Stories | VA Minneapolis Health Care

Connecting via shared values

"This sharing can be deeply healing and therapeutic, as it fosters a deeper understanding of one another and creates a sense of belonging."

group of people sitting at long tables talking to a group of people sitting opposite them

Empowering employees to save lives, even off the clock

The need for organ donors is starkly evident: every day in the U.S. 17 people die while waiting on life-saving transplants.

two people in dark jackets standing in front of a flag; person on left has long black braids and person on right has shoulder length brown hair

The morning of change

She was up early getting ready and styling her hair as she did every morning, but this wasn’t like every morning, this was surgery day. “Today is my dream come true, finally,” said Chanin Reese.

a person with short brown hair, wearing jade-colored glasses and a brown plaid jacket stands in front of a dark window

My Life, My Story by Arlyn

"That evening, they were prepping me for the surgery. I know someone had to pass away to extend my life. It's hard to even guess what I would say to that person, or his family. It's a gift."

Minneapolis VA hosted three German Traveling Fellows in February

Minneapolis VA hosted three German Traveling Fellows in February.

The German Fellow Team included Magnus Kalff, MD, Lorena Klingebiel, CPO & MA and Victor Alexander Hoursch, MD

Getting ready to shred in Snowmass!

No snow in Minnesota? No skiing? No way – we adapt!

Three people skiing on a snow covered hill. All are wearing ski gear. Person in front is using adaptive skis.

Vicky Garrison: embracing life with exoskeleton technology at the Minneapolis VA

"I don't use the word life-changing very often, but this device has opened up areas in my life that were completely closed. I can walk again, I can hug my loved one’s heart-to-heart, and it really has enhanced my day-to-day life."

four people, one wearing an exoskeleton, and a dog are standing in a row in front of a beige building

Contributing to the future of mental health

“It’s the right thing to do. If it’s going to help one person, it’s worth it. It’s worth my time, it’s worth everything.”

person with short hair and glasses wearing a dark sweatshirt, large columns and the American flag in the background

Quit smokeless tobacco today to help yourself every day

It’s never too late for Veterans to enjoy the benefits of quitting smokeless tobacco, like better health and a brighter smile. VA treatment and resources can help.

Great American Spitout person with gray bear wearing a Army baseball cap on their head and a plaid shirt, inside a yellow circle with blue background

My Life, My Story by Bruce

"I am grateful for my whole life, my parents, aunts, uncles, God, all my friends, and I would do it all over again."