Minneapolis VA Health Care System Events Calendar
November 2020

Monday, Nov 2, 2020
MOVE! Start SMART Introductory Visit (online)
 
Time: 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM (CST)
Location: Online
https://www.facebook.com/events/623138411630237/
 
Veterans will learn about healthy eating, weight loss support and other VA nutrition services. Online classes start Thursday, July 9, 2020, and will be held twice per week; Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. using VA Video Connect (VVC). Contact your primary care clinic to get scheduled or call the MOVE! Program at 612-467-3600 for more information.

https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect
 
 
Tuesday, Nov 3, 2020
Annual Caregiver Summit
 
Time: 8:30 AM- 12:00 PM (CST)
Location: Online Event
https://stthomas.zoom.us/j/99903924310?pwd=VDV0WXhXc25CZjdGSTBSaHYwKzl0dz09
 
Please join the Minneapolis VA Caregiver Support Program for our Annual Caregiver Summit!
 
The Annual Caregiver Summit is online this year; Tuesday, November 3, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT.
 
This presentation is focused on professionals working with Caregivers of Veterans; however, all are welcome.
 
For more information contact the Minneapolis VA Caregiver Program at 612-467-5405.
 
 
THEME: CAREGIVING DURING CRISIS
  • 8:30-8:40: Welcome and Logistics
  • 8:40-9:00: VA Caregiver Support Program Overview
  • 9:00-10:30: Caregiver Mental Health and Wellbeing During COVID-19
    Tanya Rand MSW, LICSW is a Clinical Faculty member and the Coordinator of Aging Services for the School of Social Work at the University of St. Thomas. In these roles she teaches clinical field seminar courses and facilitates gero-education program initiatives. Much of her prior practice experience in healthcare has focused on work with older adults and their families. Carol Ashwood, MSW, LICSW is a social worker at Open Circle Adult Day and Support Services which is affiliated with Cassia. She is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of St. Thomas. Ms. Ashwood has 32 years’ experience working with older adults and caregivers.
  • 10:30-11:30: Relationship Health and Safety
    Lisa Kielty, MSW, LICSW has been the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program Coordinator since 2015. Lisa serves as the chair of the national Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program Committee for Data Management and Program Evaluation. She is the 2018 recipient of the Under Secretary for Health’s Award for Excellence in Social Work Practice for her work in growing the IPV Assistance Program at the Minneapolis VA.
  • 11:30-12:00: Closing and Evaluations
 
Caregiver Resource Fair
 
Time: 12:30 PM- 4:00 PM (CST)
Location: Online Event
https://stthomas.zoom.us/j/99024824733?pwd=SDFHRmpwSkxUK2ZZY2U0c24wUysrdz09
 
Join the Minneapolis VA in Celebrating National Caregiver Month!
 
The Minneapolis VA Caregiver Resource Fair is online this year; Tuesday, November 3, 2020 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT.
 
Caregivers, Veterans and Providers who are interested in resources for Veterans should attend, and all are welcome.
 
For more information contact the Minneapolis VA Caregiver Program at 612-467-5405.
 
 
2020 Program Presenters and Topics:
  • 12:30 PM - Minneapolis VAHCS Director Opening Remarks
  • 12:45 PM - Volunteer Services
  • 1:00 PM - Relationship Health and Safety
  • 1:30 PM - Lutheran Social Services
  • 2:00 PM - Mindfulness exercise
  • 2:15 PM - Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging
  • 2:45 PM - Suicide Prevention
  • 3:15 PM - Nursing and Respite Care
  • 3:45 PM - Wrap up
 
 
Wednesday, Nov 4, 2020
Cancer Support Group (Virtual - Webex or phone)
 
Time: 12:15 PM- 1:15 PM (CST)
Location: Virtual (Webex or phone)
https://www.facebook.com/events/562743867704995/
 
Cancer Education & Support Group
Meetings via Webex (with a phone option) every Wednesday from 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Join by phone (audio only) or Webex (video and audio)

Webex Meeting Number (access code): 199 304 1993
Webex Meeting password: ZSgSfEZ*796
Instructions to join the Webex are on our website: https://www.minneapolis.va.gov/patients/downloads/How_to_join_Minneapolis_VA_Webex.pdf
or
Phone Number: 404-397-1596
Phone Access Code: 199 822 0585

No appointment needed
All Veterans affected by cancer and their caregiver are welcome.

Topics include:
- Overview of Cancer
- “Chemo Brain”
- Integrative Health
- Movement & Rehabilitation
- Nutrition
- Caregiver Stress
 
 
Thursday, Nov 5, 2020
MOVE! Start SMART Introductory Visit (online)
 
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM (CST)
Location: online
https://www.facebook.com/events/623138411630237/
 
Veterans will learn about healthy eating, weight loss support and other VA nutrition services. Online classes start Thursday, July 9, 2020, and will be held twice per week; Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. using VA Video Connect (VVC). Contact your primary care clinic to get scheduled or call the MOVE! Program at 612-467-3600 for more information.

https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect
 
 
Monday, Nov 9, 2020
MOVE! Start SMART Introductory Visit (online)
 
Time: 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM (CST)
Location: Online
https://www.facebook.com/events/623138411630237/
 
Veterans will learn about healthy eating, weight loss support and other VA nutrition services. Online classes start Thursday, July 9, 2020, and will be held twice per week; Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. using VA Video Connect (VVC). Contact your primary care clinic to get scheduled or call the MOVE! Program at 612-467-3600 for more information.

https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect
 
 
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2020
Veterans Day
 
https://militarybenefits.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Veterans-Day-Poster-2020.jpg
 
 
Thursday, Nov 12, 2020
Red Carpet Welcome (Virtual)
 
Time: 10:00 AM- 10:30 AM (CST)
Location: Virtual
https://www.facebook.com/events/1082282995493761/
 
Thank you for serving, and welcome to the Minneapolis VA Health Care System! We are pleased that you have chosen us for your care. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of Veterans like you by providing the excellent medical care you’ve earned.
 
As a newly enrolled Veteran, we invite you to attend a “Red Carpet Welcome” orientation. This orientation is offered the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. via phone or Webex.
 
Join using Webex (video & audio)
LINK: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/webappng/sites/veteransaffairs/meeting/download/8a3bfa7112bd4664a6bac67d61aed3f7?siteurl=veteransaffairs&MTID=m31593c39f5b93ca0f99654e13d83ce2b
Webex Meeting number (access code): 199 294 1416
Webex Meeting password: J335FneFhv*
 
Join by Phone (audio only)
Phone Number: 404-397-1596
Phone access code: 199 294 1416 #
 
The purpose of the orientation is to provide you with information regarding your VA health care benefits and health care services offered. We also will provide information to assist you in navigating the VA, both the building and the system.
 
 
MOVE! Start SMART Introductory Visit (online)
 
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM (CST)
Location: online
https://www.facebook.com/events/623138411630237/
 
Veterans will learn about healthy eating, weight loss support and other VA nutrition services. Online classes start Thursday, July 9, 2020, and will be held twice per week; Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. using VA Video Connect (VVC). Contact your primary care clinic to get scheduled or call the MOVE! Program at 612-467-3600 for more information.

https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect
 
 
Monday, Nov 16, 2020
MOVE! Start SMART Introductory Visit (online)
 
Time: 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM (CST)
Location: Online
https://www.facebook.com/events/623138411630237/
 
Veterans will learn about healthy eating, weight loss support and other VA nutrition services. Online classes start Thursday, July 9, 2020, and will be held twice per week; Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. using VA Video Connect (VVC). Contact your primary care clinic to get scheduled or call the MOVE! Program at 612-467-3600 for more information.

https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect
 
 
Tuesday, Nov 17, 2020
Intro to Whole Health (virtual)
 
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM (CST)
Location: Virtual (Webex or phone)
https://www.facebook.com/events/916505768866336/
 
Please join us for an Introduction to Whole Health via Webex!
 
WHO:
Intro to Whole Health is open to Veterans, family, caregivers and staff
 
WHEN:
  • 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. CT (September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9)
HOW:
OR
WHEN:
  • 3rd Tuesday of the month from 1-2 p.m. CT (September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15)
HOW:
LEARN MORE:
  • Intro to Whole Health is designed to introduce you to the VA Whole Health approach to care.
  • Our number one goal is that you accomplish the life vision you create for yourself.
  • Through our programs and services and, most importantly, your own strengths and abilities, we will work together in healing partnership to optimize your well-being with a focus on what is important to YOU.
  • Transitioning from the Service can pose unique challenges and opportunities and we’ll discuss why a whole health approach is helpful in meeting these challenges and capitalizing on your opportunities.
  • We’ll also describe areas of self-care and well-being that make up all the different aspects of who we are as individuals.
For questions and/or more information: For questions on Whole Health, contact the Center for Integrative Health & Healing at 612-467-3745.
 
 
If you are still in the military or have discharged since 1998, and are in need of assistance with accessing or coordinating VA care, contact the Post 9/11 TCM Program at 612-467-3757.
 
 
Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020
Cancer Support Group (Virtual - Webex or phone)
 
Time: 12:15 PM- 1:15 PM (CST)
Location: Virtual (Webex or phone)
https://www.facebook.com/events/562743867704995/
 
Cancer Education & Support Group
Meetings via Webex (with a phone option) every Wednesday from 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Join by phone (audio only) or Webex (video and audio)

Webex Meeting Number (access code): 199 304 1993
Webex Meeting password: ZSgSfEZ*796
Instructions to join the Webex are on our website: https://www.minneapolis.va.gov/patients/downloads/How_to_join_Minneapolis_VA_Webex.pdf
or
Phone Number: 404-397-1596
Phone Access Code: 199 822 0585

No appointment needed
All Veterans affected by cancer and their caregiver are welcome.

Topics include:
- Overview of Cancer
- “Chemo Brain”
- Integrative Health
- Movement & Rehabilitation
- Nutrition
- Caregiver Stress
 
Virtual Epilepsy Support Group for Veterans & Caregivers
 
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM (CST)
Location: Online Event
https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=m2cb4beb9b443b4df929e1d950f08b416
 
Virtual Epilepsy Support Group for Veterans & Caregivers
October - May sessions are on the third Wednesday of the month from 1-2 p.m. CT
Meeting link:
https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=mdf64288158b5d823d08a9d1e8009310d
or Join by phone: 1-404-397-1596
Access code: 199 177 6749
 
 
Thursday, Nov 19, 2020
Virtual Veterans Town Hall
 
Time: 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM (CST)
Location: Virtual (Webex or phone)
https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%253ameeting_YjljOWUzYTMtMTBmZC00NDMwLWE1MzctNThjM2Y5MzUxYzMx%2540thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%2522e95f1b23-abaf-45ee-821d-b7ab251ab3bf%2522%252c%2522Oid%252
 
Virtual Town Hall for Veterans & Caregivers
Albert Lea VA Clinic
with Patrick Kelly, Minneapolis VAHCS Director
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Microsoft Teams (video and audio) or Phone (audio only)
• Join using Teams in your web browser (no download needed) by clicking the link below: https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/.../...
or
• Join by Phone
Call the number below and enter the conference ID.
Phone Number: 1-872-701-0185
Conference ID: 244 759 241#
Contact: Sandra Roy, Public Affairs Specialist (612) 467-2102 or sandra.roy@va.gov
Additional information about the Albert Lea VA Clinic: https://www.minneapolis.va.gov/locations/AlbertLea.asp
 
MOVE! Start SMART Introductory Visit (online)
 
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM (CST)
Location: online
https://www.facebook.com/events/623138411630237/
 
Veterans will learn about healthy eating, weight loss support and other VA nutrition services. Online classes start Thursday, July 9, 2020, and will be held twice per week; Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. using VA Video Connect (VVC). Contact your primary care clinic to get scheduled or call the MOVE! Program at 612-467-3600 for more information.

https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect
 
Great American Smokeout
 
Location: Online Event
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco/quit-vet.asp
 
The Great American Smokeout on November 19, 2020 is the perfect time to leave smoking behind! Let VA counseling help you kick cigarettes for good.
 
Call 1-855-QUIT VET (1-855-784-8838) to build your custom plan:
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco/quit-vet.asp
 
 
Monday, Nov 23, 2020
MOVE! Start SMART Introductory Visit (online)
 
Time: 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM (CST)
Location: Online
https://www.facebook.com/events/623138411630237/
 
Veterans will learn about healthy eating, weight loss support and other VA nutrition services. Online classes start Thursday, July 9, 2020, and will be held twice per week; Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. using VA Video Connect (VVC). Contact your primary care clinic to get scheduled or call the MOVE! Program at 612-467-3600 for more information.

https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect
 
 
Wednesday, Nov 25, 2020
Cancer Support Group (Virtual - Webex or phone)
 
Time: 12:15 PM- 1:15 PM (CST)
Location: Virtual (Webex or phone)
https://www.facebook.com/events/562743867704995/
 
Cancer Education & Support Group
Meetings via Webex (with a phone option) every Wednesday from 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Join by phone (audio only) or Webex (video and audio)

Webex Meeting Number (access code): 199 304 1993
Webex Meeting password: ZSgSfEZ*796
Instructions to join the Webex are on our website: https://www.minneapolis.va.gov/patients/downloads/How_to_join_Minneapolis_VA_Webex.pdf
or
Phone Number: 404-397-1596
Phone Access Code: 199 822 0585

No appointment needed
All Veterans affected by cancer and their caregiver are welcome.

Topics include:
- Overview of Cancer
- “Chemo Brain”
- Integrative Health
- Movement & Rehabilitation
- Nutrition
- Caregiver Stress
 
 
Thursday, Nov 26, 2020
Federal Holiday
 
 
 
Monday, Nov 30, 2020
VA Community Suicide Prevention Summit
 
Time: 9:30 AM- 4:30 PM (CST)
Location: Online Event
https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0U83cDukDqKBavj
 
The VA Community Suicide Prevention Summit is for anyone open and wanting to learn more about Veterans and Suicide Prevention.
 
Monday, November 30, 2020; 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT
Event will be held using Microsoft Teams
Register: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0U83cDukDqKBavj
 
It will discuss stigma, how to use trauma informed care, how military culture effects Veterans after their service, and the grief and loss felt throughout Covid-19. Each session will share information on how you, or your organization can best help Veterans thrive.
 
Feel free to attend for the whole day or pick and choose which sessions you want to attend. Each presenter will be able to field questions after their presentation.
 
For more information, please email Jessica.faue@va.gov
 
Presentations Include:
  • Grief and Loss of Connection
  • Military Culture
  • Moral Injury
  • Suicide and Stigma
  • Trauma Informed Care
 
MOVE! Start SMART Introductory Visit (online)
 
Time: 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM (CST)
Location: Online
https://www.facebook.com/events/623138411630237/
 
Veterans will learn about healthy eating, weight loss support and other VA nutrition services. Online classes start Thursday, July 9, 2020, and will be held twice per week; Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. using VA Video Connect (VVC). Contact your primary care clinic to get scheduled or call the MOVE! Program at 612-467-3600 for more information.

https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect