VA Transforms Roller Rink into High Tech Veterans Outpatient Clinic (see photos)  - Veterans and community members of the Brainerd lakes area gathered for a Ribbon-Cutting/Dedication Ceremony for the newly relocated Brainerd Community Based Outpatient (VA) Clinic.

The building, which formerly housed a roller rink, was completely renovated for use by VA.  It was chosen for its convenient location, ease of accessibility and large space. Solar panels to heat water and support its heating needs were added.  Its larger space allows VA to expand of services and programs that serve veterans closer to their homes.

Mr. William Wroolie, Past National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, served as Ribbon-Cutting/Dedication committee chair and emcee for the event.

NEW!   Swine Flu Information - Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses causing regular outbreaks in pigs.  People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that this strain of flu is contagious and is spreading from human to human, however at this point it is not known how easily it spreads between people.  The CDC has confirmed 20 human cases of the infection -  7 cases in California; 2 in Texas; 8 in New York; 2 in Kansas; and 1 in Ohio.  What should I do to prevent getting the flu?  Most importantly - WASH YOUR HANDS.  Try to stay in good general health, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, and stay away from others who are sick.  To read more on the Swine flu, log on to www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

Priority Group 8 Adds Benefits for Thousands of Vets 
http://www1.va.gov/health

Starting June 15th, more than 260,000 veterans will be eligible for healthcare program enrollment. The change affects veterans whose incomes exceed the current VA income thresholds by up to 10 percent. Find out if you eligible with VHA's enrollment calculator.

St. Cloud VA Medical Center

 The St. Cloud VA Medical Center is located in central Minnesota in the City of St. Cloud.  The City and surrounding communities have a population of more than 100,000 people.  St. Cloud is about seventy miles northwest of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.  

The medical center began serving veterans in 1924 and now delivers care to more than 32,000 veterans in the upper Midwest region. The medical center's mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Areas of care include primary medical and subspecialty care, mental health care, a variety of specialty care services, urgent care, acute psychiatric care, telemedicine, extended care and rehabilitation, imaging, laboratory and pharmacy services.

Specialty care services include audiology, dental, hematology, oncology, optometry, orthopedics, podiatry, urology and rheumatology.  A new same-day surgery center is under construction that will provide access to additional outpatient surgical procedures beginning in the summer of 2010.

The medical center offers extensive mental health programming, including acute psychiatric care, Residential Rehabilitation Treatment programs and an outpatient mental health clinic. The programs use a recovery model to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse and a variety of mental health conditions.  Outpatient programming includes treatment for serious mental illness, vocational rehabilitation and supported employment.

The medical center's Community Living Center (extended care and rehabilitation) provides skilled care through home-based primary care, nursing home care, adult day health care, ventilator-dependent care, memory care, hospice care and a variety of rehabilitation programs.

The St. Cloud VA Medical Center operates two Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Brainerd and Montevideo, Minnesota.  A new CBOC will open in Alexandria, Minnesota in the summer of 2009.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been enhanced to provide a new service for veterans in crisis. Veterans will be connected immediately to VA suicide prevention and mental health service professionals by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and pressing 1.

Visit Mental Health to listen to audio from the lifeline and get further information.