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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 meet with the Commanding General of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, discuss Veteran Legislation with the Legislative Director of the DAV Department of Minnesota and get an update from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System.
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Learn the three steps anyone can take to help prevent suicide. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught gatekeeper training program in the United States, and more than one million adults have been trained in classroom settings in 48 states. This 1.5-hour class is for members of the community over the age of 16 who want to learn best practices in suicide prevention. A certificate of attendance is available for this class and will be sent after you fill out the evaluation.
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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.
You?ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You?ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.
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Sadly, an average of 100 Minnesota Veterans die by suicide each year. Two-thirds of these deaths are by guns.
To help prevent Veteran suicide, MDVA is partnering with the VA Healthcare System to distribute free gun locks. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a locked gun can mean the difference between a tragic outcome and a life saved for someone in crisis. Though Veterans are well-versed in firearm safety, all gun owners should understand that during emotional or stressful times, delaying access to a gun could mean the difference between life and death. Gun locks can prevent someone in crisis from tragically taking their own life.
In an effort to reduce these preventable tragedies, MDVA is offering free gun locks. To request a gun lock, please email [email protected] with your name and address. This information will not be shared; requests are confidential.
For more information on MDVA?s suicide prevention efforts, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/EndVetSuicide.
Effective Jan. 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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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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