Advise and assist all veterans and their dependents with all state and federal veterans benefits: - Alcohol dependency treatment - Burial benefits - Death benefits - Dental treatment - Disability insurance - Discharge reviews - Domiciliary care -Drug dependency treatment - Education and training - Financial assistance - GI Bill educational training - GI Life Insurance - Home loan guaranteed by the USDVA - Non-service connected disability pension - Outpatient medical care - Service-connected disability compensation - Survivors and dependents education - Vocational rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities

Veterans Home, funerals, color guard, parades and financial and social assistance to veterans. Transportation of veterans to VA hospitals.

- Military Veterans Organization Post home for veterans of: - WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Lebanon/Grenada, Panama, Gulf War/War on Terrorism - Active in the support of youth basesball, high school oratorical competition, Boy's State, Scouting, Scholarship programs, school patrols, etc.

The county Veteran's Service Office assists veterans and their families with obtaining the local, state, and federal benefits that they are entitled to receive. This office also provides emergency financial assistance for housing (rent or mortgage) if requests are approved by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Other assistance may be also be available, each request is considered on a case-by-case basis and the type of assistance may vary. The office is also able to get durable medical equipment through the state including wheelchairs, hospital beds, and more. DAV (Disabled American Veterans) transportation provides volunteers to transport eligible veterans to the non-emergency medical appointments in Rochester, Minneapolis, La Crosse, Madison, and Tomah on an as needed basis. The veteran must be ambulatory and if assistance is required a care provider may ride along to assist. Portable oxygen tanks are permitted.

Medical care services: - Family planning services, including pre-conception education, and birth control including IUDs - Heart disease screening, including blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure screening - Osteoporosis evaluation and treatment - Preventive health screening, including breast, cervical, and colon cancer screening, and immunizations - Reproductive health care, including maternity and newborn care, and infertility evaluation - Smoking cessation - Weight management

Outpatient clinic offers the following services: - Allergy clinic - Amputation Care - Audiology services with on-site staff for hearing exams and ordering of hearing aids - Cancer Care - Laboratory Services - Mental health services with on-site staff and telemedicine capability linked to providers in Minneapolis - MOVE! Program - Nutrition - Optometry - Pharmacy - Primary care including chronic disease management, patient education and health promotion - Radiology/Imaging - Rheumatology - Social work - Tele-healthcare - Whole health coaching

Advises and assists veterans and their dependents with all state and federal veterans benefits such as: - Burial benefits - Financial assistance through the V.A. for dental work - G.I. Bill education assistance - G. I. Bill life insurance - Home loan guaranteed by the U.S.D.V.A. - Information about and referrals to other service agencies for chemical dependency treatment and vocational rehabilitation - Outpatient medical care through the V.A. - Service-connected disability compensation - "State Soldiers Assistance Program" (SSAP) provides cash assistance in the form of shelter payments (rent and mortgage), utilities, and personal needs grants to veterans who are unable to work as a result of a temporary disability. There are strict income and asset requirements. - Survivors and dependents education - Transportation to VA Medical Center - Veteran/military health insurance - Veteran survivor insurance

Minor & Critical Home Repair - A Brush with Kindness(ABWK)is an exterior home preservation program that provides painting, landscaping, weather stripping, and minor repair services for homeowners in need - ABWK helps low-income homeowners, impacted by age, disability, and family circumstances, who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes - We use volunteers, sweat equity, and no interest loans to make repairs affordable, helping low-income homeowners continue to live independently and securely in their homes - ABWK is a supplement to our core building program. It enables us to serve more families and increase volunteer opportunities - We partner with Aitkin county veteran service office, the D.A.V and Veteran clubs.

Patient Call Center: (612)467-1100 Applying for and determining eligibility for VA health care benefits: Apply online or complete an Application for Health Care Benefits (Form 10-10EZ) and mail to Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Patient Access Center (17A1), One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417. (877)-222-VETS, 7 am - 7 pm Monday - Friday. Visit website for more information https://www.minneapolis.va.gov/patients/eligibility.asp or https://www.choose.va.gov/health/ Scheduling Appointments: Visit website for detailed information on how to make an appointment by phone or online https://www.minneapolis.va.gov/patients/appointments.asp. AudioCare provides the option to cancel, confirm, or reschedule an existing appointment 24 hours/7 days a week, (855)560-1721. Access to Care website provides information to help decide the best VA location to receive care, https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/ Lodging Options: There are several choices in overnight accommodation and transportation for patients or families of military service members being treated at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. For assistance and complete information, call the Lodging Office (866)414-5058 ext. 4289 or (612)467-4289, 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday. Visit website for more information https://www.minneapolis.va.gov/visitors/visi_lodging.asp Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC): The VHIC is issued only to veterans who are eligible for VA medical benefits and only for the purpose of identification and check-in for VA medical appointments. Veterans do not need a VA identification card to access VA health care. Visit the Eligibility & Enrollment Desk in the Flag Atrium near the main entrance, or call (877)222-8387. Advance Directives: A legal form that helps doctors and family members understand the patients wishes about medical and mental health care. Customer Service/Patient Advocates: Provides personal attention and works on behalf of veterans and their families and caregivers to address and resolve important issues related to individuals concerns and rights as a patient. Compliments, complaints or concerns about patient care quality and safety can be directed to Patient Advocates at (612)467-2106. Billing and Insurance: (866)347-2352 Release of Information: Processes requests for medical records and assists providers with completing forms for patients. The Release of Information Office is located in the basement between the center elevators and the outpatient elevators, room BR-105, across from the Blood Draw clinic, (612)467-1992, fax number is (612)467-2197. Caregiver Support Program: Caregiver Support Program (612)467-5405, Caregiver Support Line (855)260-3274, and Services For Family Caregivers of Veterans, Minneapolis (612)467-5405, Saint Cloud (320)252-1670 ext. 7283. Chaplain Service: Offers pastoral care and spiritual counseling to all patients, their families, and the hospital staff. Worships services are held every day of the week and Chaplains are available for individual visits, Chaplain Service Office, First Floor, Flag Atrium, (612)467-2027 ext. 31-2027, 8 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday. Community Care: Provides Veterans with local care in the community through approved non-VA medical providers for the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and VA Clinics. Veterans may be able to go to a non-VA provider using VA coverage for certain types of health services that are not provided by the VA, (612)467-6565 or (877)881-7618, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday - Friday.

Offers services for veterans including: - Behavioral health and counseling - Caregiver support and respite - Case management - Financial counseling - Home delivered nutritious meals

Minor & Critical Home Repair - Home Preservation is an exterior home preservation program that provides painting, landscaping, and minor repair services for homeowners in need - Home Preservation helps low-income homeowners, impacted by age, disability, and family circumstances, who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes - We use volunteers, sweat equity, and no interest loans to make repairs affordable, helping low-income homeowners continue to live independently and securely in their homes - Home Preservation is a supplement to our core building program. It enables us to serve more families and increase volunteer opportunities.

Advises and assists veterans and their dependents with all state and federal veterans benefits including: - Burial benefits - Disability benefits - Other possible benefits - Provide transportation for Wright County Veterans to and from their Veterans Affairs appointments - Supportive services

- Military Veterans Organization Post home for veterans of: - WWI - WWII - Korea - Vietnam War - Grenada - Lebanon - Panama - Persian Gulf - Active in the support of youth baseball, high school oratorical competition, Boy's State, Scouting, Scholarship programs, school patrols, etc.

Provides crisis assessments, crisis interventions, and community based stabilization services for Veterans of Itasca County and the catchment area of Hill City. The VCRT responds by phone and in person, to Veterans and/or their spouses experiencing mental health emergencies at locations such as, but not limited to: private homes, community locations, and hospital/clinic settings.

Offer resources, referrals, and support, including: Financial - Access to free financial literacy materials and programs - Emergency funds assistance through various organizations - Personal financial counseling for service members - Tax assistance Home - Connect with local veteran and community resources for homelessness support - Home repair and maintenance assistance Health and well-being - Access to free drug and alcohol screening and classes for service members - Childcare assistance - Food insecurity support - Provide information on a wide range of military-friendly counseling services and resources, including free non-medical counseling - Tricare medical and dental insurance information Education - Connections with veteran services through Minnesota State schools - Information on grants and scholarships for current service members, spouses, and children - Military education benefits Career - Assistance in connecting with employment placement - Connect to Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for employer/employee legal support and employer/employee recognition - Federal employment opportunities through USAJobs - Hiring resources through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development - Minnesota National Guard full-time job opportunities

Resource fair addresses concerns of WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Desert Storm vets, along with OIF/OEF returnees. Also, attention is given to concerns of veterans of other conflicts and to those with peace time service. Family members of re-deployed personnel may be interested in many of the services that are offered. All veterans are welcome, regardless of discharge status. The following resources are available: - - AA, GA, NA - - Agent Orange/Gulf War information - - Assistance with applications - - Clothing - - Consumer credit counseling - - Dental and eyewear voucher referrals - - Drug and alcohol treatment Information - - Employment assistance - - Female veterans representative - - Free haircuts - - Housing and shelter information/referrals - - Lunch served - - Probate, estate and funeral planning - - Social services benefit application - - Tax information and assistance - - VA benefits/enrollment/referrals - - Veteran's service officers - - Vet service organizations: American Legion, DAV, Marine Corps League, VFW, Purple Heart, VVA - - Vision evaluations - - Vocational referrals - - Wellness exams - - Wills - -

Deployment Services - Coping With Deployments Course: Spouses, parents, siblings and significant others learn skill-building techniques that help them respond to the challenges of the deployment cycle - Mind-Body Workshops: Offer an alternative method of healing that engages both the mind and body to address common stress reactions that occur within military families and communities - Post-Deployment Support Resources: Information and workshops to help families re-adjust to being together after a loved one's deployment - Pre-Deployment Preparedness Tool for Family Members: Makes sure families are prepared with information they may need throughout the deployment - Reconnection Workshops: Enhance the likelihood of positive reconnections among family members and successful re-engagement of service members and veteran in civilian life Emergency Communications? - The American Red Cross independently verifies an emergency, enabling the service member's commander to make an educated decision regarding emergency leave and then provides transportation assistance and/or financial assistance if needed Financial Assistance? - The American Red Cross works in partnership with Military Aid Societies to provide financial assistance which includes funds for emergency travel, burial of a loved one, emergency food and shelter, etc. Aid Societies determine the financial assistance package that will be offered - a grant or loan. The Red Cross is the mechanism to expedite access to these financial resources. Information and Referral Services? - Offers confidential services to all members of the military, veterans and their families by connecting them with local, state and national resources through the network of American Red Cross chapters. Local chapters develop and maintain relationships with community partners. Military families rely on the local chapter to help them identify their needs and connect them to the most appropriate chapter and community resources. These services range from responding to emergency needs for food, clothing and shelter; referrals to counseling services (e.g. financial, legal, mental health, etc.); respite care for caregivers; and other resources. Military and Veteran Caregiver Network? - Peers engage to exchange experiences, empathy, education and encouragement - Connect Online: Connect with caregivers in a secure, custom, peer-moderated online community - Share With a Mentor: Share with caregivers in an understanding, one-on-one, peer mentor relationship - Join a Support Group: Join caregivers in confidential, peer-facilitated support groups in the community and online Veteran Services? - Veterans Claims for Benefits: Assists veterans and their families in preparing, developing and obtaining evidence to support applicants' claims for veterans' benefits. Also assists claimants seeking to appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA).

Provides assistance and support to veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits through state and federal programs including: - Burial and death benefits - Dental and medical care - Education and training - Home loan guarantees - Pension - State Subsistence: Financial assistance for basic dental and optical care, mortgage, personal needs, rent and utilities for veterans who cannot work due to temporary disability.

Volunteers provide rides for dental and medical appointments throughout the metro area, and social service appointments within Anoka County. Volunteers use their own vehicles. Transportation is not wheelchair accessible.

Offer resources, referrals, and support, including: Financial - Access to free financial literacy materials and programs - Emergency funds assistance through various organizations - Personal financial counseling for service members - Tax assistance Home - Connect with local veteran and community resources for homelessness support - Home repair and maintenance assistance Health and well-being - Access to free drug and alcohol screening and classes for service members - Childcare assistance - Food insecurity support - Provide information on a wide range of military-friendly counseling services and resources, including free non-medical counseling - Tricare medical and dental insurance information Education - Connections with veteran services through Minnesota State schools - Information on grants and scholarships for current service members, spouses, and children - Military education benefits Career - Assistance in connecting with employment placement - Connect to Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for employer/employee legal support and employer/employee recognition - Federal employment opportunities through USAJobs - Hiring resources through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development - Minnesota National Guard full-time job opportunities

Advise and assist all veterans and their dependents with all state and federal veterans benefits: Disability, Social Security including: - Alcohol dependency treatment - Burial benefits - Service-connected disability compensation - Dental treatment - Disability insurance - Discharge reviews - Death benefits - Domiciliary care - Death benefits - Drug dependency treatment - Education and training - Financial assistance - G.I. Bill educational training - G.I. Life Insurance - Home loan guaranteed by the U.S.D.V.A. - Outpatient medical care - Non-service connected disability pension - Survivors and dependents education - Vocational rehabilitation for disabled

The county Veteran's Service Office assists veterans and their families with obtaining the local, state, and federal benefits that they are entitled to receive. This office also provides emergency financial assistance for housing (rent or mortgage) if requests are approved by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. Other financial assistance may be also be available, each request is considered on a case-by-case basis and the type of assistance may vary..

Services include: - Extended care and rehabilitation services - Medical social workers - Online personal health records - Pharmacy services - Specialty outpatient services including: neurology, radiation/oncology, audiology, surgery - Tele-health program - Virtual lifetime electronic record health program

Offer resources, referrals, and support, including: Financial - Access to free financial literacy materials and programs - Emergency funds assistance through various organizations - Personal financial counseling for service members - Tax assistance Home - Connect with local veteran and community resources for homelessness support - Home repair and maintenance assistance Health and well-being - Access to free drug and alcohol screening and classes for service members - Childcare assistance - Food insecurity support - Provide information on a wide range of military-friendly counseling services and resources, including free non-medical counseling - Tricare medical and dental insurance information Education - Connections with veteran services through Minnesota State schools - Information on grants and scholarships for current service members, spouses, and children - Military education benefits Career - Assistance in connecting with employment placement - Connect to Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for employer/employee legal support and employer/employee recognition - Federal employment opportunities through USAJobs - Hiring resources through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development - Minnesota National Guard full-time job opportunities

Advises and assists veterans and their dependents with all state and federal veterans benefits, such as: - Burial benefits - Service-connected disability compensation - Veteran survivor insurance - Veteran/Military health insurance - G.I. Bill educational training - G.I. Life Insurance - Home loan guaranteed by the U.S.D.V.A. - Transportation to VA Medical Center - Outpatient medical care through the V.A. - Financial assistance through the V.A. for dental work - Survivors and dependents education "State Soldiers Assistance Program" (SSAP): provides veterans who are unable to work as a result of temporary disability with cash assistance toward housing (rent, mortgage, and utilities) and other personal needs. There are strict income and asset requirements. Information about and referrals to other service agencies for chemical dependency treatment and vocational rehabilitation. Provides transportation to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center on odd number days, Monday through Friday.