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For over 12 years, the award-winning Minnesota Military Radio (MMR) has been the forum for retelling the stories of Minnesota?s heroes. Vietnam Veteran and volunteer host Tom Lyons shares these stories which are carried on 65 broadcasting stations throughout the state of Minnesota in an effort to preserve the stories of our Veterans and keep listeners up to date on things happening at MDVA and in our Veteran Community here in Minnesota.
Coming up this week we learn about Volunteering from the Director of the Center for Development & Civic Engagement at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, meet with the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and discuss the highlights of 2023 and what's to come in 2024 and get an update from our Senior Enlisted Leader.
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Join the Minnesota Department of Health?s Suicide Prevention Unit, in collaboration with NAMI Minnesota and guest speakers from across the state for a four-part overview of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness. During these sessions learn how to create and use a wellness plan that can help assess your current mental health and well-being, as well as set goals for yourself on how to improve and maintain overall wellness during the holiday seasons and beyond.
- The Eight Dimensions of Wellness ? Session 3 Monday, Dec. 11 from 12 ? 1 p.m.
- The Eight Dimensions of Wellness ? Session 4 Monday, Dec. 18 from 12 ? 1 p.m.?
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A holiday meal will be provided with supportive services to Veterans who are currently homeless, have experienced homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless.
This event is sponsored by the Minnesota Twins and WCCO in collaboration with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV).
Wednesday, Dec. 13
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
South Entrance of Target Field
372 N 5th St
Minneapolis, MN
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Effective January 1, 2024, all Minnesota employers with more than 50 full-time employees will be required to display a new poster about Veterans benefits. The poster is available at no cost. It can be downloaded and printed from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry?s workplace and notices poster web page or employers can order the poster online and have the poster sent via the U.S. mail along with other mandatory or informational workplace posters.
This new poster is intended to educate Veterans and their families about the benefits available to them from MDVA and was developed as a result of new legislation passed during the 2023 session.
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From the Minnesota Department of Health:
The holidays can be a joy-filled season, but they can also be a very stressful time.
Here are a few things you can do to maintain your mental health during the holiday season.
- Be kind to yourself. Put your own mental health and physical well-being first.
- Write a gratitude list and offer thanks to those that have supported you throughout this last year.
- Prioritize your time and the activities you do. Make a daily to do list.
- Be realistic in what you do. Acknowledge it is not possible to be everywhere all the time.
- Set boundaries. Family dynamics can be challenging, accept you can only control your own attitudes and behaviors.
- Practice deep breathing to calm and relax yourself or know what helps to bring yourself peace.
- Schedule time for you to prioritize your needs.
- Find support, whether it is with friends, family, a counselor or a support group, talking about how you're feeling can provide a sense of comfort and relief. If you or someone you love are experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org, someone is available to assist you 24/7, 365 days of the year.
- There are several peer-to-peer warm lines in Minnesota if you just want to talk.
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.
The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions the VA presumes are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps provide generations of Veterans?and their survivors?with the care and benefits they?ve earned and deserve.
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The Veterans Crisis Line's number?988 then Press 1?helps make it easier to remember and share the number to access help in times of need.
Veterans can use this option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number?1-800-273-8255 and Press 1?by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
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Minnesota Veterans who served sometime between September 11, 2001, and August 30, 2021 may be eligible for a Post-9/11 Service Bonus. More than 20,000 Minnesota Veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism have already received bonuses totaling $21.4 million in recognition of their service.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is distributing nearly $39.8 million in bonuses. Eligible Veterans are paid on a first-come, first-served basis, so Veterans should apply today before the funds are gone.
To apply, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/ServiceBonus.
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If you know of a Veteran-related community event happening in your area you would like to submit to be included in our Friday Digest, please email all event information to [email protected] for consideration.
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