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is one of 12 facilities in Veterans Health Administration to be recognized as a &#34;Best Experience&#34; site based on patient feedback." title="The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is one of 12 facilities in Veterans Health Administration to be recognized as a &#34;Best Experience&#34; site based on patient feedback." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190227_Patient_Experience_1551295698249</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190227_thumb_Patient_Experience.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is one of 12 facilities in Veterans Health Administration to be recognized as a &#34;Best Experience&#34; site based on patient feedback.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is one of 12 facilities in Veterans Health Administration to be recognized as a &#34;Best Experience&#34; site based on patient feedback.               </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Excellence in Patient XP</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is one of 12 facilities in Veterans Health Administration to be recognized as a &#34;Best Experience&#34; site based on patient feedback.               </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Doctor Awarded Best Research Paper</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190208_award_krebs.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2019 10:20:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Dr. Erin Krebs receives the 2018 HSR&amp;D Best Research Paper of the Year Award. The award honors research studies with results that are important to Veterans&#8217; health and care. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190208_award_krebs.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190208_award_krebs.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170516_thumb_krebs.jpg" alt="The VA announced that Erin E. Krebs, MD, MPH, is the recipient of the 2018 HSR&amp;D Best Research Paper of the Year Award.   " title="The VA announced that Erin E. Krebs, MD, MPH, is the recipient of the 2018 HSR&amp;D Best Research Paper of the Year Award.   " /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190208_award_krebs_1549641396752</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170516_thumb_krebs.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">The VA announced that Erin E. Krebs, MD, MPH, is the recipient of the 2018 HSR&amp;D Best Research Paper of the Year Award.   </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Dr. Erin Krebs receives the 2018 HSR&amp;D Best Research Paper of the Year Award. The award honors research studies with results that are important to Veterans&#8217; health and care.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Best Research Paper of 2018</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Dr. Erin Krebs receives the 2018 HSR&amp;D Best Research Paper of the Year Award. The award honors research studies with results that are important to Veterans&#8217; health and care.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Has Pivotal Role in Homeless Count</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190130_pit-count.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2019 17:50:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">For 24 hours in January, outreach workers throughout the country scoured shelters, abandoned buildings, trains and alleyways looking for homeless people as part of the annual Point-in-Time count. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190130_pit-count.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190130_pit-count.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190130_thumb_pit-count-2019.jpg" alt="January 23, 2019, at The Operations Center at the Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Community Resource and Referral Center, Matt Harris and Marci Godfrey help register homeless Veterans identified in the PIT count." title="January 23, 2019, at The Operations Center at the Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Community Resource and Referral Center, Matt Harris and Marci Godfrey help register homeless Veterans identified in the PIT count." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190130_pit-count_1548890837866</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190130_thumb_pit-count-2019.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">January 23, 2019, at The Operations Center at the Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Community Resource and Referral Center, Matt Harris and Marci Godfrey help register homeless Veterans identified in the PIT count.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For 24 hours in January, outreach workers throughout the country scoured shelters, abandoned buildings, trains and alleyways looking for homeless people as part of the annual Point-in-Time count.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Homeless Outreach and Count</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>For 24 hours in January, outreach workers throughout the country scoured shelters, abandoned buildings, trains and alleyways looking for homeless people as part of the annual Point-in-Time count.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Volunteer Spotlight - Rose Huttner</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190123_volunteer_spotlight.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2019 13:50:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Rose still works part-time as an LPN but finds time in her busy schedule to provide assistance to our Veterans. Her compassion is evident in every interaction, and her presence is uplifting to everyone she encounters. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190123_volunteer_spotlight.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20190123_volunteer_spotlight.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190123_thumb_volunteer.jpg" alt="Rose has been volunteering at the VA for seven years. She volunteered at the Community Resource and Referral Center downtown and currently volunteers in the Hematology/Oncology Procedure Clinic." title="Rose has been volunteering at the VA for seven years. She volunteered at the Community Resource and Referral Center downtown and currently volunteers in the Hematology/Oncology Procedure Clinic." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20190123_volunteer_spotlight_1548272074664</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/190123_thumb_volunteer.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Rose has been volunteering at the VA for seven years. She volunteered at the Community Resource and Referral Center downtown and currently volunteers in the Hematology/Oncology Procedure Clinic.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Rose still works part-time as an LPN but finds time in her busy schedule to provide assistance to our Veterans. Her compassion is evident in every interaction, and her presence is uplifting to everyone she encounters.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteer Spotlight - Rose</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Rose still works part-time as an LPN but finds time in her busy schedule to provide assistance to our Veterans. Her compassion is evident in every interaction, and her presence is uplifting to everyone she encounters.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>James Johnson: Clinician at Work, Piper at Heart</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181213_Dr_Jim_Johnson.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2018 13:20:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">When you first meet Dr. Johnson, one is impressed by his soft spoken, intellectual, quiet manner. And then he starts talking about his passion: his love for the majestic Highland bagpipes. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181213_Dr_Jim_Johnson.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181213_Dr_Jim_Johnson.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/181213_thumb_jim-johnson.jpg" alt="Dr. James Johnson, Infectious Disease Specialist at the Minneapolis VA, professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, Highland piper." title="Dr. James Johnson, Infectious Disease Specialist at the Minneapolis VA, professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, Highland piper." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20181213_Dr_Jim_Johnson_1544727231152</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/181213_thumb_jim-johnson.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. James Johnson, Infectious Disease Specialist at the Minneapolis VA, professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, Highland piper.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">When you first meet Dr. Johnson, one is impressed by his soft spoken, intellectual, quiet manner. And then he starts talking about his passion: his love for the majestic Highland bagpipes.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Doctor at Work, Piper at Heart</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>When you first meet Dr. Johnson, one is impressed by his soft spoken, intellectual, quiet manner. And then he starts talking about his passion: his love for the majestic Highland bagpipes.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Name Comes with a Renewed Purpose and Approach</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181102_CCDOR.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2018 12:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA&#8217;s CCDOR focuses on high-impact research projects and recently celebrated 20 years in the pursuit of clinical knowledge with a name change, renewed purpose and a new approach. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181102_CCDOR.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181102_CCDOR.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/181102_thumb_CCDOR_02.jpg" alt="Dr. Hanna Bloomfield, Associate Chief of Staff, Research and Dr. Steven Fu, CCDOR director." title="Dr. Hanna Bloomfield, Associate Chief of Staff, Research and Dr. Steven Fu, CCDOR director." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20181102_CCDOR_1541175994627</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/181102_thumb_CCDOR_02.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Hanna Bloomfield, Associate Chief of Staff, Research and Dr. Steven Fu, CCDOR director.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA&#8217;s CCDOR focuses on high-impact research projects and recently celebrated 20 years in the pursuit of clinical knowledge with a name change, renewed purpose and a new approach.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Name, Renewed Purpose</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA&#8217;s CCDOR focuses on high-impact research projects and recently celebrated 20 years in the pursuit of clinical knowledge with a name change, renewed purpose and a new approach.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Human Connection is Theme of Annual Education Day</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181005_Edu_Day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 2018 10:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;His philosophy is relationship-centered, and I see him cultivating meaningful connections...and this makes other professionals and colleagues feel appreciated and respected.&#34; <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181005_Edu_Day.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181005_Edu_Day.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/181005_thumb_edu_day.jpg" alt="(L-R): Director Patrick Kelly, Dr. Tonkin, Dr. Senk, Ms. Brady, Helen Pearlman, nurse executive; Dr. Weissman, Martina Malek, chief experience officer; and Ms. Brady (VA photo by Thomas Stoner)" title="(L-R): Director Patrick Kelly, Dr. Tonkin, Dr. Senk, Ms. Brady, Helen Pearlman, nurse executive; Dr. Weissman, Martina Malek, chief experience officer; and Ms. Brady (VA photo by Thomas Stoner)" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20181005_Edu_Day_1538755889425</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/181005_thumb_edu_day.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">(L-R): Director Patrick Kelly, Dr. Tonkin, Dr. Senk, Ms. Brady, Helen Pearlman, nurse executive; Dr. Weissman, Martina Malek, chief experience officer; and Ms. Brady (VA photo by Thomas Stoner)</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;His philosophy is relationship-centered, and I see him cultivating meaningful connections...and this makes other professionals and colleagues feel appreciated and respected.&#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Human Connection in Education</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;His philosophy is relationship-centered, and I see him cultivating meaningful connections...and this makes other professionals and colleagues feel appreciated and respected.&#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Nurse Helps Woman Suffering Seizure Roadside</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181002_CPR.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 2018 10:50:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#8220;I became a nurse to help people and absolutely love being a nurse; I would do it for anyone,&#8221; said Shari Kjos, LPN, after the Rochester VA Community Clinic nurse helped a woman suffering a seizure roadside. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181002_CPR.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20181002_CPR.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/181002_thumb_CPR.jpg" alt="Rochester VA Community Clinic nurse, Shari Kjos, LPN" title="Rochester VA Community Clinic nurse, Shari Kjos, LPN" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20181002_CPR_1538496979717</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/181002_thumb_CPR.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Rochester VA Community Clinic nurse, Shari Kjos, LPN</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;I became a nurse to help people and absolutely love being a nurse; I would do it for anyone,&#8221; said Shari Kjos, LPN, after the Rochester VA Community Clinic nurse helped a woman suffering a seizure roadside.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Helping Someone In Need</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;I became a nurse to help people and absolutely love being a nurse; I would do it for anyone,&#8221; said Shari Kjos, LPN, after the Rochester VA Community Clinic nurse helped a woman suffering a seizure roadside.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Be There for Veterans and Servicemembers</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180910_Be_There.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2018 12:15:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">You don&#8217;t need to have special training to support the Veterans in your life, and we can all do something to help a Veteran who is going through a difficult time. Even seemingly small actions can have a huge impact. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180910_Be_There.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180910_Be_There.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180910_thumb_be_there.jpg" alt="Showing your support can be as simple as sending a message." title="Showing your support can be as simple as sending a message." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180910_Be_There_1536601438673</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180910_thumb_be_there.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Showing your support can be as simple as sending a message.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">You don&#8217;t need to have special training to support the Veterans in your life, and we can all do something to help a Veteran who is going through a difficult time. Even seemingly small actions can have a huge impact.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Be There</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>You don&#8217;t need to have special training to support the Veterans in your life, and we can all do something to help a Veteran who is going through a difficult time. Even seemingly small actions can have a huge impact.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA 5K Family &#34;Fun Run, Walk and Roll&#34;</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180815_5K_Fun_Run.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:40:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">It&#39;s almost fall in Minnesota - time for the monarch butterfly migration, beautiful autumn foliage and our favorite - the annual Minneapolis VA 5K Family Fun Run, Walk &amp; Roll! <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180815_5K_Fun_Run.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180815_5K_Fun_Run.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180815_thumb_5K_fun_run.jpg" alt="2017 Minneapolis VA 5K Family Fun Run, Walk &amp; Roll participants " title="2017 Minneapolis VA 5K Family Fun Run, Walk &amp; Roll participants " /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180815_5K_Fun_Run_1534349289125</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180815_thumb_5K_fun_run.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">2017 Minneapolis VA 5K Family Fun Run, Walk &amp; Roll participants </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">It&#39;s almost fall in Minnesota - time for the monarch butterfly migration, beautiful autumn foliage and our favorite - the annual Minneapolis VA 5K Family Fun Run, Walk &amp; Roll!</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Minneapolis VA 5K</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>It&#39;s almost fall in Minnesota - time for the monarch butterfly migration, beautiful autumn foliage and our favorite - the annual Minneapolis VA 5K Family Fun Run, Walk &amp; Roll!</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Fisher House Creates Imaginary World For All Ages</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180808_Fisher_House.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Aug 2018 09:10:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Fisher House staff felt they needed something else to occupy younger guests. Creating this outdoor treasure hunt of mystical creatures provided outdoor activities for all ages. The only limitation is one&#8217;s imagination. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180808_Fisher_House.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180808_Fisher_House.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180808_thumb_fisher_house.jpg" alt="Fisher House guest Emma holding the gift she donated to the outdoor fairy land" title="Fisher House guest Emma holding the gift she donated to the outdoor fairy land" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180808_Fisher_House_1533739594510</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180808_thumb_fisher_house.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Fisher House guest Emma holding the gift she donated to the outdoor fairy land</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Fisher House staff felt they needed something else to occupy younger guests. Creating this outdoor treasure hunt of mystical creatures provided outdoor activities for all ages. The only limitation is one&#8217;s imagination.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Imaginary World Across Street</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Fisher House staff felt they needed something else to occupy younger guests. Creating this outdoor treasure hunt of mystical creatures provided outdoor activities for all ages. The only limitation is one&#8217;s imagination.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Navy Veteran Flourishes in Home Environment</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180725_Medical_Foster_Home.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2018 09:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">A VA nurse encouraged him to look at the Medical Foster Home Program. &#34;I didn&#8217;t want to give up my independence,&#34; Miguel said, &#34;I had my own place, but I wasn&#8217;t independent anymore. I couldn&#8217;t take care of myself.&#34; <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180725_Medical_Foster_Home.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180725_Medical_Foster_Home.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180725_thumb_medical_foster-home.jpg" alt="Veteran Miguel (l) and Medical Foster Home Caregiver Amro." title="Veteran Miguel (l) and Medical Foster Home Caregiver Amro." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180725_Medical_Foster_Home_1532532171286</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180725_thumb_medical_foster-home.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran Miguel (l) and Medical Foster Home Caregiver Amro.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A VA nurse encouraged him to look at the Medical Foster Home Program. &#34;I didn&#8217;t want to give up my independence,&#34; Miguel said, &#34;I had my own place, but I wasn&#8217;t independent anymore. I couldn&#8217;t take care of myself.&#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Flourishing at &#39;Home&#39;</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A VA nurse encouraged him to look at the Medical Foster Home Program. &#34;I didn&#8217;t want to give up my independence,&#34; Miguel said, &#34;I had my own place, but I wasn&#8217;t independent anymore. I couldn&#8217;t take care of myself.&#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>More Cancer Treatment Options for Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180710_NAVIGATE.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:35:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Veterans at the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System with cancer will now have more access to the latest treatment options, thanks to a partnership between VA and the National Cancer Institute. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180710_NAVIGATE.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180710_NAVIGATE.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180710_thumb_NAVIGATE.jpg" alt="NCI and VA collaborate to boost Veterans&#8217; access to cancer clinical trials. Credit: National Cancer Institute" title="NCI and VA collaborate to boost Veterans&#8217; access to cancer clinical trials. Credit: National Cancer Institute" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180710_NAVIGATE_1531253915701</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180710_thumb_NAVIGATE.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">NCI and VA collaborate to boost Veterans&#8217; access to cancer clinical trials. Credit: National Cancer Institute</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans at the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System with cancer will now have more access to the latest treatment options, thanks to a partnership between VA and the National Cancer Institute.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">More Cancer Treatment Options</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans at the Minneapolis VA Healthcare System with cancer will now have more access to the latest treatment options, thanks to a partnership between VA and the National Cancer Institute.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Volunteer Spotlight - Patrick Powers</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180612_volunteer_spotlight.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2018 13:26:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Patrick was motivated to volunteer because of the excellent service he receives here as a Veteran himself. He has been a hospice/palliative care and &#8220;Last Watch&#8221; volunteer for more than five years. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180612_volunteer_spotlight.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180612_volunteer_spotlight.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180604_thumb_volunteer.jpg" alt="Patrick Powers has been a hospice/palliative care and &#8220;Last Watch&#8221; volunteer on the Community Living Center for more than five years." title="Patrick Powers has been a hospice/palliative care and &#8220;Last Watch&#8221; volunteer on the Community Living Center for more than five years." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180612_volunteer_spotlight_1528830379385</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180604_thumb_volunteer.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Patrick Powers has been a hospice/palliative care and &#8220;Last Watch&#8221; volunteer on the Community Living Center for more than five years.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Patrick was motivated to volunteer because of the excellent service he receives here as a Veteran himself. He has been a hospice/palliative care and &#8220;Last Watch&#8221; volunteer for more than five years.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteer Spotlight - Patrick</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Patrick was motivated to volunteer because of the excellent service he receives here as a Veteran himself. He has been a hospice/palliative care and &#8220;Last Watch&#8221; volunteer for more than five years.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Schedule Your Medical Appointments Online</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180601_OPSS.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jun 2018 15:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Through our secured website or any mobile device, Minneapolis VA medical center patients can now schedule, modify and cancel appointments for primary care, specialty care and mental health.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180601_OPSS.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180601_OPSS.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180531_thumb_OPSS.jpg" alt="Schedule Your Medical Appointments Online" title="Schedule Your Medical Appointments Online" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180601_OPSS_1527887884851</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180531_thumb_OPSS.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Schedule Your Medical Appointments Online</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Through our secured website or any mobile device, Minneapolis VA medical center patients can now schedule, modify and cancel appointments for primary care, specialty care and mental health.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Schedule Appointments Online</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Through our secured website or any mobile device, Minneapolis VA medical center patients can now schedule, modify and cancel appointments for primary care, specialty care and mental health.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Volunteer Spotlight - Jeff Fisher</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180524_volunteer_spotlight.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2018 11:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Jeff has volunteered for two years and you might be surprised to learn that he is not a Veteran himself. He says he enjoys volunteering at the VA because he is fulfilling a need not many people know about.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180524_volunteer_spotlight.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180524_volunteer_spotlight.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180524_thumb_volunteer.jpg" alt="Jeff Fisher says he enjoys volunteering at the VA because he is fulfilling a need not many people know about." title="Jeff Fisher says he enjoys volunteering at the VA because he is fulfilling a need not many people know about." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180524_volunteer_spotlight_1527177000292</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180524_thumb_volunteer.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Jeff Fisher says he enjoys volunteering at the VA because he is fulfilling a need not many people know about.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Jeff has volunteered for two years and you might be surprised to learn that he is not a Veteran himself. He says he enjoys volunteering at the VA because he is fulfilling a need not many people know about. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteer Spotlight - Jeff</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Jeff has volunteered for two years and you might be surprised to learn that he is not a Veteran himself. He says he enjoys volunteering at the VA because he is fulfilling a need not many people know about. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Volunteer Spotlight - Michael Zampino</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180518_volunteer_spotlight.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2018 14:10:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Michael thoroughly enjoys volunteering and you won&#8217;t hear him refer to it as a job. In his words, &#34;Volunteering can be the most rewarding experience you&#8217;ll ever have. You get what you put in.&#34;   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180518_volunteer_spotlight.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180518_volunteer_spotlight.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180518_thumb_volunteer.jpg" alt="Michael Zampino is an Army Veteran and retired manufacturer&#8217;s representative who has been volunteering at the VA for ten years." title="Michael Zampino is an Army Veteran and retired manufacturer&#8217;s representative who has been volunteering at the VA for ten years." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180518_volunteer_spotlight_1526673080869</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180518_thumb_volunteer.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Michael Zampino is an Army Veteran and retired manufacturer&#8217;s representative who has been volunteering at the VA for ten years.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Michael thoroughly enjoys volunteering and you won&#8217;t hear him refer to it as a job. In his words, &#34;Volunteering can be the most rewarding experience you&#8217;ll ever have. You get what you put in.&#34;  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteer Spotlight - Michael</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Michael thoroughly enjoys volunteering and you won&#8217;t hear him refer to it as a job. In his words, &#34;Volunteering can be the most rewarding experience you&#8217;ll ever have. You get what you put in.&#34;  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>She Wore the Boots, But Was Not Equal</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180404_she_wore_the_boots.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2018 16:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">One cannot argue it was an uphill battle for women who wanted to serve their Country. 
Dating back to the Revolutionary war, women have been fighting for their equal rights and recognition in the military.    <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180404_she_wore_the_boots.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180404_she_wore_the_boots.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180404_thumb_herstory1.jpg" alt="Colonel Steward-Randle delivers keynote presentation, &#34;HERSTORY - Women&#8217;s History in the Military&#34;" title="Colonel Steward-Randle delivers keynote presentation, &#34;HERSTORY - Women&#8217;s History in the Military&#34;" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180404_she_wore_the_boots_1522877488786</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180404_thumb_herstory1.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Colonel Steward-Randle delivers keynote presentation, &#34;HERSTORY - Women&#8217;s History in the Military&#34;</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">One cannot argue it was an uphill battle for women who wanted to serve their Country. 
Dating back to the Revolutionary war, women have been fighting for their equal rights and recognition in the military.   </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">She Wore the Boots</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>One cannot argue it was an uphill battle for women who wanted to serve their Country. 
Dating back to the Revolutionary war, women have been fighting for their equal rights and recognition in the military.   </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Twins Volunteer at Snowmass</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180404_winter_sports_clinic.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2018 16:05:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Christie Spevacek and Trisha Vilen are registered nurses, best friends and fraternal twins who volunteered to work the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180404_winter_sports_clinic.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180404_winter_sports_clinic.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180404_thumb_winter_sports_clinic.jpg" alt="Twin City twin sisters and VA nurses Christie Spevacek and Trisha Vilen along with Dr.&#8217;s Brionn Tonkin and Alex Senk are part of the Sports 4 Vets medical staff at winter Sports Clinic 2018." title="Twin City twin sisters and VA nurses Christie Spevacek and Trisha Vilen along with Dr.&#8217;s Brionn Tonkin and Alex Senk are part of the Sports 4 Vets medical staff at winter Sports Clinic 2018." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180404_winter_sports_clinic_1522874791209</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180404_thumb_winter_sports_clinic.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Twin City twin sisters and VA nurses Christie Spevacek and Trisha Vilen along with Dr.&#8217;s Brionn Tonkin and Alex Senk are part of the Sports 4 Vets medical staff at winter Sports Clinic 2018.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Christie Spevacek and Trisha Vilen are registered nurses, best friends and fraternal twins who volunteered to work the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Minneapolis VA Twins Volunteer</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Christie Spevacek and Trisha Vilen are registered nurses, best friends and fraternal twins who volunteered to work the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Opioids Don&#39;t Beat Other Meds for Chronic Pain</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180306_Opioid_study_JAMA.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2018 14:05:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">A yearlong study published in the newest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association by a team of Minneapolis VA researchers offers strong evidence against using prescription opioids for chronic pain. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180306_Opioid_study_JAMA.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180306_Opioid_study_JAMA.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170516_thumb_krebs.jpg" alt="Lead author Dr. Erin Krebs, a physician and researcher with the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System&#8217;s Center for Chronic Disease Outcome Research" title="Lead author Dr. Erin Krebs, a physician and researcher with the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System&#8217;s Center for Chronic Disease Outcome Research" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180306_Opioid_study_JAMA_1520365219175</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170516_thumb_krebs.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Lead author Dr. Erin Krebs, a physician and researcher with the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System&#8217;s Center for Chronic Disease Outcome Research</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A yearlong study published in the newest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association by a team of Minneapolis VA researchers offers strong evidence against using prescription opioids for chronic pain.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Opioids Don&#39;t Beat Other Meds</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A yearlong study published in the newest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association by a team of Minneapolis VA researchers offers strong evidence against using prescription opioids for chronic pain.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>American Legion Physician of the Year for 2017</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180301_American_Legion.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Feb 2018 17:20:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Dr. Amy Candy Heinlein received the national American Legion Physician of the Year for 2017 award. This was the first year of the award, which was presented at the annual Commander&#8217;s Call of the Legion.    <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180301_American_Legion.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180301_American_Legion.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180301_thumb_Candy-Heinlein.jpg" alt="In a ceremony in Washington, DC, on February 27, Dr. Amy Candy Heinlein (center) received the national American Legion Physician of the Year for 2017 award. On hand for the ceremony were VA leaders, including VA Secretary David Shulkin (left)." title="In a ceremony in Washington, DC, on February 27, Dr. Amy Candy Heinlein (center) received the national American Legion Physician of the Year for 2017 award. On hand for the ceremony were VA leaders, including VA Secretary David Shulkin (left)." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20180301_American_Legion_1519918994171</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180301_thumb_Candy-Heinlein.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">In a ceremony in Washington, DC, on February 27, Dr. Amy Candy Heinlein (center) received the national American Legion Physician of the Year for 2017 award. On hand for the ceremony were VA leaders, including VA Secretary David Shulkin (left).</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Dr. Amy Candy Heinlein received the national American Legion Physician of the Year for 2017 award. This was the first year of the award, which was presented at the annual Commander&#8217;s Call of the Legion.   </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Physician of the Year 2017</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Dr. Amy Candy Heinlein received the national American Legion Physician of the Year for 2017 award. This was the first year of the award, which was presented at the annual Commander&#8217;s Call of the Legion.   </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Receives ALS Certification</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180213_ALS_Treatment_Center.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Feb 2018 17:20:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has been named a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence by the ALS Association. Only four VA centers have received this designation.     <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180213_ALS_Treatment_Center.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20180213_ALS_Treatment_Center.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180213_thumb_ALS_team.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA ALS Team. Front L to R: Erin Stern, Dan Greenwood, Anne Bateman, Mike Seabeck; Middle row: Patricia Stewart, Ila Roske, Ezgi Tiryaki; Back row:  Sean Mangan, Katie Bradshaw, Beau Bedore, John Hansen, Chris Schieffer" title="Minneapolis VA ALS Team. Front L to R: Erin Stern, Dan Greenwood, Anne Bateman, Mike Seabeck; Middle row: Patricia Stewart, Ila Roske, Ezgi Tiryaki; Back row:  Sean Mangan, Katie Bradshaw, Beau Bedore, John Hansen, Chris Schieffer" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/ALS_Treatment_Center_1518556253903</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/180213_thumb_ALS_team.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA ALS Team. Front L to R: Erin Stern, Dan Greenwood, Anne Bateman, Mike Seabeck; Middle row: Patricia Stewart, Ila Roske, Ezgi Tiryaki; Back row:  Sean Mangan, Katie Bradshaw, Beau Bedore, John Hansen, Chris Schieffer</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has been named a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence by the ALS Association. Only four VA centers have received this designation.    </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">ALS Association Certification </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has been named a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence by the ALS Association. Only four VA centers have received this designation.    </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Staffers Help in Hurricane Recovery</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20171212_Puerto-Rico.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Dec 2017 17:20:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Four Minneapolis VA staff spent two weeks on the Island of Puerto Rico as part of the VA&#8217;s Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) emergency response program following Hurricane Maria in September. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20171212_Puerto-Rico.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20171212_Puerto-Rico.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/171212_thumb_Puerto-Rico.jpg" alt="VA nurse Mary Bauer cares for patient in makeshift hospital room in sports coliseum in Puerto Rico" title="VA nurse Mary Bauer cares for patient in makeshift hospital room in sports coliseum in Puerto Rico" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20171212_Puerto-Rico_1513120088032</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/171212_thumb_Puerto-Rico.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA nurse Mary Bauer cares for patient in makeshift hospital room in sports coliseum in Puerto Rico</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Four Minneapolis VA staff spent two weeks on the Island of Puerto Rico as part of the VA&#8217;s Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) emergency response program following Hurricane Maria in September.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Tough Conditions, Great Reward</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Four Minneapolis VA staff spent two weeks on the Island of Puerto Rico as part of the VA&#8217;s Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) emergency response program following Hurricane Maria in September.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Center for Integrative Health and Healing</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20171205_CIHH_Opening.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Dec 2017 16:05:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will celebrate the opening of its new Center for Integrative Health and Healing with an open house and brief ceremony on December 12.                 <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20171205_CIHH_Opening.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20171205_CIHH_Opening.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/171205_thumb_CIHH.jpg" alt="The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will celebrate the opening of its new Center for Integrative Health and Healing with an open house and brief ceremony on December 12." title="The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will celebrate the opening of its new Center for Integrative Health and Healing with an open house and brief ceremony on December 12." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20171205_CIHH_Opening_1512510638563</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/171205_thumb_CIHH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will celebrate the opening of its new Center for Integrative Health and Healing with an open house and brief ceremony on December 12.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will celebrate the opening of its new Center for Integrative Health and Healing with an open house and brief ceremony on December 12.                </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Integrative Health Center</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will celebrate the opening of its new Center for Integrative Health and Healing with an open house and brief ceremony on December 12.                </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Receives Top Quality Rating</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20171107_Top_Quality_Rating.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Nov 2017 14:35:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">For six years in a row, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System has maintained a five-star rating based on the Department of Veteran Affairs&#39; internal measures.                  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20171107_Top_Quality_Rating.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20171107_Top_Quality_Rating.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/171107_thumb_Top_Quality_Rating.jpg" alt="For six years in a row, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System has maintained a five-star rating based on the Department of Veteran Affairs&#39; internal measures. " title="For six years in a row, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System has maintained a five-star rating based on the Department of Veteran Affairs&#39; internal measures. " /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20171107_Top_Quality_Rating_1510085861284</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/171107_thumb_Top_Quality_Rating.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">For six years in a row, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System has maintained a five-star rating based on the Department of Veteran Affairs&#39; internal measures. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For six years in a row, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System has maintained a five-star rating based on the Department of Veteran Affairs&#39; internal measures.                 </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Minneapolis VA Rates 5 Stars</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>For six years in a row, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System has maintained a five-star rating based on the Department of Veteran Affairs&#39; internal measures.                 </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Apartments for Homeless Veterans Open</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170926_Richard-A-Brustad-Homes.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Sep 2017 16:35:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;This is a new start that has taken a heavy burden off my shoulders, helping bring stability and hope into my life,&#34; said Nathaniel Green, a Veteran and one of the first tenants. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170926_Richard-A-Brustad-Homes.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170926_Richard-A-Brustad-Homes.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170926_thumb_Richard-A-Brustad-Homes.jpg" alt="At the ribbon cutting Veterans East was renamed Richard A. Brustad Homes to honor Richard Brustad, founder of Community Housing Development Corporation, Sept. 22, 2017." title="At the ribbon cutting Veterans East was renamed Richard A. Brustad Homes to honor Richard Brustad, founder of Community Housing Development Corporation, Sept. 22, 2017." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170926_Richard-A-Brustad-Homes_1506460222486</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170926_thumb_Richard-A-Brustad-Homes.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">At the ribbon cutting Veterans East was renamed Richard A. Brustad Homes to honor Richard Brustad, founder of Community Housing Development Corporation, Sept. 22, 2017.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;This is a new start that has taken a heavy burden off my shoulders, helping bring stability and hope into my life,&#34; said Nathaniel Green, a Veteran and one of the first tenants.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Apartments for Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;This is a new start that has taken a heavy burden off my shoulders, helping bring stability and hope into my life,&#34; said Nathaniel Green, a Veteran and one of the first tenants.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Town Hall in Hibbing, Minnesota</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170925_Sept_town_hall.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2017 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The next VA-sponsored Veterans Town Hall will be held on September 28, from 4-6 p.m. in Hibbing, MN. The event is open to Veterans, their spouses, VA stakeholders and the general public. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170925_Sept_town_hall.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170925_Sept_town_hall.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20170928_hibbing_townhall_180x130.jpg" alt="Veterans Town Hall will be held on September 28, from 4-6 p.m. in Hibbing, MN" title="Veterans Town Hall will be held on September 28, from 4-6 p.m. in Hibbing, MN" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170925_Sept_town_hall_1506351380336</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20170928_hibbing_townhall_180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans Town Hall will be held on September 28, from 4-6 p.m. in Hibbing, MN</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The next VA-sponsored Veterans Town Hall will be held on September 28, from 4-6 p.m. in Hibbing, MN. The event is open to Veterans, their spouses, VA stakeholders and the general public.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans Town Hall</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The next VA-sponsored Veterans Town Hall will be held on September 28, from 4-6 p.m. in Hibbing, MN. The event is open to Veterans, their spouses, VA stakeholders and the general public.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Four Minneapolis VA Nurses Receive Top Honors</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170912_top-nurses.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Sep 2017 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA took home top honors in four of 16 categories in the annual Mpls.St.Paul Magazine &#8220;Outstanding Nurses Awards&#8221; competition for 2017. Four other VA nurses were &#8220;finalists&#8221; in the competition. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170912_top-nurses.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170912_top-nurses.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170912_thumb_top-nurses.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA nurses Emily Ehmke, Jamie Lang, Faith Broman and Jonathan Gair were winners in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine annual Nurses Awards. Four of 16 awards went to VA staffers! (VA photo by April Eilers)" title="Minneapolis VA nurses Emily Ehmke, Jamie Lang, Faith Broman and Jonathan Gair were winners in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine annual Nurses Awards. Four of 16 awards went to VA staffers! (VA photo by April Eilers)" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170912_top-nurses_1505231244635</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170912_thumb_top-nurses.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA nurses Emily Ehmke, Jamie Lang, Faith Broman and Jonathan Gair were winners in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine annual Nurses Awards. Four of 16 awards went to VA staffers! (VA photo by April Eilers)</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA took home top honors in four of 16 categories in the annual Mpls.St.Paul Magazine &#8220;Outstanding Nurses Awards&#8221; competition for 2017. Four other VA nurses were &#8220;finalists&#8221; in the competition.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Outstanding Nurses Awards</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA took home top honors in four of 16 categories in the annual Mpls.St.Paul Magazine &#8220;Outstanding Nurses Awards&#8221; competition for 2017. Four other VA nurses were &#8220;finalists&#8221; in the competition.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Researcher Receives American Legion&#39;s Top Award</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170906_Georgopoulos.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Sep 2017 08:40:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Dr. Apostolos Georgopoulos, director of the Brain Sciences Center in the Minneapolis Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, was presented The American Legion&#8217;s Distinguished Service Medal.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170906_Georgopoulos.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170906_Georgopoulos.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170906_thumb_Georgopoulos.jpg" alt="Dr. Apostolos Georgopoulos, director of the Brain Sciences Center in the Minneapolis Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, was presented The American Legion&#8217;s Distinguished Service Medal." title="Dr. Apostolos Georgopoulos, director of the Brain Sciences Center in the Minneapolis Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, was presented The American Legion&#8217;s Distinguished Service Medal." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170906_Georgopoulos_1504703501937</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170906_thumb_Georgopoulos.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Apostolos Georgopoulos, director of the Brain Sciences Center in the Minneapolis Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, was presented The American Legion&#8217;s Distinguished Service Medal.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Dr. Apostolos Georgopoulos, director of the Brain Sciences Center in the Minneapolis Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, was presented The American Legion&#8217;s Distinguished Service Medal. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">American Legion&#39;s Top Award</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Dr. Apostolos Georgopoulos, director of the Brain Sciences Center in the Minneapolis Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, was presented The American Legion&#8217;s Distinguished Service Medal. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Dr. Lederle Receives Top VA Research Award</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170808_Lederle.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Aug 2017 13:20:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Dr. Frank A. Lederle received the 2017 John B. Barnwell Award - he is noted for his seminal work on surgical management and treatment for patients who have abdominal aortic aneurysms. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170808_Lederle.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170808_Lederle.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170808_thumb_lederle.jpg" alt="Lederle, a core investigator for the Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, is noted for his seminal work on surgical management and treatment for patients who have abdominal aortic aneurysms. (VA photo by April Eilers)" title="Lederle, a core investigator for the Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, is noted for his seminal work on surgical management and treatment for patients who have abdominal aortic aneurysms. (VA photo by April Eilers)" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170808_Lederle_1502215051645</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170808_thumb_lederle.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Lederle, a core investigator for the Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, is noted for his seminal work on surgical management and treatment for patients who have abdominal aortic aneurysms. (VA photo by April Eilers)</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Dr. Frank A. Lederle received the 2017 John B. Barnwell Award - he is noted for his seminal work on surgical management and treatment for patients who have abdominal aortic aneurysms.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA&#8217;s Highest Research Honor</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Dr. Frank A. Lederle received the 2017 John B. Barnwell Award - he is noted for his seminal work on surgical management and treatment for patients who have abdominal aortic aneurysms.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Top VA Workplace Wellness Award for Minneapolis</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170727_wellness-award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jul 2017 10:11:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA one of only 8 VA Medical Centers to receive gold award. This new award is designed to recognize VAMCs that have developed a strong culture of employee well-being. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170727_wellness-award.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170727_wellness-award.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170727_thumb_wellness-award.jpg" alt="Steve Kirkhorn, MD, (L) with Director Patrick Kelly and Cindy Tomczak, Employee Occupational Health Nurse Manager (VA photo by April Eilers)" title="Steve Kirkhorn, MD, (L) with Director Patrick Kelly and Cindy Tomczak, Employee Occupational Health Nurse Manager (VA photo by April Eilers)" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170727_wellness-award_1501166401064</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170727_thumb_wellness-award.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Steve Kirkhorn, MD, (L) with Director Patrick Kelly and Cindy Tomczak, Employee Occupational Health Nurse Manager (VA photo by April Eilers)</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA one of only 8 VA Medical Centers to receive gold award. This new award is designed to recognize VAMCs that have developed a strong culture of employee well-being.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Workplace Wellness Gold Award</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA one of only 8 VA Medical Centers to receive gold award. This new award is designed to recognize VAMCs that have developed a strong culture of employee well-being.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Clinic Offers Advantages for Veterans and New MDs</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170720_Residents_Clinic.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jul 2017 09:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#8220;You have the enthusiasm of the recent medical school graduate, and the experience of a seasoned staff physician,&#8221; explained Amy Candy Heinlein, MD, who supervises the program. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170720_Residents_Clinic.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170720_Residents_Clinic.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170720_thumb_residents-clinic.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Amy Candy Heinlein, MD, (left) reviews chart with residents (l-r) Carlos Jarmillo, Matthew Hooks, Rima Chakraborty and Christopher Choo" title="Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Amy Candy Heinlein, MD, (left) reviews chart with residents (l-r) Carlos Jarmillo, Matthew Hooks, Rima Chakraborty and Christopher Choo" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170720_Residents_Clinic_1500557732303</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170720_thumb_residents-clinic.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Amy Candy Heinlein, MD, (left) reviews chart with residents (l-r) Carlos Jarmillo, Matthew Hooks, Rima Chakraborty and Christopher Choo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;You have the enthusiasm of the recent medical school graduate, and the experience of a seasoned staff physician,&#8221; explained Amy Candy Heinlein, MD, who supervises the program.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#8216;Residents Clinic&#8217; Advantages</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;You have the enthusiasm of the recent medical school graduate, and the experience of a seasoned staff physician,&#8221; explained Amy Candy Heinlein, MD, who supervises the program.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA a Leader in Federal Green Challenge</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170714_green_award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jul 2017 10:18:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA received the EPA&#8217;s top award for environmentally preferable purchasing practices in FY 2016 by decreasing its printer and copier paper purchases by 44 percent from the previous year, saving $125,600.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170714_green_award.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170714_green_award.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170714_thumb_green_award.jpg" alt="Stacks of printer and copier paper in a copy machine" title="Stacks of printer and copier paper in a copy machine" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170714_green_award_1500044120403</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170714_thumb_green_award.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Stacks of printer and copier paper in a copy machine</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA received the EPA&#8217;s top award for environmentally preferable purchasing practices in FY 2016 by decreasing its printer and copier paper purchases by 44 percent from the previous year, saving $125,600.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Saving Money and Environment</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA received the EPA&#8217;s top award for environmentally preferable purchasing practices in FY 2016 by decreasing its printer and copier paper purchases by 44 percent from the previous year, saving $125,600.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>The Prostate Cancer Debate</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170713_PIVOT.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jul 2017 18:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">A Department of Veterans Affairs clinical trial spanning nearly 20 years finds that surgery does not significantly reduce all-cause or prostate cancer deaths for men who are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170713_PIVOT.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170713_PIVOT.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170713_thumb_pivot.jpg" alt="A Veteran meets with Timothy Wilt, a physician-researcher with the Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System " title="A Veteran meets with Timothy Wilt, a physician-researcher with the Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System " /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170713_PIVOT_1499992273211</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170713_thumb_pivot.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A Veteran meets with Timothy Wilt, a physician-researcher with the Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A Department of Veterans Affairs clinical trial spanning nearly 20 years finds that surgery does not significantly reduce all-cause or prostate cancer deaths for men who are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Prostate Cancer Debate</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A Department of Veterans Affairs clinical trial spanning nearly 20 years finds that surgery does not significantly reduce all-cause or prostate cancer deaths for men who are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veteran Thrives in VA Medical Foster Home</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170627_Medical_Foster_Home.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2017 16:35:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">When the Minneapolis VA Medical Foster Home Coordinator initially met with Vern, he shared that his spirits were diminished. He wanted a family setting. Vern wanted a place to call &#8220;home.&#8221;  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170627_Medical_Foster_Home.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170627_Medical_Foster_Home.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170627_thumb_mfh.jpg" alt="Vern, a Veteran in the Minneapolis VA Medical Foster Home program, at his home." title="Vern, a Veteran in the Minneapolis VA Medical Foster Home program, at his home." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170627_Medical_Foster_Home_1498595128218</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170627_thumb_mfh.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Vern, a Veteran in the Minneapolis VA Medical Foster Home program, at his home.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">When the Minneapolis VA Medical Foster Home Coordinator initially met with Vern, he shared that his spirits were diminished. He wanted a family setting. Vern wanted a place to call &#8220;home.&#8221; </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Place to Call Home</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>When the Minneapolis VA Medical Foster Home Coordinator initially met with Vern, he shared that his spirits were diminished. He wanted a family setting. Vern wanted a place to call &#8220;home.&#8221; </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Meet the Minneapolis VA Primary Care Call Center</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170601_Call-Center.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jun 2017 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Primary Care Call Center is the first call most Veterans make to the VA. The goal of the Call Center staff is to quickly get the Veteran to the right level of care at the right time.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170601_Call-Center.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170601_Call-Center.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170601_thumb_call-center.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA Primary Care Call Center nurse Denise Buss (VA photo by April Eilers)" title="Minneapolis VA Primary Care Call Center nurse Denise Buss (VA photo by April Eilers)" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170601_Call-Center_1496323954761</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170601_thumb_call-center.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA Primary Care Call Center nurse Denise Buss (VA photo by April Eilers)</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Primary Care Call Center is the first call most Veterans make to the VA. The goal of the Call Center staff is to quickly get the Veteran to the right level of care at the right time. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Meet the Call Center</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Primary Care Call Center is the first call most Veterans make to the VA. The goal of the Call Center staff is to quickly get the Veteran to the right level of care at the right time. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA&#39;s Commitment to Sustainability</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170522_Environmental_Award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 May 2017 09:32:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">For the second year in a row, Minneapolis VA among top 25 medical facilities recognized by Practice Green Health for environmental excellence and a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170522_Environmental_Award.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170522_Environmental_Award.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170522_thumb_env-excellence.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA among top 25 medical facilities recognized by Practice Green Health for environmental excellence" title="Minneapolis VA among top 25 medical facilities recognized by Practice Green Health for environmental excellence" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170522_Environmental_Award_1495462451871</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170522_thumb_env-excellence.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA among top 25 medical facilities recognized by Practice Green Health for environmental excellence</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For the second year in a row, Minneapolis VA among top 25 medical facilities recognized by Practice Green Health for environmental excellence and a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Commitment to Sustainability</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>For the second year in a row, Minneapolis VA among top 25 medical facilities recognized by Practice Green Health for environmental excellence and a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Opioids Not Better than Non-opioid Pain Medication</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170516_krebs.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 May 2017 17:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Researchers from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System have found that opioid medications achieve no better results than non-opioid medications for long-term treatment of chronic back pain and osteoarthritis pain.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170516_krebs.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170516_krebs.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170516_thumb_krebs.jpg" alt="Erin Krebs, MD, MPH, Research Health Science Specialist, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System" title="Erin Krebs, MD, MPH, Research Health Science Specialist, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170516_krebs_1494970501121</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170516_thumb_krebs.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Erin Krebs, MD, MPH, Research Health Science Specialist, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Researchers from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System have found that opioid medications achieve no better results than non-opioid medications for long-term treatment of chronic back pain and osteoarthritis pain.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Treating Chronic Back Pain</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Researchers from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System have found that opioid medications achieve no better results than non-opioid medications for long-term treatment of chronic back pain and osteoarthritis pain.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Dr. Ensrud Named To Prestigious Physicians Group</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170405_Ensrud.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2017 14:10:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Kristine Ensrud, MD, MPH, a Minneapolis VA and University of Minnesota physician/researcher, was inducted into the prestigious Association of American Physicians at its annual meeting. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170405_Ensrud.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170405_Ensrud.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170504_thumb_Ensrud.jpg" alt="Dr. Kris Ensrud and her father, E. Richard Ensrud, MD, a Korean War Veteran" title="Dr. Kris Ensrud and her father, E. Richard Ensrud, MD, a Korean War Veteran" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170405_Ensrud_1493913223441</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170504_thumb_Ensrud.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Kris Ensrud and her father, E. Richard Ensrud, MD, a Korean War Veteran</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Kristine Ensrud, MD, MPH, a Minneapolis VA and University of Minnesota physician/researcher, was inducted into the prestigious Association of American Physicians at its annual meeting.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Pursuit of Medical Knowledge</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Kristine Ensrud, MD, MPH, a Minneapolis VA and University of Minnesota physician/researcher, was inducted into the prestigious Association of American Physicians at its annual meeting.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Can We Talk Secure Messaging?</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170427_secure-messaging.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Apr 2017 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">You may have heard of MyHealtheVet, but did you know Veterans can also send Secure Messages to their VA Care providers? Secure Messaging is fully encrypted - designed to protect Veteran&#8217;s privacy and security.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170427_secure-messaging.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170427_secure-messaging.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170427_thumb_secure-messaging.jpg" alt="MyHealtheVet features screenshot" title="MyHealtheVet features screenshot" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170427_secure-messaging_1493303782024</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170427_thumb_secure-messaging.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">MyHealtheVet features screenshot</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">You may have heard of MyHealtheVet, but did you know Veterans can also send Secure Messages to their VA Care providers? Secure Messaging is fully encrypted - designed to protect Veteran&#8217;s privacy and security.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Can We Talk Secure Messaging?</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>You may have heard of MyHealtheVet, but did you know Veterans can also send Secure Messages to their VA Care providers? Secure Messaging is fully encrypted - designed to protect Veteran&#8217;s privacy and security.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA to Hold Town Hall June 21</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170419_June_Town_Hall.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2017 13:20:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA will hold a Town Hall on June 21 at the Whipple Federal Building,1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, St. Paul, MN. The event is open to Veterans, their spouses, VA stakeholders and the general public. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170419_June_Town_Hall.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170419_June_Town_Hall.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20170621_Whipple_townhall_180x130.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA to Hold Town Hall June 21" title="Minneapolis VA to Hold Town Hall June 21" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170419_June_Town_Hall_1492624631119</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20170621_Whipple_townhall_180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA to Hold Town Hall June 21</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA will hold a Town Hall on June 21 at the Whipple Federal Building,1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, St. Paul, MN. The event is open to Veterans, their spouses, VA stakeholders and the general public.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans Town Hall</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA will hold a Town Hall on June 21 at the Whipple Federal Building,1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, St. Paul, MN. The event is open to Veterans, their spouses, VA stakeholders and the general public.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Opens Primary Care &#8216;Super Clinic&#8217;</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170406_PC_Super_Clinic.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Apr 2017 16:20:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Why open a super clinic? Simple. A Veteran may come for a medical visit with multiple diagnoses and problems, these issues can all be dealt with in one physical location - the 4D super clinic. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170406_PC_Super_Clinic.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170406_PC_Super_Clinic.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170406_thumb_4D2PC.jpg" alt="Ribbon cutting on March 29. Pictured l-r: Sara Otterness, chief nurse, Primary Care PSL; Lisa Gunderson Assistant nurse manager; Lori Pawelski, RN, nurse manager, 4D; Director Pat Kelly; Areef Ishani, MD, medical director, Primary Care PSL; and nurse Cyndi Young." title="Ribbon cutting on March 29. Pictured l-r: Sara Otterness, chief nurse, Primary Care PSL; Lisa Gunderson Assistant nurse manager; Lori Pawelski, RN, nurse manager, 4D; Director Pat Kelly; Areef Ishani, MD, medical director, Primary Care PSL; and nurse Cyndi Young." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170406_PC_Super_Clinic_1491511861622</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170406_thumb_4D2PC.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Ribbon cutting on March 29. Pictured l-r: Sara Otterness, chief nurse, Primary Care PSL; Lisa Gunderson Assistant nurse manager; Lori Pawelski, RN, nurse manager, 4D; Director Pat Kelly; Areef Ishani, MD, medical director, Primary Care PSL; and nurse Cyndi Young.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Why open a super clinic? Simple. A Veteran may come for a medical visit with multiple diagnoses and problems, these issues can all be dealt with in one physical location - the 4D super clinic.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Primary Care &#8216;Super Clinic&#8217;</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Why open a super clinic? Simple. A Veteran may come for a medical visit with multiple diagnoses and problems, these issues can all be dealt with in one physical location - the 4D super clinic.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA to Hold MSA Hiring Event</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170314_MSA_hiring_event.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 14 Mar 2017 12:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">MVAHCS is holding a hiring event for medical support assistants/health unit coordinators from 2-6 pm on April 5 in the 1st floor auditorium. For more information, call 612-467-2060 <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170314_MSA_hiring_event.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170314_MSA_hiring_event.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150610_thumb_ICARE.jpg" alt="MVAHCS Hiring Event for MSAs from 2-6 pm on April 5 in the 1st floor auditorium" title="MVAHCS Hiring Event for MSAs from 2-6 pm on April 5 in the 1st floor auditorium" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170314_MSA_hiring_event_1489507853921</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150610_thumb_ICARE.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">MVAHCS Hiring Event for MSAs from 2-6 pm on April 5 in the 1st floor auditorium</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">MVAHCS is holding a hiring event for medical support assistants/health unit coordinators from 2-6 pm on April 5 in the 1st floor auditorium. For more information, call 612-467-2060</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">MVAHCS Hiring Event for MSAs</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>MVAHCS is holding a hiring event for medical support assistants/health unit coordinators from 2-6 pm on April 5 in the 1st floor auditorium. For more information, call 612-467-2060</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Doctor Wins National Ethics Award</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170301_Billig_ethics_award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:30:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;I have been interested in those &#8216;gray zones&#8217; of uncertainty that inevitably arise in health care when it is unclear what is the right thing to do.&#34; said John P. Billig, PhD, ABPP, Minneapolis VA Psychology Supervisor. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170301_Billig_ethics_award.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20170301_Billig_ethics_award.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170301_thumb_Billig_ethics_award.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA Clinical Psychologist John P. Billig, PhD, ABPP (left) receives the VHA William A. Nelson Award for Excellence in Health Care Ethics presented to him by Patrick J. Kelly, Director, (right) Minneapolis VA Health Care System" title="Minneapolis VA Clinical Psychologist John P. Billig, PhD, ABPP (left) receives the VHA William A. Nelson Award for Excellence in Health Care Ethics presented to him by Patrick J. Kelly, Director, (right) Minneapolis VA Health Care System" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20170301_Billig_ethics_award_1488379968670</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/170301_thumb_Billig_ethics_award.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA Clinical Psychologist John P. Billig, PhD, ABPP (left) receives the VHA William A. Nelson Award for Excellence in Health Care Ethics presented to him by Patrick J. Kelly, Director, (right) Minneapolis VA Health Care System</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;I have been interested in those &#8216;gray zones&#8217; of uncertainty that inevitably arise in health care when it is unclear what is the right thing to do.&#34; said John P. Billig, PhD, ABPP, Minneapolis VA Psychology Supervisor.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Ethics Award Winner</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;I have been interested in those &#8216;gray zones&#8217; of uncertainty that inevitably arise in health care when it is unclear what is the right thing to do.&#34; said John P. Billig, PhD, ABPP, Minneapolis VA Psychology Supervisor.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Hybrid Operating Room Opens at Minneapolis VA</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161229_Hybrid_OR.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:07:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">A new hybrid operating room suite is opening January 2017 at the Minneapolis VA medical center. This allows for shorter lengths of stay and quicker recovery times for the Veteran population.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161229_Hybrid_OR.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161229_Hybrid_OR.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161229_thumb_hybrid_OR.jpg" alt="New hybrid operating room opens at Minneapolis VA medical center" title="New hybrid operating room opens at Minneapolis VA medical center" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20161229_Hybrid_OR_1483053014158</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161229_thumb_hybrid_OR.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">New hybrid operating room opens at Minneapolis VA medical center</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A new hybrid operating room suite is opening January 2017 at the Minneapolis VA medical center. This allows for shorter lengths of stay and quicker recovery times for the Veteran population. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Hybrid Operating Room</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A new hybrid operating room suite is opening January 2017 at the Minneapolis VA medical center. This allows for shorter lengths of stay and quicker recovery times for the Veteran population. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA: A 5-Star Facility</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161213_SAIL_report.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2016 11:35:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">For five years in a row, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System has maintained a five-star rating based on 28 measures in areas such as length of stay and customer satisfaction. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161213_SAIL_report.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161213_SAIL_report.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160411_thumb_2015_AR.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA: A 5-Star Facility" title="Minneapolis VA: A 5-Star Facility" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20161213_SAIL_report_1481649921042</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160411_thumb_2015_AR.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA: A 5-Star Facility</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For five years in a row, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System has maintained a five-star rating based on 28 measures in areas such as length of stay and customer satisfaction.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A 5-Star Facility</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>For five years in a row, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System has maintained a five-star rating based on 28 measures in areas such as length of stay and customer satisfaction.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Cochlear Implants Now Offered at Minneapolis VA</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161209_cochlear_implants.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2016 13:10:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Earlier this year, the Veterans Health Administration&#8217;s National Surgery Office approved a cochlear implant program at the Minneapolis VA. Only about 40 programs exist in the VA system, the closest being Iowa City.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161209_cochlear_implants.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161209_cochlear_implants.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161208_thumb_cochlear_implant.jpg" alt="Cochlear Implants Now Offered To Minneapolis VA Patients with Profound Hearing Loss" title="Cochlear Implants Now Offered To Minneapolis VA Patients with Profound Hearing Loss" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20161209_cochlear_implants_1481309847287</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161208_thumb_cochlear_implant.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Cochlear Implants Now Offered To Minneapolis VA Patients with Profound Hearing Loss</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Earlier this year, the Veterans Health Administration&#8217;s National Surgery Office approved a cochlear implant program at the Minneapolis VA. Only about 40 programs exist in the VA system, the closest being Iowa City. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Cochlear Implants Now Offered</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Earlier this year, the Veterans Health Administration&#8217;s National Surgery Office approved a cochlear implant program at the Minneapolis VA. Only about 40 programs exist in the VA system, the closest being Iowa City. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Offers Veterans Same Day Services</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161201_same-day-service.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2016 16:10:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has announced &#8220;same day service&#8221; for Veterans when they need it in primary care and mental health clinic. This is part of a nationwide effort to improve the Veteran experience.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161201_same-day-service.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161201_same-day-service.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161201_thumb_same-day-service.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA Offers Same Day Services For Veterans &#8216;When They Need It&#8217;" title="Minneapolis VA Offers Same Day Services For Veterans &#8216;When They Need It&#8217;" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20161201_same-day-service_1480625423222</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161201_thumb_same-day-service.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA Offers Same Day Services For Veterans &#8216;When They Need It&#8217;</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has announced &#8220;same day service&#8221; for Veterans when they need it in primary care and mental health clinic. This is part of a nationwide effort to improve the Veteran experience. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Same Day Services For Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has announced &#8220;same day service&#8221; for Veterans when they need it in primary care and mental health clinic. This is part of a nationwide effort to improve the Veteran experience. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Hosts Its First &#8216;Baby Reunion&#8217;</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161110_feature_baby-reunion.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2016 09:50:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">To celebrate the &#8220;baby boom,&#8221; Minneapolis VA women&#8217;s program, in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, hosted the first annual Baby Reunion Picnic on Oct. 8 at the medical center. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161110_feature_baby-reunion.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161110_feature_baby-reunion.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161110_thumb_baby-reunion.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA women&#8217;s program held their first annual Baby Reunion Picnic on Oct. 8 at the medical center." title="Minneapolis VA women&#8217;s program held their first annual Baby Reunion Picnic on Oct. 8 at the medical center." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20161110_feature_baby-reunion_1478624742099</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161110_thumb_baby-reunion.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA women&#8217;s program held their first annual Baby Reunion Picnic on Oct. 8 at the medical center.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">To celebrate the &#8220;baby boom,&#8221; Minneapolis VA women&#8217;s program, in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, hosted the first annual Baby Reunion Picnic on Oct. 8 at the medical center.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Minneapolis VA&#39;s &#34;Baby Boom&#34;</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>To celebrate the &#8220;baby boom,&#8221; Minneapolis VA women&#8217;s program, in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, hosted the first annual Baby Reunion Picnic on Oct. 8 at the medical center.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Strengthening Veterans Quality of Life</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161108_feature_prosthetics.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Nov 2016 10:50:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#8220;We are here to serve Veterans and make a positive difference in their lives and that is what keeps us coming to work each day with a smile on our face,&#8221; said Lisa Curnes, Acting VISN 23 Prosthetic Manager.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161108_feature_prosthetics.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161108_feature_prosthetics.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161108_thumb_prosthetics.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA prosthetics staff working with a Veteran" title="Minneapolis VA prosthetics staff working with a Veteran" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20161108_feature_prosthetics_1478621938190</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161108_thumb_prosthetics.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA prosthetics staff working with a Veteran</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;We are here to serve Veterans and make a positive difference in their lives and that is what keeps us coming to work each day with a smile on our face,&#8221; said Lisa Curnes, Acting VISN 23 Prosthetic Manager. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Strengthening Quality of Life</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;We are here to serve Veterans and make a positive difference in their lives and that is what keeps us coming to work each day with a smile on our face,&#8221; said Lisa Curnes, Acting VISN 23 Prosthetic Manager. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>YMCA Waives Joiner&#39;s Fee for Veterans and Families</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161101_feature_YMCA.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2016 18:32:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Effective November 1, all YMCAs in Minnesota will waive the joiner&#8217;s fee for Veterans and their families. The fee waiver applies to all Minnesota Veterans, including those who are not receiving VA benefits. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161101_feature_YMCA.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161101_feature_YMCA.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20161101_thumb_YMCA.JPG" alt="Effective November 1, all YMCAs in Minnesota will waive the joiner&#8217;s fee for Veterans and their families." title="Effective November 1, all YMCAs in Minnesota will waive the joiner&#8217;s fee for Veterans and their families." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20161101_feature_YMCA_1478041612417</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20161101_thumb_YMCA.JPG</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Effective November 1, all YMCAs in Minnesota will waive the joiner&#8217;s fee for Veterans and their families.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Effective November 1, all YMCAs in Minnesota will waive the joiner&#8217;s fee for Veterans and their families. The fee waiver applies to all Minnesota Veterans, including those who are not receiving VA benefits.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">YMCA Waives Joiner&#39;s Fee</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Effective November 1, all YMCAs in Minnesota will waive the joiner&#8217;s fee for Veterans and their families. The fee waiver applies to all Minnesota Veterans, including those who are not receiving VA benefits.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis First VA to Perform WATCHMAN Implant</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_First_VA_to_Perform_WATCHMAN_Implant.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2016 15:14:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">A cardiologist team at the Minneapolis VA has performed the first WATCHMAN implant in the Veterans Health Administration. The procedure treats Atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heart arrhythmia. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_First_VA_to_Perform_WATCHMAN_Implant.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_First_VA_to_Perform_WATCHMAN_Implant.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161011_thumb_Watchman-Implant.jpg" alt="WATCHMAN implant (courtesy of Boston Scientific)" title="WATCHMAN implant (courtesy of Boston Scientific)" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Minneapolis_First_VA_to_Perform_WATCHMAN_Implant_1476216635144</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161011_thumb_Watchman-Implant.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">WATCHMAN implant (courtesy of Boston Scientific)</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A cardiologist team at the Minneapolis VA has performed the first WATCHMAN implant in the Veterans Health Administration. The procedure treats Atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heart arrhythmia.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Afib Treatment Alternative</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A cardiologist team at the Minneapolis VA has performed the first WATCHMAN implant in the Veterans Health Administration. The procedure treats Atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heart arrhythmia.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Mankato Veterans Town Hall Draws Crowd</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161004_feature_Mankato_TownHall.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2016 15:55:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The majority of comments were directed at the operation of the Lyle C. Pearson Community Clinic in Mankato, operated by Sterling Medical of Cincinnati, Ohio, under a VA contract. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161004_feature_Mankato_TownHall.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20161004_feature_Mankato_TownHall.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161004_thumb_Mankato_Town-Hall.jpg" alt="Sept. 26, 2016, Patrick Kelly, director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, answers Veteran&#39;s questions at the Mankato Town Hall." title="Sept. 26, 2016, Patrick Kelly, director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, answers Veteran&#39;s questions at the Mankato Town Hall." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20161004_feature_Mankato_TownHall_1475613529317</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/161004_thumb_Mankato_Town-Hall.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Sept. 26, 2016, Patrick Kelly, director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, answers Veteran&#39;s questions at the Mankato Town Hall.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The majority of comments were directed at the operation of the Lyle C. Pearson Community Clinic in Mankato, operated by Sterling Medical of Cincinnati, Ohio, under a VA contract.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans Town Hall Draws Crowd</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The majority of comments were directed at the operation of the Lyle C. Pearson Community Clinic in Mankato, operated by Sterling Medical of Cincinnati, Ohio, under a VA contract.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Opens New Surgery Center </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160913_feature_surgery_center.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:50:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA Medical Center opened a new state-of-the-art Surgery Center adjacent to the operating room suites, expanding to over 7,000 square footage of patient care space.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160913_feature_surgery_center.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160913_feature_surgery_center.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160913_thumb_surgery_center.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s new Surgery Center (VA photo by April Eilers)" title="Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s new Surgery Center (VA photo by April Eilers)" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160913_feature_surgery_center_1473788346662</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160913_thumb_surgery_center.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s new Surgery Center (VA photo by April Eilers)</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA Medical Center opened a new state-of-the-art Surgery Center adjacent to the operating room suites, expanding to over 7,000 square footage of patient care space. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Surgery Center</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA Medical Center opened a new state-of-the-art Surgery Center adjacent to the operating room suites, expanding to over 7,000 square footage of patient care space. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veteran Town Hall on September 26 in Mankato</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160908_feature_Sept_town_hall.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2016 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a &#8220;Town Hall&#8221; for Veterans on September 26, in Mankato. The meeting will be held 5-7 p.m. at VFW Post 9713, 1900 North River Drive, Mankato, MN.
 <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160908_feature_Sept_town_hall.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160908_feature_Sept_town_hall.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160908_thumb_Sept_town_hall.jpg" alt="VA to Host &#8220;Veteran Town Hall&#8221; on September 26 in Mankato, MN" title="VA to Host &#8220;Veteran Town Hall&#8221; on September 26 in Mankato, MN" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160908_feature_Sept_town_hall_1473349676724</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160908_thumb_Sept_town_hall.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA to Host &#8220;Veteran Town Hall&#8221; on September 26 in Mankato, MN</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a &#8220;Town Hall&#8221; for Veterans on September 26, in Mankato. The meeting will be held 5-7 p.m. at VFW Post 9713, 1900 North River Drive, Mankato, MN.
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veteran Town Hall</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a &#8220;Town Hall&#8221; for Veterans on September 26, in Mankato. The meeting will be held 5-7 p.m. at VFW Post 9713, 1900 North River Drive, Mankato, MN.
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Project to House Chronically Homeless Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160817_feature_Veterans_East.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2016 10:39:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Veterans East, a 100-unit apartment building currently under construction across from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, will house chronically homeless Veterans in the Twin Cities. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160817_feature_Veterans_East.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160817_feature_Veterans_East.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160817_thumb_Veterans_East.jpg" alt="Veterans East Groundbreaking, Aug. 9, 2016, Minneapolis, MN" title="Veterans East Groundbreaking, Aug. 9, 2016, Minneapolis, MN" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160817_feature_Veterans_East_1471446422904</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160817_thumb_Veterans_East.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans East Groundbreaking, Aug. 9, 2016, Minneapolis, MN</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans East, a 100-unit apartment building currently under construction across from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, will house chronically homeless Veterans in the Twin Cities.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans East Groundbreaking</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans East, a 100-unit apartment building currently under construction across from the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, will house chronically homeless Veterans in the Twin Cities.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Staff Help Veterans at Stand Down</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160811_feature_stand_down.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2016 13:15:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA staff help at the on-site clinic during the 2016 Stand Down for Veterans. Health screenings help Veterans in need of information and guide them, if needed, toward proper care. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160811_feature_stand_down.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160811_feature_stand_down.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160811_thumb_standdown.jpg" alt="2016 Stand Down for Veterans" title="2016 Stand Down for Veterans" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160811_feature_stand_down_1470935217182</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160811_thumb_standdown.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">2016 Stand Down for Veterans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA staff help at the on-site clinic during the 2016 Stand Down for Veterans. Health screenings help Veterans in need of information and guide them, if needed, toward proper care.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">2016 Stand Down</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA staff help at the on-site clinic during the 2016 Stand Down for Veterans. Health screenings help Veterans in need of information and guide them, if needed, toward proper care.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Major Award to Study Chronic Pain Management</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160727_feature_chronic_pain_study.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2016 10:29:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Dr. Erin E. Krebs receives a major award to study chronic pain management in 1400 patients at nine VA sites, filling an important gap in our health knowledge.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160727_feature_chronic_pain_study.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160727_feature_chronic_pain_study.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160727_thumb_chronic_pain_study.jpg" alt="Dr. Erin E. Krebs, Minneapolis VA" title="Dr. Erin E. Krebs, Minneapolis VA" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160727_feature_chronic_pain_study_1469631941344</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160727_thumb_chronic_pain_study.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Erin E. Krebs, Minneapolis VA</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Dr. Erin E. Krebs receives a major award to study chronic pain management in 1400 patients at nine VA sites, filling an important gap in our health knowledge. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Chronic Pain Management</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA&#8217;s Dr. Erin E. Krebs receives a major award to study chronic pain management in 1400 patients at nine VA sites, filling an important gap in our health knowledge. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Career Resources</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160720_feature_MVAHCS_careers.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2016 09:29:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Build the career you want at the Minneapolis VA. If you are a student, an experienced professional or a transitioning member of the military, you can find career information here. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160720_feature_MVAHCS_careers.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160720_feature_MVAHCS_careers.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160720_thumb_mycareerva.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA Career Resources" title="Minneapolis VA Career Resources" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160720_feature_MVAHCS_careers_1469022860657</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160720_thumb_mycareerva.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA Career Resources</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Build the career you want at the Minneapolis VA. If you are a student, an experienced professional or a transitioning member of the military, you can find career information here.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Career Resources</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Build the career you want at the Minneapolis VA. If you are a student, an experienced professional or a transitioning member of the military, you can find career information here.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Can Make Own Routine Exam Appointments</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160621_appointments.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2016 16:10:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">In an effort to improve access and reduce wait times, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System now offers direct scheduling. Veterans can make their own appointments for routine eye and ear exams.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160621_appointments.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160621_appointments.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160621_thumb_appointments.jpg" alt="VA audiology clinic" title="VA audiology clinic" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160621_appointments_1466543068830</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160621_thumb_appointments.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA audiology clinic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In an effort to improve access and reduce wait times, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System now offers direct scheduling. Veterans can make their own appointments for routine eye and ear exams. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Direct Scheduling</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In an effort to improve access and reduce wait times, the Minneapolis VA Health Care System now offers direct scheduling. Veterans can make their own appointments for routine eye and ear exams. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Toxicology Sleuths Work Under Tight Security</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160602_feature_lab.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2016 11:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA lab staff work under tight security in VA&#8217;s only HHS certified drug testing laboratory. What happens in the next 24 to 48 hours will determine life&#8217;s course for both current and potential VA employees.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160602_feature_lab.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160602_feature_lab.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160602_thumb_drug_lab.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA Technologist Nath Chhun" title="Minneapolis VA Technologist Nath Chhun" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/160602_feature_lab_1464885971001</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/160602_thumb_drug_lab.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA Technologist Nath Chhun</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA lab staff work under tight security in VA&#8217;s only HHS certified drug testing laboratory. What happens in the next 24 to 48 hours will determine life&#8217;s course for both current and potential VA employees.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Toxicology Sleuths</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA lab staff work under tight security in VA&#8217;s only HHS certified drug testing laboratory. What happens in the next 24 to 48 hours will determine life&#8217;s course for both current and potential VA employees.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Expanding Rehab Services With Bionic Technology</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160524_robotic_exoskeleton.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2016 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Nonprofit organization donates robotic exoskeleton to Minneapolis VA Health Care System. The FDA-cleared bionic suit will be used for gait therapy as part of Minneapolis VA&#39;s rehabilitation services.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160524_robotic_exoskeleton.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160524_robotic_exoskeleton.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160524_thumb_exoskeleton.jpg" alt="Veteran Doug Eckhoff practices walking with the assistance of an Ekso Bionics - Ekso GT&#8482; robotic exoskeleton." title="Veteran Doug Eckhoff practices walking with the assistance of an Ekso Bionics - Ekso GT&#8482; robotic exoskeleton." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160524_robotic_exoskeleton_1464129127708</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160524_thumb_exoskeleton.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran Doug Eckhoff practices walking with the assistance of an Ekso Bionics - Ekso GT&#8482; robotic exoskeleton.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Nonprofit organization donates robotic exoskeleton to Minneapolis VA Health Care System. The FDA-cleared bionic suit will be used for gait therapy as part of Minneapolis VA&#39;s rehabilitation services. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Rehab With Bionic Technology</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Nonprofit organization donates robotic exoskeleton to Minneapolis VA Health Care System. The FDA-cleared bionic suit will be used for gait therapy as part of Minneapolis VA&#39;s rehabilitation services. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | May 2016</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160518_feature_OnTheBeat_May16.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2016 10:10:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the newest issue of &#34;On the Beat,&#34; Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s monthly newsletter. Inside you will find recent research and local news, our events calendar, and more. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160518_feature_OnTheBeat_May16.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160518_feature_OnTheBeat_May16.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160518_thumb_OnTheBeatMay16.jpg" alt="Fifty sons and daughters of Minneapolis VA staff received a &#8220;behind the scenes&#8221; look at the medical center on April 28. (VA photo by April Eilers)" title="Fifty sons and daughters of Minneapolis VA staff received a &#8220;behind the scenes&#8221; look at the medical center on April 28. (VA photo by April Eilers)" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160518_feature_OnTheBeat_May16_1463581278862</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160518_thumb_OnTheBeatMay16.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Fifty sons and daughters of Minneapolis VA staff received a &#8220;behind the scenes&#8221; look at the medical center on April 28. (VA photo by April Eilers)</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the newest issue of &#34;On the Beat,&#34; Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s monthly newsletter. Inside you will find recent research and local news, our events calendar, and more.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | May 2016</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the newest issue of &#34;On the Beat,&#34; Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s monthly newsletter. Inside you will find recent research and local news, our events calendar, and more.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Staffers Act Fast, Help Save Lives   </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160509_feature_CPR.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2016 08:50:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Some call it serendipity, or fate, or being at the right place, at the right time.
Whatever the reason, two people are alive today thanks to fast action by a couple of Minneapolis VA staff. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160509_feature_CPR.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160509_feature_CPR.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160509_thumb_CPR-Schoolmeesters.jpg" alt="Nurse educator Kellie Schoolmeesters, RN" title="Nurse educator Kellie Schoolmeesters, RN" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160509_feature_CPR_1462801053159</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160509_thumb_CPR-Schoolmeesters.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Nurse educator Kellie Schoolmeesters, RN</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Some call it serendipity, or fate, or being at the right place, at the right time.
Whatever the reason, two people are alive today thanks to fast action by a couple of Minneapolis VA staff.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Be Ready, Take CPR Training</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Some call it serendipity, or fate, or being at the right place, at the right time.
Whatever the reason, two people are alive today thanks to fast action by a couple of Minneapolis VA staff.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA 2015 Annual Report</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160411_feature_2015_AR.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2016 16:15:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The photos, graphs and stories in this document chronicle only a portion of the accomplishments and activities of this past year. This report highlights successes in clinical care, research, education and outreach. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160411_feature_2015_AR.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160411_feature_2015_AR.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160411_thumb_2015_AR.jpg" alt="image of front of Minneapolis VA Medical Center building" title="image of front of Minneapolis VA Medical Center building" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160411_feature_2015_AR_1460408349351</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160411_thumb_2015_AR.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">image of front of Minneapolis VA Medical Center building</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The photos, graphs and stories in this document chronicle only a portion of the accomplishments and activities of this past year. This report highlights successes in clinical care, research, education and outreach.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">2015 Annual Report</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The photos, graphs and stories in this document chronicle only a portion of the accomplishments and activities of this past year. This report highlights successes in clinical care, research, education and outreach.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | April 2016</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160406_feature_OnTheBeat_Apr16.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2016 09:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the newest issue of &#34;On the Beat,&#34; Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s monthly newsletter. Inside you will find recent research and local news, our events calendar, and more. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160406_feature_OnTheBeat_Apr16.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160406_feature_OnTheBeat_Apr16.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160314_thumb_OnTheBeatApr16.jpg" alt="VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald engages staff at an employee town hall in Minneapolis. (VA photo by April Eilers)" title="VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald engages staff at an employee town hall in Minneapolis. (VA photo by April Eilers)" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160406_feature_OnTheBeat_Apr16_1459952404730</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160314_thumb_OnTheBeatApr16.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald engages staff at an employee town hall in Minneapolis. (VA photo by April Eilers)</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the newest issue of &#34;On the Beat,&#34; Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s monthly newsletter. Inside you will find recent research and local news, our events calendar, and more.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | April 2016</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the newest issue of &#34;On the Beat,&#34; Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s monthly newsletter. Inside you will find recent research and local news, our events calendar, and more.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Secretary McDonald Makes a Visit</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160329_feature_Call_Me_Bob.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:35:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">One of the first things you notice about VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald is his friendliness. Yet, he gives the aura of a military leader embarked on a vital mission: to transform the VA. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160329_feature_Call_Me_Bob.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160329_feature_Call_Me_Bob.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160329_thumb_Call_Me_Bob.jpg" alt="VA Secretary McDonald greets volunteer at Minneapolis VA Medical Center" title="VA Secretary McDonald greets volunteer at Minneapolis VA Medical Center" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160329_feature_Call_Me_Bob_1459261512425</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160329_thumb_Call_Me_Bob.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Secretary McDonald greets volunteer at Minneapolis VA Medical Center</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">One of the first things you notice about VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald is his friendliness. Yet, he gives the aura of a military leader embarked on a vital mission: to transform the VA.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#8220;Please, call me &#8216;Bob&#8217;&#34;</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>One of the first things you notice about VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald is his friendliness. Yet, he gives the aura of a military leader embarked on a vital mission: to transform the VA.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | March 2016</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160314_feature_OnTheBeat_Mar16.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2016 12:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the newest issue of &#34;On the Beat,&#34; Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s monthly newsletter. Inside you will find recent research and local news, our events calendar, and more. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160314_feature_OnTheBeat_Mar16.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160314_feature_OnTheBeat_Mar16.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160314_thumb_OnTheBeatMar16.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA participated in the second VA Access Stand Down on Saturday, Feb. 27. A total of 137 Veterans received care in the primary care, mental health, audiology and eye clinics." title="Minneapolis VA participated in the second VA Access Stand Down on Saturday, Feb. 27. A total of 137 Veterans received care in the primary care, mental health, audiology and eye clinics." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160314_feature_OnTheBeat_Mar16_1457975982442</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160314_thumb_OnTheBeatMar16.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA participated in the second VA Access Stand Down on Saturday, Feb. 27. A total of 137 Veterans received care in the primary care, mental health, audiology and eye clinics.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the newest issue of &#34;On the Beat,&#34; Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s monthly newsletter. Inside you will find recent research and local news, our events calendar, and more.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | March 2016</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the newest issue of &#34;On the Beat,&#34; Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s monthly newsletter. Inside you will find recent research and local news, our events calendar, and more.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>MyAccess Stand Down at Minneapolis VA</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160229_feature_MyAccess_Stand_Down.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Feb 2016 13:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA participated in the second VA MyAccess Stand Down, working to achieve our goal of providing Veterans same day access for primary care and urgent specialty care. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160229_feature_MyAccess_Stand_Down.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160229_feature_MyAccess_Stand_Down.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160229_thumb_Access_Stand_Down_2.jpg" alt="VA ophthalmologist Morgan L. Pansegrau, MD, examines patient Jeffrey Johnson in the Minneapolis VA eye clinic " title="VA ophthalmologist Morgan L. Pansegrau, MD, examines patient Jeffrey Johnson in the Minneapolis VA eye clinic " /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160229_thumb_Access_Stand_Down_2.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA ophthalmologist Morgan L. Pansegrau, MD, examines patient Jeffrey Johnson in the Minneapolis VA eye clinic </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA participated in the second VA MyAccess Stand Down, working to achieve our goal of providing Veterans same day access for primary care and urgent specialty care.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">MyAccess Stand Down</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA participated in the second VA MyAccess Stand Down, working to achieve our goal of providing Veterans same day access for primary care and urgent specialty care.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | February 2016</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160224_feature_OnTheBeat_Feb16.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2016 14:30:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the latest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160224_feature_OnTheBeat_Feb16.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160224_feature_OnTheBeat_Feb16.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160224_thumb_OnTheBeatFeb16.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA Health Care System Simulation Technology demonstration was awarded first place for best exhibit as selected by the Mall of America." title="Minneapolis VA Health Care System Simulation Technology demonstration was awarded first place for best exhibit as selected by the Mall of America." /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160224_thumb_OnTheBeatFeb16.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA Health Care System Simulation Technology demonstration was awarded first place for best exhibit as selected by the Mall of America.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the latest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | February 2016</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the latest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Technology Display Wins 1st Place</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160202_feature_GODES_2016.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2016 13:15:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA Health Care System simulation demonstration wins first place at 2016 Government on Display Exposition at Mall of America. Over 1400 people viewed the various displays and spoke with agency representatives. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160202_feature_GODES_2016.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160202_feature_GODES_2016.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160202_thumb_GODE_2016.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA Simulation Technology Demo at Government on Display Exposition 2016" title="Minneapolis VA Simulation Technology Demo at Government on Display Exposition 2016" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160202_thumb_GODE_2016.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA Simulation Technology Demo at Government on Display Exposition 2016</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA Health Care System simulation demonstration wins first place at 2016 Government on Display Exposition at Mall of America. Over 1400 people viewed the various displays and spoke with agency representatives.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Minneapolis Tech Demo Wins 1st</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA Health Care System simulation demonstration wins first place at 2016 Government on Display Exposition at Mall of America. Over 1400 people viewed the various displays and spoke with agency representatives.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | January 2016</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160120_feature_OnTheBeat_Jan16.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2016 14:30:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the latest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160120_feature_OnTheBeat_Jan16.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20160120_feature_OnTheBeat_Jan16.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160120_thumb_OnTheBeat_Jan16.jpg" alt="On The Beat | January 2016" title="On The Beat | January 2016" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20160120_feature_OnTheBeat_Jan16_1453319808300</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20160120_thumb_OnTheBeat_Jan16.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | January 2016</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the latest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | January 2016</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the latest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | December 2015</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20151216_feature_OnTheBeat_Dec15.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2015 16:02:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20151216_feature_OnTheBeat_Dec15.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20151216_feature_OnTheBeat_Dec15.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20151216_thumb_OnTheBeat_Dec15.jpg" alt="On The Beat | December 2015" title="On The Beat | December 2015" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20151216_feature_OnTheBeat_Dec15_1450302941604</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20151216_thumb_OnTheBeat_Dec15.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | December 2015</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | December 2015</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | November 2015</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20151119_feature_OnTheBeat_Nov15.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2015 10:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20151119_feature_OnTheBeat_Nov15.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20151119_feature_OnTheBeat_Nov15.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20151119_thumb_OnTheBeat_Nov15.jpg" alt="On The Beat | November 2015" title="On The Beat | November 2015" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20151119_feature_OnTheBeat_Nov15_1447947709131</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20151119_thumb_OnTheBeat_Nov15.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | November 2015</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | November 2015</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | October 2015</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20151016_feature_OnTheBeat_Oct15.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2015 12:20:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20151016_feature_OnTheBeat_Oct15.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20151016_feature_OnTheBeat_Oct15.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20151016_thumb_OnTheBeat_Oct15.jpg" alt="On The Beat | October 2015" title="On The Beat | October 2015" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20151016_feature_OnTheBeat_Oct15_1445015652809</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20151016_thumb_OnTheBeat_Oct15.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | October 2015</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | October 2015</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Honors Women Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150917_feature_Honor_Women_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2015 15:40:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">An advocacy group, a World War II Women&#8217;s Air Force Pilot and an outreach worker received Resiliency Awards on September 14, 2015, at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System&#8217;s Women Veterans Campaign.     <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150917_feature_Honor_Women_Veterans.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150917_feature_Honor_Women_Veterans.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150917_thumb_Honor_Women_Veterans.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA Honors Women Veterans " title="Minneapolis VA Honors Women Veterans " /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150917_feature_Honor_Women_Veterans_1442521450784</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150917_thumb_Honor_Women_Veterans.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA Honors Women Veterans </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">An advocacy group, a World War II Women&#8217;s Air Force Pilot and an outreach worker received Resiliency Awards on September 14, 2015, at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System&#8217;s Women Veterans Campaign.    </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Honoring Women Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>An advocacy group, a World War II Women&#8217;s Air Force Pilot and an outreach worker received Resiliency Awards on September 14, 2015, at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System&#8217;s Women Veterans Campaign.    </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | September 2015</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150916_feature_OnTheBeat_Sep15.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2015 13:10:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150916_feature_OnTheBeat_Sep15.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150916_feature_OnTheBeat_Sep15.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150916_thumb_OnTheBeatSep15.jpg" alt="On The Beat | September 2015" title="On The Beat | September 2015" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150916_feature_OnTheBeat_Sep15_1442426743943</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150916_thumb_OnTheBeatSep15.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | September 2015</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | September 2015</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Accepts Public Comment for Housing Plan</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150827_feature_public_comment_housing.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2015 10:05:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">VA is developing an Enhanced Use Lease with CHDC Veterans Limited Partnership, to construct a new building and repurpose underutilized VA land in support of VA&#8217;s goal to end Veteran homelessness. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150827_feature_public_comment_housing.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150827_feature_public_comment_housing.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150827_thumb_housing.jpg" alt="Artist rendering of proposed building" title="Artist rendering of proposed building" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150827_feature_public_comment_housing_1440700846708</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150827_thumb_housing.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Artist rendering of proposed building</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA is developing an Enhanced Use Lease with CHDC Veterans Limited Partnership, to construct a new building and repurpose underutilized VA land in support of VA&#8217;s goal to end Veteran homelessness.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Public Comment on Housing Plan</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA is developing an Enhanced Use Lease with CHDC Veterans Limited Partnership, to construct a new building and repurpose underutilized VA land in support of VA&#8217;s goal to end Veteran homelessness.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | August 2015</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150819_feature_OnTheBeat_Aug15.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:05:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150819_feature_OnTheBeat_Aug15.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150819_feature_OnTheBeat_Aug15.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150819_thumb_OnTheBeatAug15.jpg" alt="On The Beat | August 2015" title="On The Beat | August 2015" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150819_feature_OnTheBeat_Aug15_1440020041882</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150819_thumb_OnTheBeatAug15.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | August 2015</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | August 2015</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Mindfulness-based therapy decreases PTSD severity</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150804_feature_Mindfulness.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2015 18:18:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Veteran participants in the mindfulness-based stress reduction group demonstrated greater improvement in self-reported PTSD symptom severity during treatment and at 2-month follow-up. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150804_feature_Mindfulness.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150804_feature_Mindfulness.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150804_thumb_Mindfulness.jpg" alt="Melissa A. Polusny, Ph.D., of the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System" title="Melissa A. Polusny, Ph.D., of the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150804_feature_Mindfulness_1438729251468</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150804_thumb_Mindfulness.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Melissa A. Polusny, Ph.D., of the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veteran participants in the mindfulness-based stress reduction group demonstrated greater improvement in self-reported PTSD symptom severity during treatment and at 2-month follow-up.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Mindfulness decreases symptoms</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veteran participants in the mindfulness-based stress reduction group demonstrated greater improvement in self-reported PTSD symptom severity during treatment and at 2-month follow-up.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | July 2015</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150717_feature_OnTheBeat_Jul15.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2015 10:05:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150717_feature_OnTheBeat_Jul15.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150717_feature_OnTheBeat_Jul15.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150717_thumb_OnTheBeatJuly15.jpg" alt="On The Beat | July 2015" title="On The Beat | July 2015" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150717_feature_OnTheBeat_Jul15_1437143615545</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150717_thumb_OnTheBeatJuly15.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | July 2015</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | July 2015</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the newest issue of Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | June 2015</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150619_feature_OnTheBeat_Jun15.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2015 11:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the June 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                             <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150619_feature_OnTheBeat_Jun15.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150619_feature_OnTheBeat_Jun15.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/2014-09-29_Research_sm.jpg" alt="On The Beat | June 2015" title="On The Beat | June 2015" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | June 2015</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the June 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | June 2015</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the June 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Social Media Post Triggers Fast Action by VA Staff</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150610_feature_ICARE.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:17:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Social Media Posting Triggers Fast Action by VA Staff. The email arrived early in the morning. It was sent to an audiologist at a rural VA community clinic from a friend who had seen an unusual Facebook message. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150610_feature_ICARE.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150610_feature_ICARE.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150610_thumb_ICARE.jpg" alt="ICARE in action" title="ICARE in action" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150610_feature_ICARE_1433951049449</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150610_thumb_ICARE.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">ICARE in action</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Social Media Posting Triggers Fast Action by VA Staff. The email arrived early in the morning. It was sent to an audiologist at a rural VA community clinic from a friend who had seen an unusual Facebook message.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Facebook Post Leads to Action</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Social Media Posting Triggers Fast Action by VA Staff. The email arrived early in the morning. It was sent to an audiologist at a rural VA community clinic from a friend who had seen an unusual Facebook message.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | May 2015</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150521_feature_OnTheBeat_May15.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2015 16:40:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the May 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                             <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150521_feature_OnTheBeat_May15.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150521_feature_OnTheBeat_May15.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150551_thumb_OnTheBeatMay15.jpg" alt="On The Beat | May 2015" title="On The Beat | May 2015" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150551_thumb_OnTheBeatMay15.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | May 2015</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the May 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | May 2015</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the May 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | April 2015</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150422_feature_OnTheBeat_Apr15.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2015 11:40:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the April2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                             <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150422_feature_OnTheBeat_Apr15.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150422_feature_OnTheBeat_Apr15.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150422_thumb_OnTheBeat.jpg" alt="On The Beat | April 2015" title="On The Beat | April 2015" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150422_thumb_OnTheBeat.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | April 2015</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the April2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | April 2015</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the April2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                            </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA&#8217;s Dr. Ezgi Tiryaki Named Top Instructor</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150407_feature_DrTiryaki.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2015 10:43:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Ezgi Tiryaki, MD, Associate Chief of Staff for Education with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, has received the University of Minnesota&#8217;s Graduate and Professional Distinguished Teaching Award. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150407_feature_DrTiryaki.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150407_feature_DrTiryaki.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150407_thumb_DrTiryaki.jpg" alt="Ezgi Tiryaki, MD, Associate Chief of Staff for Education with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System" title="Ezgi Tiryaki, MD, Associate Chief of Staff for Education with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150407_feature_DrTiryaki_1428421041105</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150407_thumb_DrTiryaki.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Ezgi Tiryaki, MD, Associate Chief of Staff for Education with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Ezgi Tiryaki, MD, Associate Chief of Staff for Education with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, has received the University of Minnesota&#8217;s Graduate and Professional Distinguished Teaching Award.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA&#8217;s Dr. Ezgi Tiryaki Awarded</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Ezgi Tiryaki, MD, Associate Chief of Staff for Education with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, has received the University of Minnesota&#8217;s Graduate and Professional Distinguished Teaching Award.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | March 2015</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150407_feature_OnTheBeat_Mar15.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2015 10:12:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the March 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                              <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150407_feature_OnTheBeat_Mar15.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150407_feature_OnTheBeat_Mar15.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150407_thumb_OnTheBeatMar15.jpg" alt="On The Beat | March 2015" title="On The Beat | March 2015" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150407_thumb_OnTheBeatMar15.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | March 2015</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the March 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                             </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | March 2015</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the March 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                             </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>One Person Anywhere Can Help Prevent Suicide</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150331_feature_PowerOf1.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2015 14:50:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;Suicide prevention is being able and willing to reach out to others, ignore negative social stigma and make a connection with someone.  All of this is done with the hope to save a life.&#34; <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150331_feature_PowerOf1.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150331_feature_PowerOf1.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150331_thumb_PowerOf1.jpg" alt="One Person Anywhere Can Help Prevent Suicide" title="One Person Anywhere Can Help Prevent Suicide" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150331_thumb_PowerOf1.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">One Person Anywhere Can Help Prevent Suicide</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;Suicide prevention is being able and willing to reach out to others, ignore negative social stigma and make a connection with someone.  All of this is done with the hope to save a life.&#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Power of One</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;Suicide prevention is being able and willing to reach out to others, ignore negative social stigma and make a connection with someone.  All of this is done with the hope to save a life.&#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Town Hall</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150218_feature_townhall.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2015 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Medical Center (VAMC) will host a Town Hall for Veterans on Monday, March 30, 2015. The event is open to Veterans, their spouses, VA stakeholders and the general public. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150218_feature_townhall.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150218_feature_townhall.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150218_thumb_townhall.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA to Host Town Hall on March 30" title="Minneapolis VA to Host Town Hall on March 30" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150218_feature_townhall_1424277823019</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150218_thumb_townhall.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA to Host Town Hall on March 30</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Medical Center (VAMC) will host a Town Hall for Veterans on Monday, March 30, 2015. The event is open to Veterans, their spouses, VA stakeholders and the general public.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans Town Hall</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Medical Center (VAMC) will host a Town Hall for Veterans on Monday, March 30, 2015. The event is open to Veterans, their spouses, VA stakeholders and the general public.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | February 2015</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150223_feature_OnTheBeat_Feb15.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2015 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the February 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                 <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150223_feature_OnTheBeat_Feb15.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150223_feature_OnTheBeat_Feb15.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150223_thumb_OnTheBeatFeb15.jpg" alt="On The Beat | February 2015" title="On The Beat | February 2015" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150223_thumb_OnTheBeatFeb15.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | February 2015</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the February 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | February 2015</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the February 2015 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Not all bacteria are bad</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150210_feature_Good_Bacteria.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2015 17:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Fecal transplantation proves its worth against stubborn bacteria. Investigators with VA&#39;s Evidence-based Synthesis Program conducted a systematic review of the evidence surrounding FMT. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150210_feature_Good_Bacteria.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150210_feature_Good_Bacteria.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150210_thumb_DrDrekonja.jpg" alt="VA&#39;s Dr. Dimitri Drekonja and colleagues have conducted a review of the evidence for fecal transplants as a therapy to combat C. difficile infections.  (Photo by April Eilers)" title="VA&#39;s Dr. Dimitri Drekonja and colleagues have conducted a review of the evidence for fecal transplants as a therapy to combat C. difficile infections.  (Photo by April Eilers)" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150210_feature_Good_Bacteria_1423610008075</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150210_thumb_DrDrekonja.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA&#39;s Dr. Dimitri Drekonja and colleagues have conducted a review of the evidence for fecal transplants as a therapy to combat C. difficile infections.  (Photo by April Eilers)</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Fecal transplantation proves its worth against stubborn bacteria. Investigators with VA&#39;s Evidence-based Synthesis Program conducted a systematic review of the evidence surrounding FMT.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Not all bacteria are bad</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Fecal transplantation proves its worth against stubborn bacteria. Investigators with VA&#39;s Evidence-based Synthesis Program conducted a systematic review of the evidence surrounding FMT.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Spiritual Support for Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150203_feature_Spirit_Group_Research.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2015 09:20:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Research has found that less than one third of combat veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) obtain needed mental health care, partly due to stigma surrounding asking for help. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150203_feature_Spirit_Group_Research.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150203_feature_Spirit_Group_Research.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150203_thumb_SpiritSupportGroup.jpg" alt="Spiritual support, such as provided by chaplains, can be a far more socially accepted source of help than traditional mental health services." title="Spiritual support, such as provided by chaplains, can be a far more socially accepted source of help than traditional mental health services." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150203_feature_Spirit_Group_Research_1422975663765</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150203_thumb_SpiritSupportGroup.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Spiritual support, such as provided by chaplains, can be a far more socially accepted source of help than traditional mental health services.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Research has found that less than one third of combat veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) obtain needed mental health care, partly due to stigma surrounding asking for help.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Spiritual Support for Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Research has found that less than one third of combat veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) obtain needed mental health care, partly due to stigma surrounding asking for help.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA-Based Tele-ICU Expands</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150121_feature_Tele-ICU_Expands.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2015 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">A Tele-Intensive Care Unit based at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center is expanding to smaller VA facilities throughout the Midwest thanks to a unique Chicago collaboration.    <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150121_feature_Tele-ICU_Expands.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20150121_feature_Tele-ICU_Expands.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150121_thumb_tele-icu.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA-Based Tele-ICU Expands Using Chicago Docs" title="Minneapolis VA-Based Tele-ICU Expands Using Chicago Docs" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20150121_feature_Tele-ICU_Expands_1421856409762</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150121_thumb_tele-icu.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA-Based Tele-ICU Expands Using Chicago Docs</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A Tele-Intensive Care Unit based at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center is expanding to smaller VA facilities throughout the Midwest thanks to a unique Chicago collaboration.   </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Minneapolis Tele-ICU Expands</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A Tele-Intensive Care Unit based at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center is expanding to smaller VA facilities throughout the Midwest thanks to a unique Chicago collaboration.   </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | December 2014</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/2015_feature_OnTheBeat_Dec14.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2014 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the December 2014 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                     <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/2015_feature_OnTheBeat_Dec14.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/2015_feature_OnTheBeat_Dec14.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150112_thumb_OnTheBeatDec14.jpg" alt="On The Beat | December 2014" title="On The Beat | December 2014" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20150112_thumb_OnTheBeatDec14.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | December 2014</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the December 2014 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                    </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | December 2014</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the December 2014 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                    </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Mankato CBOC Is Renamed in Honor</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/2014_feature_RenameMankato.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2014 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">A bill to name the Mankato Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) after former North Mankato resident and World War II veteran Lyle Pearson has been signed by President Obama. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/2014_feature_RenameMankato.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/2014_feature_RenameMankato.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20141223_thumb_LylePearson.jpg" alt="Mankato CBOC Is Renamed in Honor of WWII Veteran/POW Lyle Pearson" title="Mankato CBOC Is Renamed in Honor of WWII Veteran/POW Lyle Pearson" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20141223_thumb_LylePearson.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Mankato CBOC Is Renamed in Honor of WWII Veteran/POW Lyle Pearson</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A bill to name the Mankato Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) after former North Mankato resident and World War II veteran Lyle Pearson has been signed by President Obama.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Mankato CBOC Renamed in Honor</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A bill to name the Mankato Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) after former North Mankato resident and World War II veteran Lyle Pearson has been signed by President Obama.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Grand Opening: Chippewa Valley VA Clinic</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20141029-GrandOpening_Chippewa.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2014 10:01:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Friday November 21, 2014
11 am &#8211; 2 pm
Program begins at 11 am, followed by open house and tours.
Location: 475 Chippewa Mall Drive, Suite 418
Chippewa Falls, WI  54729
All Veterans and members of the public are invited. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20141029-GrandOpening_Chippewa.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20141029-GrandOpening_Chippewa.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20141029-min_feat_ChippewaOpening_sm.jpg" alt="Grand Opening: Chippewa Valley VA Clinic" title="Grand Opening: Chippewa Valley VA Clinic" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20141029-min_feat_ChippewaOpening_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Grand Opening: Chippewa Valley VA Clinic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Friday November 21, 2014
11 am &#8211; 2 pm
Program begins at 11 am, followed by open house and tours.
Location: 475 Chippewa Mall Drive, Suite 418
Chippewa Falls, WI  54729
All Veterans and members of the public are invited.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Grand Opening: Chippewa Valley</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Friday November 21, 2014
11 am &#8211; 2 pm
Program begins at 11 am, followed by open house and tours.
Location: 475 Chippewa Mall Drive, Suite 418
Chippewa Falls, WI  54729
All Veterans and members of the public are invited.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On The Beat | October 2014</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/OnTheBeat_2014OCT.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2014 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Check out the October 2014 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                                                            <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/OnTheBeat_2014OCT.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/OnTheBeat_2014OCT.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/min_feat_OnTheBeat_Oct_sm.jpg" alt="On The Beat | Oct 2014" title="On The Beat | Oct 2014" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/min_feat_OnTheBeat_Oct_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat | Oct 2014</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Check out the October 2014 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                                                           </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat | October</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Check out the October 2014 issue of the Minneapolis VA newsletter &#8220;On the Beat!&#34;                                                                                                                                           </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Research to Focus on Nondrug Approaches to Pain</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Nondrug_Research.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will participate in two major research projects focusing on nondrug approaches to pain.                                                                   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Nondrug_Research.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Nondrug_Research.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/2014-09-29_Research_sm.jpg" alt="Stock Photo" title="Stock Photo" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Nondrug_Research_1412022375721</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/2014-09-29_Research_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Stock Photo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will participate in two major research projects focusing on nondrug approaches to pain.                                                                  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Nondrug Approaches to Pain</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System will participate in two major research projects focusing on nondrug approaches to pain.                                                                  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>On the Beat - August 2014</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_August_2014.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2014 12:01:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.                                                                                             <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_August_2014.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_August_2014.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/2014-08-21_OnTheBeat_sm.jpg" alt="On the Beat - August Issue" title="On the Beat - August Issue" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/2014-08-21_OnTheBeat_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On the Beat - August Issue</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.                                                                                            </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On the Beat - August Issue</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.                                                                                            </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>&#34;On The Beat&#34; - May 2014</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_May_2014.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2014 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features grand opening of Albert Lea Clinic and VA study of food insecurity among OEF/OIF Vets. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_May_2014.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_May_2014.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140522_thumb_onthebeatMAY.jpg" alt="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - May 2014" title="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - May 2014" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140522_thumb_onthebeatMAY.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - May 2014</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features grand opening of Albert Lea Clinic and VA study of food insecurity among OEF/OIF Vets.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - May 2014</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features grand opening of Albert Lea Clinic and VA study of food insecurity among OEF/OIF Vets.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Holds Grand Opening for Albert Lea</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_Grand_Opening_Albert_Lea.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Apr 2014 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Hundreds of Veterans and community members came to the new clinic in Skyline Mall, Albert Lea, Minn. Honor Guard members raised a large American flag outside the front of the clinic prior to the official ribbon cutting. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_Grand_Opening_Albert_Lea.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_Grand_Opening_Albert_Lea.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140429_thumb_albertleaopening.jpg" alt="The Minneapolis VA Health Care System held a grand opening event at its newest Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Albert Lea, Minn. on April 25, 2014." title="The Minneapolis VA Health Care System held a grand opening event at its newest Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Albert Lea, Minn. on April 25, 2014." /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140429_thumb_albertleaopening.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System held a grand opening event at its newest Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Albert Lea, Minn. on April 25, 2014.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Hundreds of Veterans and community members came to the new clinic in Skyline Mall, Albert Lea, Minn. Honor Guard members raised a large American flag outside the front of the clinic prior to the official ribbon cutting.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Grand Opening for Albert Lea</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Hundreds of Veterans and community members came to the new clinic in Skyline Mall, Albert Lea, Minn. Honor Guard members raised a large American flag outside the front of the clinic prior to the official ribbon cutting.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>&#34;On The Beat&#34; - April 2014</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_April_2014.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2014 09:05:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features opening of Albert Lea Clinic, Civil Servants of the Year and VA Newsmakers. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_April_2014.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_April_2014.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140418_thumb_onthebeatAPR.jpg" alt="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - April 2014" title="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - April 2014" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140418_thumb_onthebeatAPR.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - April 2014</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features opening of Albert Lea Clinic, Civil Servants of the Year and VA Newsmakers.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - April 2014</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features opening of Albert Lea Clinic, Civil Servants of the Year and VA Newsmakers.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA 2013 Civil Servants of the Year</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_2013_Civil_Servants.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2014 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA 2013 Civil Servants of the Year were recently announced.  These employees represent hard work and compassion for the mission of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_2013_Civil_Servants.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_2013_Civil_Servants.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140408_thumb_civilservants13.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA 2013 Civil Servants of the Year" title="Minneapolis VA 2013 Civil Servants of the Year" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140408_thumb_civilservants13.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA 2013 Civil Servants of the Year</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA 2013 Civil Servants of the Year were recently announced.  These employees represent hard work and compassion for the mission of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Civil Servants of the Year</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA 2013 Civil Servants of the Year were recently announced.  These employees represent hard work and compassion for the mission of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Albert Lea VA Clinic Opens</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Albert_Lea_VA_Clinic_Opens.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System opens a new VA clinic in Albert Lea, Minn. on April 2, 2014. This clinic will provide primary care, mental health, and other specialty services.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Albert_Lea_VA_Clinic_Opens.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Albert_Lea_VA_Clinic_Opens.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140331_thumb_CBOC_AlbertL.jpg" alt="Albert Lea, MN VA Clinic" title="Albert Lea, MN VA Clinic" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140331_thumb_CBOC_AlbertL.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Albert Lea, MN VA Clinic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System opens a new VA clinic in Albert Lea, Minn. on April 2, 2014. This clinic will provide primary care, mental health, and other specialty services.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Albert Lea VA Clinic Opens</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System opens a new VA clinic in Albert Lea, Minn. on April 2, 2014. This clinic will provide primary care, mental health, and other specialty services.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Dr. Wilt Named VA&#8217;s Top Health Services Researcher</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Wilt_named_top_researcher.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2014 08:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Timothy J. Wilt, M.D., M.P.H., is the recipient of the 2014 VA Under Secretary&#39;s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Services Research, which looks at the quality of care and how it is delivered.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Wilt_named_top_researcher.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Wilt_named_top_researcher.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140325_thumb_wilt.jpg" alt="Timothy J. Wilt, M.D., M.P.H." title="Timothy J. Wilt, M.D., M.P.H." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Wilt_named_top_researcher_1395754966381</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140325_thumb_wilt.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Timothy J. Wilt, M.D., M.P.H.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Timothy J. Wilt, M.D., M.P.H., is the recipient of the 2014 VA Under Secretary&#39;s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Services Research, which looks at the quality of care and how it is delivered. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Dr. Wilt Named Top Researcher</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Timothy J. Wilt, M.D., M.P.H., is the recipient of the 2014 VA Under Secretary&#39;s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Services Research, which looks at the quality of care and how it is delivered. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>&#34;On The Beat&#34; - March 2014</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_March_2014.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2014 11:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features opening our new Veterans Parking Ramp, Minneapolis VA Chronic Pain Program and Albert Lee Clinic Opening. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_March_2014.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_March_2014.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140320_thumb_onthebeatMAR.jpg" alt="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - March 2014" title="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - March 2014" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140320_thumb_onthebeatMAR.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - March 2014</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features opening our new Veterans Parking Ramp, Minneapolis VA Chronic Pain Program and Albert Lee Clinic Opening.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - March 2014</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features opening our new Veterans Parking Ramp, Minneapolis VA Chronic Pain Program and Albert Lee Clinic Opening.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Parking Ramp Opens</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Veterans_Parking_Ramp_Opens.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2014 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">VAHCS Minneapolis will open our new parking ramp on March 17, 2014. This ramp will provide 520 parking spots for our Veteran patients in front of the main medical center with four levels of parking. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Veterans_Parking_Ramp_Opens.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Veterans_Parking_Ramp_Opens.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140317_thumb_veteransparkingramp.jpg" alt="Veterans Parking Ramp Opens" title="Veterans Parking Ramp Opens" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140317_thumb_veteransparkingramp.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans Parking Ramp Opens</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VAHCS Minneapolis will open our new parking ramp on March 17, 2014. This ramp will provide 520 parking spots for our Veteran patients in front of the main medical center with four levels of parking.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans Parking Ramp Opens</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VAHCS Minneapolis will open our new parking ramp on March 17, 2014. This ramp will provide 520 parking spots for our Veteran patients in front of the main medical center with four levels of parking.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>No One Can Un-Fire a Firearm</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/gun-safety.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2014 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Simple actions can help individuals and families stay safe. Veterans, Service Members, and their families can make sure guns and ammunition are safely secured in their home, particularly during times of crisis. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/gun-safety.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/gun-safety.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140307_thumb_firearmsafetyvideo.jpg" alt="No One Can Un-Fire a Firearm" title="No One Can Un-Fire a Firearm" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/gun-safety_1394206557593</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140307_thumb_firearmsafetyvideo.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">No One Can Un-Fire a Firearm</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Simple actions can help individuals and families stay safe. Veterans, Service Members, and their families can make sure guns and ammunition are safely secured in their home, particularly during times of crisis.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">No One Can Un-Fire a Firearm</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Simple actions can help individuals and families stay safe. Veterans, Service Members, and their families can make sure guns and ammunition are safely secured in their home, particularly during times of crisis.</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>Volunteer Spotlight</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_ferguson.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2014 10:02:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis Volunteer Spotlight highlights Hellen Ferguson who believes volunteering is empowering because it is fun and you learn a lot from other people. It encourages her to get out and try new things.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_ferguson.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_ferguson.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140228_thumb_ferguson.jpg" alt="Minneapolis Volunteer Spotlight - Hellen Ferguson" title="Minneapolis Volunteer Spotlight - Hellen Ferguson" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/volunteer_spotlight_ferguson_1393605925906</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140228_thumb_ferguson.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis Volunteer Spotlight - Hellen Ferguson</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis Volunteer Spotlight highlights Hellen Ferguson who believes volunteering is empowering because it is fun and you learn a lot from other people. It encourages her to get out and try new things. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteer Spotlight</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis Volunteer Spotlight highlights Hellen Ferguson who believes volunteering is empowering because it is fun and you learn a lot from other people. It encourages her to get out and try new things. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>&#34;On The Beat&#34; - February 2014</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_February_2014.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Feb 2014 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features a pledge to eliminate homelessness, SCI research, and friends &amp; family helping Vets seek PTSD treatment. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_February_2014.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_February_2014.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140225_thumb_OnTheBeat.jpg" alt="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - February 2014" title="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - February 2014" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140225_thumb_OnTheBeat.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - February 2014</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features a pledge to eliminate homelessness, SCI research, and friends &amp; family helping Vets seek PTSD treatment.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - February 2014</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA. This issue features a pledge to eliminate homelessness, SCI research, and friends &amp; family helping Vets seek PTSD treatment.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Changing Behavior Sometimes a Slow Process</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Changing_Behavior.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Feb 2014 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Changing behavior is sometimes a slow process as VA is reaching out to young Veterans who may not know about their healthcare benefits. A story by one VA case worker and his work with young Vets. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Changing_Behavior.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Changing_Behavior.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140211_thumb_change.jpg" alt="a young Veteran sits in a room" title="a young Veteran sits in a room" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Changing_Behavior_1392137783549</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140211_thumb_change.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a young Veteran sits in a room</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Changing behavior is sometimes a slow process as VA is reaching out to young Veterans who may not know about their healthcare benefits. A story by one VA case worker and his work with young Vets.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Changing Behavior: Young Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Changing behavior is sometimes a slow process as VA is reaching out to young Veterans who may not know about their healthcare benefits. A story by one VA case worker and his work with young Vets.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Go Red for Women</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Go-Red.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2014 13:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">On February 7, 2014, VA is asking Veterans and VA staff to wear RED in support of heart health. Join us as the VA Goes Red in the fight against women&#8217;s No. 1 killer &#8211; heart disease. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Go-Red.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Go-Red.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140204_thumb_gored_01.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA employees show support for womens heart health by wearing red" title="Minneapolis VA employees show support for womens heart health by wearing red" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140204_thumb_gored_01.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA employees show support for womens heart health by wearing red</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">On February 7, 2014, VA is asking Veterans and VA staff to wear RED in support of heart health. Join us as the VA Goes Red in the fight against women&#8217;s No. 1 killer &#8211; heart disease.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Go Red for Women</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>On February 7, 2014, VA is asking Veterans and VA staff to wear RED in support of heart health. Join us as the VA Goes Red in the fight against women&#8217;s No. 1 killer &#8211; heart disease.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>&#34;On The Beat&#34; - January 2014</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_January_2014.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jan 2014 07:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features a VA Study that shows Vitamin E slows progression of Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_January_2014.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_January_2014.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140127_thumb_OnTheBeatJ.jpg" alt="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - January 2014" title="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - January 2014" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140127_thumb_OnTheBeatJ.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - January 2014</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features a VA Study that shows Vitamin E slows progression of Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - January 2014</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features a VA Study that shows Vitamin E slows progression of Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Vitamin E Slows Alzheimer&#39;s in VA trial</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Vitamin-E-Slows-Alzheimers-VA-trial.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jan 2014 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant power, helped slow the progression of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease in Veterans with mild to moderate symptoms in a trial reported Jan.1, 2014, in JAMA.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Vitamin-E-Slows-Alzheimers-VA-trial.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Vitamin-E-Slows-Alzheimers-VA-trial.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140102_thumb_vite.jpg" alt="a Veteran looks at a flag case on his mantle " title="a Veteran looks at a flag case on his mantle " /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Vitamin-E-Slows-Alzheimers-VA-trial_1388757417415</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20140102_thumb_vite.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a Veteran looks at a flag case on his mantle </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant power, helped slow the progression of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease in Veterans with mild to moderate symptoms in a trial reported Jan.1, 2014, in JAMA. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Vitamin E Slows Alzheimer&#39;s</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Vitamin E, known for its antioxidant power, helped slow the progression of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease in Veterans with mild to moderate symptoms in a trial reported Jan.1, 2014, in JAMA. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>&#34;On The Beat&#34; - December 2013</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_December_2013.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2013 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features CBOC team helps victim after crash and parking ramp opening in January. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_December_2013.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_December_2013.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131219_thumb_onthebeatDEC.jpg" alt="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - December 2013" title="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - December 2013" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131219_thumb_onthebeatDEC.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - December 2013</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features CBOC team helps victim after crash and parking ramp opening in January.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - December 2013</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features CBOC team helps victim after crash and parking ramp opening in January.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Named Research Center of Innovation</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_COIN.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Dec 2013 08:15:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR) at the Minneapolis VA designated a Center of Innovation (COIN) by VA&#8217;s Office of Research and Development. Only 19 VA medical centers have this designation. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_COIN.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_COIN.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131212_thumb_COIN.jpg" alt="researchers in a lab" title="researchers in a lab" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Minneapolis_VA_COIN_1386858019493</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131212_thumb_COIN.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">researchers in a lab</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR) at the Minneapolis VA designated a Center of Innovation (COIN) by VA&#8217;s Office of Research and Development. Only 19 VA medical centers have this designation.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Research Center of Innovation</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR) at the Minneapolis VA designated a Center of Innovation (COIN) by VA&#8217;s Office of Research and Development. Only 19 VA medical centers have this designation.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Explore Long Term Services, Support&#8212;Just in Case</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Explore_Long_Term_Services.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Dec 2013 14:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Explore your long term care services and supports now, while you don&#39;t need them. Personal proactive planning can provide you peace of mind for yourself and those you care about. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Explore_Long_Term_Services.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Explore_Long_Term_Services.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/Long-Term-Care_180x130.jpg" alt="Elderly man and woman on a couch look at a laptop" title="Elderly man and woman on a couch look at a laptop" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Explore_Long_Term_Services_1386275691708</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/Long-Term-Care_180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Elderly man and woman on a couch look at a laptop</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Explore your long term care services and supports now, while you don&#39;t need them. Personal proactive planning can provide you peace of mind for yourself and those you care about.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Long Term Care Services</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Explore your long term care services and supports now, while you don&#39;t need them. Personal proactive planning can provide you peace of mind for yourself and those you care about.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>&#34;On The Beat&#34; - November 2013</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_November_2013.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2013 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published bimonthly for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features Minn. Vikings Visit and an American Heart Association &#39;Hero&#39;. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_November_2013.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_November_2013.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131122_thumb_onthebeatNov.jpg" alt="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - November 2013" title="&#34;On The Beat&#34; - November 2013" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131122_thumb_onthebeatNov.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - November 2013</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published bimonthly for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features Minn. Vikings Visit and an American Heart Association &#39;Hero&#39;.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34; - November 2013</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published bimonthly for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features Minn. Vikings Visit and an American Heart Association &#39;Hero&#39;.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Announces Two New Clinics in Minnesota</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Announces_Two_New_Clinics_in_Minnesota.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2013 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The VA has announced two new Community Outpatient Clinics will open in Minnesota. The new clinics will be located Shakopee and Albert Lea and are expected to open in mid-2014. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Announces_Two_New_Clinics_in_Minnesota.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Announces_Two_New_Clinics_in_Minnesota.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131119_thumb_newclinics.jpg" alt="graphic of stethoscope" title="graphic of stethoscope" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131119_thumb_newclinics.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">graphic of stethoscope</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA has announced two new Community Outpatient Clinics will open in Minnesota. The new clinics will be located Shakopee and Albert Lea and are expected to open in mid-2014.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Two New VA Clinics in Minn.</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA has announced two new Community Outpatient Clinics will open in Minnesota. The new clinics will be located Shakopee and Albert Lea and are expected to open in mid-2014.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minnesota Vikings jersey swap benefits Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minnesota_Vikings_jersey_swap_benefits_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Nov 2013 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minnesota Vikings rookie punter Jeff Locke started out this season wearing #12. He agreed to sell that number to quarterback Josh Freeman for an asking price of $10,000 made payable to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minnesota_Vikings_jersey_swap_benefits_Veterans.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minnesota_Vikings_jersey_swap_benefits_Veterans.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131112_thumb_mnvikingsvisit.jpg" alt="Minnesota Vikings players visit with a Veteran in a hospital bed at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center" title="Minnesota Vikings players visit with a Veteran in a hospital bed at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Minnesota_Vikings_jersey_swap_benefits_Veterans_1384373909581</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131112_thumb_mnvikingsvisit.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minnesota Vikings players visit with a Veteran in a hospital bed at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minnesota Vikings rookie punter Jeff Locke started out this season wearing #12. He agreed to sell that number to quarterback Josh Freeman for an asking price of $10,000 made payable to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Vikings Jersey Swap for Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minnesota Vikings rookie punter Jeff Locke started out this season wearing #12. He agreed to sell that number to quarterback Josh Freeman for an asking price of $10,000 made payable to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Named &#8216;Top Performer&#8217;</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_Named_Top_Performer.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Nov 2013 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Last week, the Joint Commission issued its Annual Report on Quality and Safety for 2013, and 16 Minnesota hospitals &#8211; including the Minneapolis VA Health Care system - were named Top Performers on Key Quality Measures.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_Named_Top_Performer.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_Named_Top_Performer.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131105_thumb_jointcommission.jpg" alt="The Joint Commission - Top Performers on Key Quality Measures" title="The Joint Commission - Top Performers on Key Quality Measures" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Minneapolis_VA_Named_Top_Performer_1383668021410</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131105_thumb_jointcommission.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">The Joint Commission - Top Performers on Key Quality Measures</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Last week, the Joint Commission issued its Annual Report on Quality and Safety for 2013, and 16 Minnesota hospitals &#8211; including the Minneapolis VA Health Care system - were named Top Performers on Key Quality Measures. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Mpls VA named &#8216;Top Performer&#8217;</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Last week, the Joint Commission issued its Annual Report on Quality and Safety for 2013, and 16 Minnesota hospitals &#8211; including the Minneapolis VA Health Care system - were named Top Performers on Key Quality Measures. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Location For Chippewa Falls, WI, VA Clinic</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/New-Location-Chippewa-Falls-VA-Clinic.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Oct 2013 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System&#8217;s Chippewa Falls, WI, Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) will be expanding into a new location in 2014. The new clinic will be more than twice the size of the current CBOC. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/New-Location-Chippewa-Falls-VA-Clinic.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/New-Location-Chippewa-Falls-VA-Clinic.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131017_thumb_NorthRidge.jpg" alt="NorthRidge Center, Chippewa Falls, WI" title="NorthRidge Center, Chippewa Falls, WI" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/New-Location-Chippewa-Falls-VA-Clinic_1382108003433</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20131017_thumb_NorthRidge.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">NorthRidge Center, Chippewa Falls, WI</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System&#8217;s Chippewa Falls, WI, Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) will be expanding into a new location in 2014. The new clinic will be more than twice the size of the current CBOC.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Chippewa Falls VA Clinic</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System&#8217;s Chippewa Falls, WI, Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) will be expanding into a new location in 2014. The new clinic will be more than twice the size of the current CBOC.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>&#34;On The Beat&#34; - Sep/Oct</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_Sep_Oct.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Oct 2013 13:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published bimonthly for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features Staff Newsmakers.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_Sep_Oct.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On_The_Beat_Sep_Oct.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_20131016_OnTheBeat_SepOct.jpg" alt="On The Beat - Sep/Oct" title="On The Beat - Sep/Oct" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/On_The_Beat_Sep_Oct_1381948439354</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_20131016_OnTheBeat_SepOct.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat - Sep/Oct</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published bimonthly for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features Staff Newsmakers. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#34;On The Beat&#34;</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published bimonthly for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features Staff Newsmakers. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Standardizes &#34;Phone Tree&#34;</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Standardizes_Phone_Tree.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 24 Sep 2013 13:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The &#34;Standardized Telephone Tree&#34; project is being implemented on September 30, 2013. Whenever a Veteran calls a VA medical center anywhere across the country, he/she will receive the same recorded messages. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Standardizes_Phone_Tree.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Standardizes_Phone_Tree.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20130924_thumb_phonetree.jpg" alt="a Veteran talks on his cell phone" title="a Veteran talks on his cell phone" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Standardizes_Phone_Tree_1380046262140</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20130924_thumb_phonetree.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a Veteran talks on his cell phone</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The &#34;Standardized Telephone Tree&#34; project is being implemented on September 30, 2013. Whenever a Veteran calls a VA medical center anywhere across the country, he/she will receive the same recorded messages.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Standardizes &#34;Phone Tree&#34;</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The &#34;Standardized Telephone Tree&#34; project is being implemented on September 30, 2013. Whenever a Veteran calls a VA medical center anywhere across the country, he/she will receive the same recorded messages.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>It Matters: Suicide Prevention Month</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/It_Matters_Suicide_Prevention_Month.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Sep 2013 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">This September, Suicide Prevention Month encourages Veterans and their loved ones to focus on the things that give life meaning&#8212;the things that matter. Anyone who knows a Veteran can help.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/It_Matters_Suicide_Prevention_Month.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/It_Matters_Suicide_Prevention_Month.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/vcl-spm-web-banner-180x130-3.jpg" alt="September is Suicide Prevention Month" title="September is Suicide Prevention Month" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/It_Matters_Suicide_Prevention_Month_1378393715084</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/vcl-spm-web-banner-180x130-3.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">September is Suicide Prevention Month</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">This September, Suicide Prevention Month encourages Veterans and their loved ones to focus on the things that give life meaning&#8212;the things that matter. Anyone who knows a Veteran can help.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">It Matters: Suicide Prevention</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>This September, Suicide Prevention Month encourages Veterans and their loved ones to focus on the things that give life meaning&#8212;the things that matter. Anyone who knows a Veteran can help.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>&#34;On The Beat&#34;</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On-The-Beat_JulyAug2013.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2013 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published bimonthly for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features 3 Clinic Dedications. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On-The-Beat_JulyAug2013.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/On-The-Beat_JulyAug2013.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_20130829_onthebeat.jpg" alt="On The Beat - July/Aug" title="On The Beat - July/Aug" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/On-The-Beat_JulyAug2013_1377794966220</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_20130829_onthebeat.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">On The Beat - July/Aug</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published bimonthly for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features 3 Clinic Dedications.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">On The Beat - July/Aug</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;On the Beat&#34; is published bimonthly for Veterans, patients, employees, volunteers and friends of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This issue features 3 Clinic Dedications.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA5K Family Fun Run, Walk &amp; Roll</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA5K.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Aug 2013 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA Health Care System will once again host the VA5K Family &#34;Fun Run, Walk &amp; Roll&#34; Sept. 14, 2013.  You are invited to participate in this exciting 5K course at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA5K.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA5K.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_20130812_VA5K.jpg" alt="VA5K - Run/Walk/Roll" title="VA5K - Run/Walk/Roll" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA5K_1376320599042</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_20130812_VA5K.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA5K - Run/Walk/Roll</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA Health Care System will once again host the VA5K Family &#34;Fun Run, Walk &amp; Roll&#34; Sept. 14, 2013.  You are invited to participate in this exciting 5K course at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA5K - Run/Walk/Roll</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA Health Care System will once again host the VA5K Family &#34;Fun Run, Walk &amp; Roll&#34; Sept. 14, 2013.  You are invited to participate in this exciting 5K course at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Volunteer Spotlight</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_ramona.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Ramona Mutters used to help make people comfortable in the skies as a flight attendant but now uses her acquired skills to help Veteran patients feel more comfortable in the Hematology/Oncology Procedure Clinic.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_ramona.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_ramona.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20130729_thumb_ramona.jpg" alt="Ramona Mutters" title="Ramona Mutters" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/volunteer_spotlight_ramona_1375280830423</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20130729_thumb_ramona.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Ramona Mutters</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Ramona Mutters used to help make people comfortable in the skies as a flight attendant but now uses her acquired skills to help Veteran patients feel more comfortable in the Hematology/Oncology Procedure Clinic. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteer Spotlight</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Ramona Mutters used to help make people comfortable in the skies as a flight attendant but now uses her acquired skills to help Veteran patients feel more comfortable in the Hematology/Oncology Procedure Clinic. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veteran Stand Down</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Veteran_Stand_Down.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jul 2013 13:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is hosting the Metro Veterans Stand Down event August 6-7 this year. The original Stand Down for homeless Veterans was modeled after a concept used during the Vietnam War. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Veteran_Stand_Down.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Veteran_Stand_Down.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20130724_thumb_standdown.jpg" alt="a MACV volunteer assists a Veteran during a Stand Down event" title="a MACV volunteer assists a Veteran during a Stand Down event" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Veteran_Stand_Down_1374688634638</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20130724_thumb_standdown.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a MACV volunteer assists a Veteran during a Stand Down event</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is hosting the Metro Veterans Stand Down event August 6-7 this year. The original Stand Down for homeless Veterans was modeled after a concept used during the Vietnam War.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veteran Stand Down</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is hosting the Metro Veterans Stand Down event August 6-7 this year. The original Stand Down for homeless Veterans was modeled after a concept used during the Vietnam War.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA to Dedicate Clinics in Hibbing and Ely</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Hibbing-Ely-CBOC-Dedications.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jul 2013 14:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">VA to Dedicate Clinics in Hibbing and Ely with Dedication Ceremonies and Open Houses this July 26th. The clinics will offer primary care, mental health counseling the telehealth. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Hibbing-Ely-CBOC-Dedications.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Hibbing-Ely-CBOC-Dedications.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_20130715_hibbingcboc.jpg" alt="Hibbing VA Outpatient Clinic" title="Hibbing VA Outpatient Clinic" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Hibbing-Ely-CBOC-Dedications_1373916530273</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_20130715_hibbingcboc.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Hibbing VA Outpatient Clinic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA to Dedicate Clinics in Hibbing and Ely with Dedication Ceremonies and Open Houses this July 26th. The clinics will offer primary care, mental health counseling the telehealth.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Hibbing &amp; Ely VA Clinics Open</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA to Dedicate Clinics in Hibbing and Ely with Dedication Ceremonies and Open Houses this July 26th. The clinics will offer primary care, mental health counseling the telehealth.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA and U of M to Educate More Nurses</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis-VA-and-University-of-Minnesota-Educate-Nurses.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jul 2013 10:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">A $5.3 million grant enables the VA and the University of Minnesota to partner on preparing bachelor&#39;s degree nurses for the workforce who can provide high quality, coordinated care to America&#39;s Veterans.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis-VA-and-University-of-Minnesota-Educate-Nurses.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis-VA-and-University-of-Minnesota-Educate-Nurses.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_20130712_nursesgrant.jpg" alt="a VA nurse" title="a VA nurse" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Minneapolis-VA-and-University-of-Minnesota-Educate-Nurses_1373644261911</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_20130712_nursesgrant.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a VA nurse</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A $5.3 million grant enables the VA and the University of Minnesota to partner on preparing bachelor&#39;s degree nurses for the workforce who can provide high quality, coordinated care to America&#39;s Veterans. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Educating More Nurses</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A $5.3 million grant enables the VA and the University of Minnesota to partner on preparing bachelor&#39;s degree nurses for the workforce who can provide high quality, coordinated care to America&#39;s Veterans. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Highlighted in Healthcare Equality</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis-VA-Highlighted-in-Healthcare-Equality.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jul 2013 11:10:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has been recognized as a &#34;Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality&#34; in the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis-VA-Highlighted-in-Healthcare-Equality.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis-VA-Highlighted-in-Healthcare-Equality.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_lgbt_20130711.jpg" alt="We Serve All Who Served" title="We Serve All Who Served" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Minneapolis-VA-Highlighted-in-Healthcare-Equality_1373559605163</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_lgbt_20130711.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">We Serve All Who Served</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has been recognized as a &#34;Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality&#34; in the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Leader in Healthcare Equality</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has been recognized as a &#34;Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality&#34; in the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Twin Ports VA Clinic Re-Opening Celebration</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/TwinPorts_ReOpening_Celebration.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2013 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Veterans and public invited to attend open house and tour of the VA Twin Ports Outpatient Clinic in Superior, WI, on July 12, 2013. The program begins at 11 a.m. and will include presentations by VA and Essentia Health. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/TwinPorts_ReOpening_Celebration.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/TwinPorts_ReOpening_Celebration.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_TwinPortsVAClinic.jpg" alt="Twin Ports VA Clinic in Superior, Wis." title="Twin Ports VA Clinic in Superior, Wis." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/TwinPorts_ReOpening_Celebration_1372783385444</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/thumb_TwinPortsVAClinic.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Twin Ports VA Clinic in Superior, Wis.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans and public invited to attend open house and tour of the VA Twin Ports Outpatient Clinic in Superior, WI, on July 12, 2013. The program begins at 11 a.m. and will include presentations by VA and Essentia Health.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Twin Ports VA Clinic ReOpening</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans and public invited to attend open house and tour of the VA Twin Ports Outpatient Clinic in Superior, WI, on July 12, 2013. The program begins at 11 a.m. and will include presentations by VA and Essentia Health.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Website Redesign</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/redesign.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">We know that you consider this website our front door. And we want you to feel welcome. Our new look is designed to help you easily and quickly access information with intuitive and easy-to-use navigation.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/redesign.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/redesign.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20130603_VAMCredesign_180x130.jpg" alt="the new look of our website" title="the new look of our website" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/redesign_1371655178846</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20130603_VAMCredesign_180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">the new look of our website</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">We know that you consider this website our front door. And we want you to feel welcome. Our new look is designed to help you easily and quickly access information with intuitive and easy-to-use navigation. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Website Redesign</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>We know that you consider this website our front door. And we want you to feel welcome. Our new look is designed to help you easily and quickly access information with intuitive and easy-to-use navigation. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>E-Donate Is Simple, Speedy, Safe </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/e_donate.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The new E-Donate service allows community members who wish to give back to Veterans a quick, safe way to pledge their support online. You choose the medical center, the amount, and the account. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/e_donate.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/e_donate.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20130617_Edonate_thumb.jpg" alt="E-donate hand and heart illustration" title="E-donate hand and heart illustration" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/e_donate_1371654808290</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/features/20130617_Edonate_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">E-donate hand and heart illustration</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The new E-Donate service allows community members who wish to give back to Veterans a quick, safe way to pledge their support online. You choose the medical center, the amount, and the account.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Make A Difference: E-Donate</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The new E-Donate service allows community members who wish to give back to Veterans a quick, safe way to pledge their support online. You choose the medical center, the amount, and the account.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Cancer Survivors Day at the Minneapolis VA</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/CancerSurvivorDay2013.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2013 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Our Festival for Life is a celebration intended for our Veterans impacted by Cancer.  We welcome survivors and caregivers to come together on June 6, 2013.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/CancerSurvivorDay2013.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/CancerSurvivorDay2013.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130506_cancersurvivorday2013.jpg" alt="National Cancer Survivors Day logo" title="National Cancer Survivors Day logo" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/CancerSurvivorDay2013_1367853296119</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130506_cancersurvivorday2013.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">National Cancer Survivors Day logo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Our Festival for Life is a celebration intended for our Veterans impacted by Cancer.  We welcome survivors and caregivers to come together on June 6, 2013.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Cancer Survivors Day at the VA</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Our Festival for Life is a celebration intended for our Veterans impacted by Cancer.  We welcome survivors and caregivers to come together on June 6, 2013.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Clinic Remains in Hibbing; New Clinic to Open in Ely</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/hibbingCBOC20130322.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The VA has announced the operation of a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Hibbing, MN, and an outreach clinic in Ely, MN. The new clinics are expected to open in summer 2013. There will be no interruption of services to Veterans.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/hibbingCBOC20130322.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/hibbingCBOC20130322.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130322_hibbingcboc.jpg" alt="Hibbing VA Outpatient Clinic located in the Iron Gate Plaza" title="Hibbing VA Outpatient Clinic located in the Iron Gate Plaza" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/hibbingCBOC20130322_1363957922504</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130322_hibbingcboc.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Hibbing VA Outpatient Clinic located in the Iron Gate Plaza</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA has announced the operation of a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Hibbing, MN, and an outreach clinic in Ely, MN. The new clinics are expected to open in summer 2013. There will be no interruption of services to Veterans. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Northern Minn. VA Clinics </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA has announced the operation of a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Hibbing, MN, and an outreach clinic in Ely, MN. The new clinics are expected to open in summer 2013. There will be no interruption of services to Veterans. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Maplewood VA Outpatient Clinic Moves to New Location</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Maplewood_New_Location.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The new Maplewood VA clinic location, 1725 Legacy Parkway Suite 100, will open on March 4, 2013.  The new clinic will provide a larger space to serve Veterans. An open house and dedication event is scheduled at the new clinic on Friday, March 15, 2013. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Maplewood_New_Location.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Maplewood_New_Location.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130225_maplewood.jpg" alt="Maplewood VA Outpatient Clinic " title="Maplewood VA Outpatient Clinic " /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Maplewood_New_Location_1361821622233</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130225_maplewood.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Maplewood VA Outpatient Clinic </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The new Maplewood VA clinic location, 1725 Legacy Parkway Suite 100, will open on March 4, 2013.  The new clinic will provide a larger space to serve Veterans. An open house and dedication event is scheduled at the new clinic on Friday, March 15, 2013.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Maplewood VA Clinic Moving</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The new Maplewood VA clinic location, 1725 Legacy Parkway Suite 100, will open on March 4, 2013.  The new clinic will provide a larger space to serve Veterans. An open house and dedication event is scheduled at the new clinic on Friday, March 15, 2013.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Be involved in your HEALTH CARE</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/veterans_health_at_home.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">This Self Care, online reference provides up-to-date information on over 300 Self Care topics. It instantly turns your computer into a health information center. Learn when and how to treat yourself at home and when it is time to seek medical attention.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/veterans_health_at_home.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/veterans_health_at_home.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_healthathome_180x130.jpg" alt="Veterans Health at Home &#8211; online resource guide" title="Veterans Health at Home &#8211; online resource guide" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/veterans_health_at_home_1361382778617</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_healthathome_180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans Health at Home &#8211; online resource guide</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">This Self Care, online reference provides up-to-date information on over 300 Self Care topics. It instantly turns your computer into a health information center. Learn when and how to treat yourself at home and when it is time to seek medical attention. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans Health at Home Guide</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>This Self Care, online reference provides up-to-date information on over 300 Self Care topics. It instantly turns your computer into a health information center. Learn when and how to treat yourself at home and when it is time to seek medical attention. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Awards Grants to Minneapolis VA for Women Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20130128_womenhealthgrant.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Feb 2013 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">VA Awards Grants totaling $217,000 to Minneapolis VA to Improve Health Care Access for Women Veterans. By 2020, VA estimates women Veterans will constitute 10 percent of the Veteran population. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20130128_womenhealthgrant.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/20130128_womenhealthgrant.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130128_womenhealthgrant.jpg" alt="Dr. Erin Krebs, medical director, Minneapolis VA Women&#8217;s Clinic" title="Dr. Erin Krebs, medical director, Minneapolis VA Women&#8217;s Clinic" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20130128_womenhealthgrant_1359385164462</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130128_womenhealthgrant.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Erin Krebs, medical director, Minneapolis VA Women&#8217;s Clinic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Awards Grants totaling $217,000 to Minneapolis VA to Improve Health Care Access for Women Veterans. By 2020, VA estimates women Veterans will constitute 10 percent of the Veteran population.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Awards Grant for Women Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Awards Grants totaling $217,000 to Minneapolis VA to Improve Health Care Access for Women Veterans. By 2020, VA estimates women Veterans will constitute 10 percent of the Veteran population.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Workshop Series to Meet Student Veterans Needs </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VITAL_Workshop_Series.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Veterans Workshop Series to meet student Veterans&#39; needs at Anoka Ramsey Community College to help student Veterans succeed in their academic pursuits, including Veterans benefits, career planning, and study skills.  February 13, March 20, and April 17. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VITAL_Workshop_Series.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VITAL_Workshop_Series.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130208_vital.jpg" alt="Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership" title="Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VITAL_Workshop_Series_1360339462418</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130208_vital.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans Workshop Series to meet student Veterans&#39; needs at Anoka Ramsey Community College to help student Veterans succeed in their academic pursuits, including Veterans benefits, career planning, and study skills.  February 13, March 20, and April 17.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Student Veterans Workshops</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans Workshop Series to meet student Veterans&#39; needs at Anoka Ramsey Community College to help student Veterans succeed in their academic pursuits, including Veterans benefits, career planning, and study skills.  February 13, March 20, and April 17.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis Volunteer Spotlight</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_duschik.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:48:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">A Marine Corps Veteran himself, William Duschik has faithfully volunteered at least 5 hours every week in Occupational Health since 2008. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_duschik.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_duschik.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130125_duschik.jpg" alt="Volunteer Spotlight, William Duschik" title="Volunteer Spotlight, William Duschik" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/volunteer_spotlight_duschik_1359139731436</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130125_duschik.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Volunteer Spotlight, William Duschik</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A Marine Corps Veteran himself, William Duschik has faithfully volunteered at least 5 hours every week in Occupational Health since 2008.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteer Spotlight</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A Marine Corps Veteran himself, William Duschik has faithfully volunteered at least 5 hours every week in Occupational Health since 2008.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Do you have questions about this year&#39;s flu season?</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MPLS_facebook_flu_talk.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Do you have questions about this year&#39;s flu season?
Minneapolis VA hosted an online discussion with Dr. Joseph Thurn, Minneapolis VA infectious disease physician, who answered questions about getting the influenza shot and this year&#39;s flu season. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MPLS_facebook_flu_talk.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MPLS_facebook_flu_talk.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130115_MPLSfacebook_flu_talk.jpg" alt="a woman receives her flu shot" title="a woman receives her flu shot" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/MPLS_facebook_flu_talk_1358285463086</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20130115_MPLSfacebook_flu_talk.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">a woman receives her flu shot</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Do you have questions about this year&#39;s flu season?
Minneapolis VA hosted an online discussion with Dr. Joseph Thurn, Minneapolis VA infectious disease physician, who answered questions about getting the influenza shot and this year&#39;s flu season.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Questions About the Flu?</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Do you have questions about this year&#39;s flu season?
Minneapolis VA hosted an online discussion with Dr. Joseph Thurn, Minneapolis VA infectious disease physician, who answered questions about getting the influenza shot and this year&#39;s flu season.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA Enrolls 4,600 in Historic Study</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MVP_milestone_Dec2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has contributed the second largest cohort of participants in the VA&#8217;s largest research study in history. Last month, MVP hit the 100,000 milestone, with 4617 patients entered at the Minneapolis VA. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MVP_milestone_Dec2012.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MVP_milestone_Dec2012.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/elements/research/MVP.jpg" alt="Million Veteran Program" title="Million Veteran Program" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/MVP_milestone_Dec2012_1354809395957</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/images/elements/research/MVP.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Million Veteran Program</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has contributed the second largest cohort of participants in the VA&#8217;s largest research study in history. Last month, MVP hit the 100,000 milestone, with 4617 patients entered at the Minneapolis VA.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Million Veteran Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System has contributed the second largest cohort of participants in the VA&#8217;s largest research study in history. Last month, MVP hit the 100,000 milestone, with 4617 patients entered at the Minneapolis VA.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Get Tested for HIV at Least Once in Your Lifetime</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_World_AIDS_Day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">VA recommends that every Veteran be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Currently, more than 25,000 Veterans with HIV are receiving care at VA. An HIV test is the only way to be certain about your HIV status. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_World_AIDS_Day.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_World_AIDS_Day.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20121129_VA_WorldAIDSDay.jpg" alt="Get Checked. Say yes to the test. World AIDS Day December 1" title="Get Checked. Say yes to the test. World AIDS Day December 1" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_World_AIDS_Day_1354203914435</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20121129_VA_WorldAIDSDay.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Get Checked. Say yes to the test. World AIDS Day December 1</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA recommends that every Veteran be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Currently, more than 25,000 Veterans with HIV are receiving care at VA. An HIV test is the only way to be certain about your HIV status.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Why Get the Test?</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA recommends that every Veteran be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Currently, more than 25,000 Veterans with HIV are receiving care at VA. An HIV test is the only way to be certain about your HIV status.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Southern Minnesota VA Clinic Gets Go-Ahead</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Southern_Minn_VA_Clinic.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:20:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Planning for a new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in southern Minnesota is underway. The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) has received approval from its regional administrative office, Veterans Integrated Service Network 23, to open a new CBOC somewhere in the southeast Minnesota border area, tentatively in late 2013 or early 2014.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Southern_Minn_VA_Clinic.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Southern_Minn_VA_Clinic.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/martin110917_thumb.jpg" alt="veteran and nurse" title="veteran and nurse" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Southern_Minn_VA_Clinic_1353097998879</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/martin110917_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">veteran and nurse</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Planning for a new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in southern Minnesota is underway. The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) has received approval from its regional administrative office, Veterans Integrated Service Network 23, to open a new CBOC somewhere in the southeast Minnesota border area, tentatively in late 2013 or early 2014.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Southern Minn. VA Clinic A Go!</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Planning for a new U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in southern Minnesota is underway. The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (VAHCS) has received approval from its regional administrative office, Veterans Integrated Service Network 23, to open a new CBOC somewhere in the southeast Minnesota border area, tentatively in late 2013 or early 2014.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>ORs Optimizing Workflow and Efficiency</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/OR_renovations.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">If you understand the DIY Network reference (like &#34;Bath Crashers&#34;), you know that with renovation, comes some serious new technologies. Such is happening in the ORs at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/OR_renovations.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/OR_renovations.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20121026_OR.jpg" alt="VA employees show off new technology that is updating the operating rooms at the Minneapolis VA" title="VA employees show off new technology that is updating the operating rooms at the Minneapolis VA" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/OR_renovations_1351276554860</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20121026_OR.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA employees show off new technology that is updating the operating rooms at the Minneapolis VA</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">If you understand the DIY Network reference (like &#34;Bath Crashers&#34;), you know that with renovation, comes some serious new technologies. Such is happening in the ORs at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Operating Room Crashers</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>If you understand the DIY Network reference (like &#34;Bath Crashers&#34;), you know that with renovation, comes some serious new technologies. Such is happening in the ORs at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Offers a New Tool to Help Veterans Prevent Diabetes </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/DPP.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Oct 2012 10:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Diabetes Prevention Program will provide Veterans with another tool to help them lead healthier, fuller lives, reducing their risk for diabetes. Approximately 24 percent of Veterans have Type 2 diabetes. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/DPP.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/DPP.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20121009_dpp.jpg" alt="an employee and a veteran " title="an employee and a veteran " /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/DPP_1349797914100</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20121009_dpp.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">an employee and a veteran </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Diabetes Prevention Program will provide Veterans with another tool to help them lead healthier, fuller lives, reducing their risk for diabetes. Approximately 24 percent of Veterans have Type 2 diabetes.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Diabetes Prevention Program </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Diabetes Prevention Program will provide Veterans with another tool to help them lead healthier, fuller lives, reducing their risk for diabetes. Approximately 24 percent of Veterans have Type 2 diabetes.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis Volunteer Spotlight</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_irene.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">On any given Thursday you will find this &#34;Pink Lady&#34;, Irene Flannigan, cheerfully visiting patients in the Community Living Center. At 92 years young, Irene faithfully volunteers every week no matter what the weather conditions bring.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_irene.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_irene.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120918_irene.jpg" alt="Volunteer Spotlight" title="Volunteer Spotlight" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/volunteer_spotlight_irene_1348147958451</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120918_irene.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Volunteer Spotlight</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">On any given Thursday you will find this &#34;Pink Lady&#34;, Irene Flannigan, cheerfully visiting patients in the Community Living Center. At 92 years young, Irene faithfully volunteers every week no matter what the weather conditions bring. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteer Spotlight</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>On any given Thursday you will find this &#34;Pink Lady&#34;, Irene Flannigan, cheerfully visiting patients in the Community Living Center. At 92 years young, Irene faithfully volunteers every week no matter what the weather conditions bring. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Changes for My HealtheVet</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Changes_My_HealtheVet.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2012 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">One of the changes to My HealtheVet gives Veterans the opportunity to Opt-In to Secure Messaging at the same time they accept the website&#8217;s terms and conditions of use. Current users are asked to read new terms and conditions for the website.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Changes_My_HealtheVet.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Changes_My_HealtheVet.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/mhvlogo180-082712.gif" alt="My HealtheVet logo" title="My HealtheVet logo" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Changes_My_HealtheVet_1349099858744</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/mhvlogo180-082712.gif</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">My HealtheVet logo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">One of the changes to My HealtheVet gives Veterans the opportunity to Opt-In to Secure Messaging at the same time they accept the website&#8217;s terms and conditions of use. Current users are asked to read new terms and conditions for the website. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Changes for My HealtheVet</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>One of the changes to My HealtheVet gives Veterans the opportunity to Opt-In to Secure Messaging at the same time they accept the website&#8217;s terms and conditions of use. Current users are asked to read new terms and conditions for the website. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis VA opens Community Resource and Referral Center</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_CRRC.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 13:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Minneapolis VA opens Community Resource and Referral Center in downtown Minneapolis to battle Veteran homelessness.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_CRRC.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_CRRC.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120917_CRRCopening.jpg" alt="grand opening ribbon cutting at the new Community Resource and Referral Center in downtown Minneapolis" title="grand opening ribbon cutting at the new Community Resource and Referral Center in downtown Minneapolis" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Minneapolis_VA_CRRC_1347997413343</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120917_CRRCopening.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">grand opening ribbon cutting at the new Community Resource and Referral Center in downtown Minneapolis</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Minneapolis VA opens Community Resource and Referral Center in downtown Minneapolis to battle Veteran homelessness. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Community Center opens</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Minneapolis VA opens Community Resource and Referral Center in downtown Minneapolis to battle Veteran homelessness. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Starting a Business Seminar</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/business_seminar.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Aug 2012 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System in partnership with Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE)  will host a one-day seminar &#8221;Starting Your Own Business&#8221; for veterans and military service members on October 20. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/business_seminar.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/business_seminar.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/Small-business.gif" alt="Small business graphic" title="Small business graphic" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/business_seminar_1346783348023</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/Small-business.gif</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Small business graphic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Minneapolis VA Health Care System in partnership with Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE)  will host a one-day seminar &#8221;Starting Your Own Business&#8221; for veterans and military service members on October 20.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Start It On Your Own</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Minneapolis VA Health Care System in partnership with Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE)  will host a one-day seminar &#8221;Starting Your Own Business&#8221; for veterans and military service members on October 20.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Nurse Nominated in Top 20 for Outstanding Nurses Awards</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Top_20_Outstanding_Nurses.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:45:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Diane MacLennan RN, a nurse case manager from the Minneapolis VA TBI/Polytrauma program, was selected as one of the Top 20 winners in the 2012 inaugural Outstanding Nurses Awards through Mpls. St.Paul Magazine. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Top_20_Outstanding_Nurses.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Top_20_Outstanding_Nurses.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120725_maclennan.jpg" alt="VA nurse, Diane MacLennan, talks with a Veteran patient" title="VA nurse, Diane MacLennan, talks with a Veteran patient" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Top_20_Outstanding_Nurses_1343242058624</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120725_maclennan.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA nurse, Diane MacLennan, talks with a Veteran patient</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Diane MacLennan RN, a nurse case manager from the Minneapolis VA TBI/Polytrauma program, was selected as one of the Top 20 winners in the 2012 inaugural Outstanding Nurses Awards through Mpls. St.Paul Magazine.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Outstanding Nurses Awards</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Diane MacLennan RN, a nurse case manager from the Minneapolis VA TBI/Polytrauma program, was selected as one of the Top 20 winners in the 2012 inaugural Outstanding Nurses Awards through Mpls. St.Paul Magazine.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minneapolis Volunteer Spotlight</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_deree.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jul 2012 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Maggie has been volunteering at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for over 11 years and has donated over 14,700 hours.  That is equal to 7 years of full time employment! <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_deree.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_deree.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120716_maggie.jpg" alt="Minneapolis VA volunteer Maggie Deree" title="Minneapolis VA volunteer Maggie Deree" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/volunteer_spotlight_deree_1342454801738</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120716_maggie.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Minneapolis VA volunteer Maggie Deree</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Maggie has been volunteering at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for over 11 years and has donated over 14,700 hours.  That is equal to 7 years of full time employment!</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteer Spotlight</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Maggie has been volunteering at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for over 11 years and has donated over 14,700 hours.  That is equal to 7 years of full time employment!</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>What does &#34;Saying YES to the Test&#34; really mean? </title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Saying_YES_to_the_Test.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">I also had the opportunity to work closely with some of the friendly staff from the Minneapolis Retroviral Treatment Center. I was able to learn more about the importance of &#34;The Test&#34;. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Saying_YES_to_the_Test.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Saying_YES_to_the_Test.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120629_GetChecked.jpg" alt="Get Checked. Say &#34;Yes&#34; to the test." title="Get Checked. Say &#34;Yes&#34; to the test." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Saying_YES_to_the_Test_1340982090215</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120629_GetChecked.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Get Checked. Say &#34;Yes&#34; to the test.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">I also had the opportunity to work closely with some of the friendly staff from the Minneapolis Retroviral Treatment Center. I was able to learn more about the importance of &#34;The Test&#34;.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Why say &#34;Yes&#34; to the Test?</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>I also had the opportunity to work closely with some of the friendly staff from the Minneapolis Retroviral Treatment Center. I was able to learn more about the importance of &#34;The Test&#34;.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Coaching Into Care</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Coaching_Into_Care.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Coaching Into Care is a valuable service for family members and friends of Veterans who might be reluctant to seek mental health care. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Coaching_Into_Care.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Coaching_Into_Care.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120627_coaching.jpg" alt="Coaching Into Care" title="Coaching Into Care" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Coaching_Into_Care_1340823116962</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120627_coaching.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Coaching Into Care</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Coaching Into Care is a valuable service for family members and friends of Veterans who might be reluctant to seek mental health care.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Coaching Into Care</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Coaching Into Care is a valuable service for family members and friends of Veterans who might be reluctant to seek mental health care.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New help desk service available for My HealtheVet</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/new_help_desk_MyHealtheVet.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Veterans can now call 1-877-327-0022 (toll free) to get help resolving any problems they are having with their My HealtheVet (www.myhealth.va.gov) account or if they simply have questions about VA&#8217;s health care portal. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/new_help_desk_MyHealtheVet.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/new_help_desk_MyHealtheVet.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120601_mhv.jpg" alt="woman using MyHealtheVet website" title="woman using MyHealtheVet website" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/new_help_desk_MyHealtheVet_1338563052451</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120601_mhv.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">woman using MyHealtheVet website</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans can now call 1-877-327-0022 (toll free) to get help resolving any problems they are having with their My HealtheVet (www.myhealth.va.gov) account or if they simply have questions about VA&#8217;s health care portal.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Help Desk for MyHealtheVet</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans can now call 1-877-327-0022 (toll free) to get help resolving any problems they are having with their My HealtheVet (www.myhealth.va.gov) account or if they simply have questions about VA&#8217;s health care portal.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_liepa.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/volunteer_spotlight_liepa.asp"><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" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/volunteer_spotlight_liepa_1337019690811</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20120514_liepa.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<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>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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/TwinPortsRenovation.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/TwinPortsRenovation.asp"><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." /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/TwinPortsRenovation_1336400086198</guid> 
			<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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Eurasian_Health_Care_Leaders_Visit_Minneapolis_VA.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Eurasian_Health_Care_Leaders_Visit_Minneapolis_VA.asp"><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" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Eurasian_Health_Care_Leaders_Visit_Minneapolis_VA_1336668379810</guid> 
			<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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/NationalLabWeek2012.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/NationalLabWeek2012.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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>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: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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Sexual_Assault_Awareness_Month.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Sexual_Assault_Awareness_Month.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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. </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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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! <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/secure_messaging_primarycare.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/secure_messaging_primarycare.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Excellence_Video2012.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Excellence_Video2012.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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.</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 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Veterans with an upgraded My HealtheVet can now gain access to key portions of their Department of Defense (DoD) Military Service Information (MSI). <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MSI_MyHealtheVet.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MSI_MyHealtheVet.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.

 <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/5steps.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/5steps.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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>VA Hosts Public Meeting on Plans to Develop Fort Snelling</title> 
			<link>http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Public_Meeting_Fort_Snelling.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">More than 50 people attended Jan. 23 public meeting at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center to learn about plans to renovate five historic buildings for housing for 58 homeless veterans and their families, mothball one historic building, and demolish another, all on the Upper Post of Fort Snelling. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Public_Meeting_Fort_Snelling.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Public_Meeting_Fort_Snelling.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20111116_snelling.jpg" alt="concept drawing of renovated housing at Fort Snelling Upper Post" title="concept drawing of renovated housing at Fort Snelling Upper Post" /></a>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Public_Meeting_Fort_Snelling_1355931205884</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 renovated housing at Fort Snelling Upper Post</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">More than 50 people attended Jan. 23 public meeting at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center to learn about plans to renovate five historic buildings for housing for 58 homeless veterans and their families, mothball one historic building, and demolish another, all on the Upper Post of Fort Snelling.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Housing for Homeless Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>More than 50 people attended Jan. 23 public meeting at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center to learn about plans to renovate five historic buildings for housing for 58 homeless veterans and their families, mothball one historic building, and demolish another, all on the Upper Post of Fort Snelling.</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 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, there are three questions you should ask to better understand your health. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/3Questions.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/3Questions.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/AudioCare.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/AudioCare.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/be_involved.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/be_involved.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/new_ADS_coping_skills_group_2012.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/new_ADS_coping_skills_group_2012.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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>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: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 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has been identified as one of the proposed development sites to provide 58 permanent housing units for Veterans. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/housing_veterans.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/housing_veterans.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/World_AIDS_Day.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/World_AIDS_Day.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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>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: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 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ramsey_Clinic_Opening.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ramsey_Clinic_Opening.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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; <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VetResourceCenter.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VetResourceCenter.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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. &#34;This center is another tool to help us achieve the VA&#8217;s ultimate goal of eliminating Veteran homelessness.&#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VLER_TwinPorts.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VLER_TwinPorts.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Tele_ICU.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Tele_ICU.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Rural_Health_20110817.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Rural_Health_20110817.asp"><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 " /></a>]]></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>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: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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Keeping_the_Medical_Center_in_Bloom.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Keeping_the_Medical_Center_in_Bloom.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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>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: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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MACV_Grant_Homeless_Prevention_Initiative.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/MACV_Grant_Homeless_Prevention_Initiative.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">HUD, VA grants going to Minnesota public housing agencies to provide permanent housing for homeless Veterans. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/HUD_VA_HousingGrants.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/HUD_VA_HousingGrants.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Dental_Team_Pulls_Together_Saves_a_Life.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Dental_Team_Pulls_Together_Saves_a_Life.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/New_Chief_of_Staff.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/New_Chief_of_Staff.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110628_crossley.jpg" alt="Dr. Kent Crossley" title="Dr. Kent Crossley" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Million_Veteran_Program.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Million_Veteran_Program.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110616_MVP.jpg" alt="Million Veteran Program" title="Million Veteran Program" /></a>]]></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.  Learn more about how to enroll.</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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/FisherHouseII.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/FisherHouseII.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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>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: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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">VA is using new technologies to help improve the lives of Veterans living with spinal cord injuries in the Minneapolis area. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/SCI_AmericanVeteranTVstory.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/SCI_AmericanVeteranTVstory.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/2010CivilServant_LeadershipAward.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/2010CivilServant_LeadershipAward.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_research_day.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_research_day.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110502_researchday.jpg" alt="VA Research Day" title="VA Research Day" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Dedication_St_James_and_Mankato.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Dedication_St_James_and_Mankato.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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.  St. James &amp; Mankato, Minn.</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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_clinic_Mankato.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_clinic_Mankato.asp"><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." /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Clinic_Opens_St_James.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Clinic_Opens_St_James.asp"><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." /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Timberwolves_Honor_MNVets.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Timberwolves_Honor_MNVets.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/redefining_normal_blood_pressure.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/redefining_normal_blood_pressure.asp"><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 " /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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? <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Secure_Messaging_Now_Available_for_Patients.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Secure_Messaging_Now_Available_for_Patients.asp"><img src="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/thumbnail_photos_180x130/thumb_20110224_SecureMessagingMyhealthevet.jpg" alt="MyHealtheVet" title="MyHealtheVet" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/spiritual_strength_helps_PTSD.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/spiritual_strength_helps_PTSD.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/DrWest_Receives_Ethics_Award.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/DrWest_Receives_Ethics_Award.asp"><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." /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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; <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_Salutes_Veterans.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Minneapolis_VA_Salutes_Veterans.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Nurse_Reaches_Out.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Nurse_Reaches_Out.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.    <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ramsey_Clinic_Construction.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ramsey_Clinic_Construction.asp"><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." /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_STUDY_Soldiers_with_PTSD.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_STUDY_Soldiers_with_PTSD.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Honoring_the_Warrior.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Honoring_the_Warrior.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">A Twin Cities artist carved four ice sculptures portraying military heroes <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ice_Sculpture_for_Veterans.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ice_Sculpture_for_Veterans.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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>A Twin Cities artist carved four ice sculptures portraying military heroes</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Contract_for_New_Mankato_Clinic.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Contract_for_New_Mankato_Clinic.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Country_Store_Funds_VA_Volunteers.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Country_Store_Funds_VA_Volunteers.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Fort_Snelling_Honors_Heroes.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Fort_Snelling_Honors_Heroes.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.   <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Caring_for_our_Women_Veterans.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Caring_for_our_Women_Veterans.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Veterans_Find_Healing_Through_Creative_Arts.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Veterans_Find_Healing_Through_Creative_Arts.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_and_Caregivers.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_and_Caregivers.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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 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: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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/November_is_National_Diabetes_Month.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/November_is_National_Diabetes_Month.asp"><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 " /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">About 300 people, including 100 elementary school children, attended the groundbreaking for a new Veterans clinic on Nov. 8, 2010 in Ramsey, MN. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ramsey_VA_Clinic_Underway.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Ramsey_VA_Clinic_Underway.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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, 2010 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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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.  <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/caregiver.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/caregiver.asp"><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" /></a>]]></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>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: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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_researchers_involuntary_flashbacks.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_researchers_involuntary_flashbacks.asp"><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." /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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; <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/interview_helen_pearlman_nurseexecutive.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/interview_helen_pearlman_nurseexecutive.asp"><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 " /></a>]]></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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/National_Disaster_Drill.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/National_Disaster_Drill.asp"><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." /></a>]]></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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		<item>
			<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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">Veteran Kyle Anderson travels a long road to recovery with the help of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center&#39;s polytrauma center. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Polytrauma_Working_Miracles_One_Veteran_at_a_Time.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/VA_Polytrauma_Working_Miracles_One_Veteran_at_a_Time.asp"><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" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<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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		<item>
			<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[<p style="font-family: myriad pro, calibri, arial, sans serif; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0 0 16px 0;">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. <a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Military_Liaison_Promoted_to_Gunny.asp" style="color: #0482BE;">Read the full story</a></p><a href="http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/MINNEAPOLIS/features/Military_Liaison_Promoted_to_Gunny.asp"><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" /></a>]]></description> 
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			<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 Reginment at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant at a ceremony.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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