OCT/NOV 2022 North Star Bullet

North

Bullet

Paralyzed Veterans of America Minnesota Chapter

Executive Officers

President:

Vice President: Tim Valentin

Secretary: Scott Little

Treasurer: Seth Thomas

National Director: Todd Kemery

Chapter Staff

Bridgit Michaud Office Assistant o: 612-467-2263

Megan Thibado Executive Chapter Assistant m: 612-699-8551

Directors

Membership: Eric "Scot" Poehler

Fundraising: Karl Olson

Events: John Novicki

Sports & Recreation: Ron James Linda Hooker (Assistant)

North Star Bullet

Chief Editor: Vicky Garrison

Editor: Megan Thibado

National Service Officers

Jason Stephenson

Senior Veterans Health & Benefits Specialist 1 Veterans Drive SCI 141 Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-629-7022 jasonS@pva org

Tami Anderson

Senior National Service Officer

Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612 970 5668 | 1 800 795 3609 tamiA@pva.org

Jim Arndt Vocational Rehab Program

Federal Building Room G915 St. Paul, MN 55111 612-970-5668 | 1-800-795-3609 jamesA@pva org

President's Report

Vicky Garrison

Happy Fall to everyone! It’s a beautiful time of colorful leaves, crisp air, and preparations for the holiday season. While I’m sad to see the warmth of summer fade, but I love the beauty this season brings, it also is a time of reflection

As we commemorate another Veterans Day, we remain thankful for service brothers and sisters who we stay in touch with, pray for those we don’t, and mourn for those we’ve lost. It is a time to recognize the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers for this great country. And while it is only designated as one day, please join me in being thankful every day for those who served!

We are officially in our new fiscal year. As we continue to the goal of waking up the chapter, I invite you to attend our upcoming Holiday luncheon and membership meeting on Monday, November 21. Read more about this event in the newsletter, and watch for a special mailing shortly Please RSVP so we know to count you in for lunch I encourage everyone who can attend to make every effort to do so. Two years of isolation is a long time, and gathering together to exchange stories, ideas, and information is long overdue! Please call the office if you have questions or to RSVP.

Our board of directors will convene early in November for annual training and team building, allowing us to focus on goals, skills, scheduling, etc. I genuinely want to give tremendous credit to the MNPVA board of directors. It’s been a pleasure to work with this fine group of people who share the common goal of serving our chapter.

Included in this newsletter are board and staff directories for your reference. Please reach out to any of us anytime if you have questions, needs, or ideas

Like a child, be happy for no reason!

Connect with Us!

We love hearing from our members. If you have a question, a need, or just want to say hi, please reach out. The chapter is you and you are the chapter!

Phone or Voicemail

Office Phone: 612 467 2263

Mobile Phone - Call or Text

Office Assistant Mobile (Bridgit) 612 699 8542

Chapter Executive Assistant (Megan) 612-699-8551

President (Vicky) 612 430 6690

Office Assistant: office@mnpva.org

Chapter Executive Assistant: meganthibado@mnpva.org President: vickygarrison@mnpva.org

Media

Facebook Messenger: @MinnesotaPVA Instagram: pva.mn

In Person

Office Hours:

Friday 8a 1:30p

Our office is conveniently located in the VA Minneapolis SCI/D center, across from the PT/OT center.

PHASE

OF

Jason Stephenson

The Caregiver Support Program was established in 2011 that provided additional benefits including a monthly stipend paid directly to qualifying family caregivers of eligible veterans who were seriously injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. The Mission Act of 2018 expanded the Caregiver Support Program to veterans and their family caregivers for those veterans who incurred a serious injury in the line of duty on or before May 7, 1975. Now, effective October 1st of this year, the Caregiver Support Program expands those benefits to those eligible who served after May 7, 1975 and prior to September 11, 2001.

The term serious injury is defined as any service connected disability or a combination of disabilities that is rated 70% or above. The veteran must be in need of personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months where a functional impairment directly impacts his or her ability to maintain personal safety based on one of the following:

-an inability to perform an activity of daily living (ADL) such as dressing or undressing, bathing, grooming, feeding, needs of nature, requiring personal care services each time one or more specific listed ADL is completed; or

-a need of supervision, protection or instruction, which would mean having a functional impairment that directly impacts the individual’s ability to maintain his or her personal safety on a daily basis.

One member of the veteran’s family can be designated as primary. Two family members can be designated as secondary. All caregivers and the veteran will be required to complete eligibility evaluations, education and training through an initial home care assessment. The VA is required to complete the designation process within 90 days of receipt of application. The application is a 1010CG accompanied by a VA rating decision that can be mailed to Atlanta, GA on the instructions page, or can be given to a Paralyzed Veterans of America Service Officer who can forward to the VA’s local Caregiver Support Coordinator.

Once a 10-10CG and rating decision is received the application gets screened by a Social Worker in Community Care. Once that takes place and a conference is held; an in home assessment gets completed by a RN Case Manager to include training, and overall final assessment to assign the proper number of hours the VA will approve.

If you have been previously denied this benefit based on date of discharge from service; I strongly encourage you to reapply.

If you have questions regarding this benefit, please contact me at 612-629-7022.

FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Puzzle Lovers!

to Charles Kriesel, our September puzzle winner!

Could you use a $25 Visa Gift Card?? Send in a completed copy or a digital picture of each your completed puzzle for a chance to win in our regular drawing! One submission per month. Thanks to all for sending in your entries - participation is growing!

Next drawing date: 12/1/2022

Updated Sports/Recreation Reimbursement Policy

Our board has been working hard to keep our policy manual current and up to date Here are some highlights of our Sports/Recreation reimbursement policy. If you have questions or would like more details, please don't hesitate to let us know.

MNPVA recognizes the benefits of staying active and encourages member attendance of community and non-PVA activities and events such as, but not limited to, theater, sporting events and concerts. Reimbursement for attendees includes event ticket/admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food and non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members. If anticipated expenses are greater than $250, please notify a board member at least 7 days prior if possible.

The amount per member has increased to up to $3000 per year (amount is subject to change based on availability and number of member requests each year)

All reimbursement requests should be submitted within 30 days of expense Monthly statements are not recognized as documentation for reimbursement Receipts must be legible (originals or scanned copies are acceptable)

Reimbursement Form (available from office) must accompany all requests for funds Expenses eligible for submission include only: event ticket/admission, lodging, transportation, meals/food and non-alcoholic beverages, and parking for MNPVA members.

A recognition to member, Stephen Thell, for donating a new shotgun and case for our recent Metro fundraiser. He also gifted us a an awesome compound bow which our chapter will get great use from as we continue to increase our sports and recreation activities. Thank you for your generosity, Stephen!

A big thank you to all our donors, sponsors, and volunteers who help further the mission of the MNPVA.

Without your hard work, dedication, and passion, we would be unable to support our veterans as we do.

Volunteer Opportunities

MNPVA can always use volunteers in many different areas. We are currently looking for volunteers to serve on the fundraising committee, event committee, website committee, or to provide support at events and help with mailings. Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.

Sherry Anderson

MNPVA

Our chapter continues to support active bowling groups that meet weekly. All skill levels are welcome, and no commitment is required. Bowling once a week has many benefits for both the body and mind. Current locations include:

Thursdays at 11am

McPete's Sports Bar & Lanes 590 Humboldt Dr Big Lake, MN

Friday at 11:30am Split Rocks Bowling 5063 273rd St Wyoming, MN 55092

Newest Group

St. Croix Lanes 1153 St Croix St, River Falls, WI

If you're near - let us know

As we grow our bowling groups, we have many ideas for events, competitions, and gatherings. Our chapter's own famous "Minnesota" Bowling ramps are available for those desiring to bowl regularly.

Please call or email the office if you’re interested in joining and if there isn’t a local group, we can help get the word out to form one.

Research Corner

Opportunities for Participation in Research

This the place to learn about ongoing research in our community. These important studies focus on improving your quality of life as a person living with a spinal cord injury or disease. Details are included for each study pertaining to contact information, inclusion criteria and status. MNPVA encourages you to read through these opportunities, reach out the researchers for questions, and consult with your own physician to see if they are a good fit for you. We truly appreciate the critical work these awesome local researchers are doing in the field of SCI/D!

Briviact for Neuropathic Pain in SCI

The University of Minnesota is studying effects of an investigational drug with individuals that have a spinal cord injury and severe neuropathic pain There is a 50/50 chance of receiving the investigational drug or a placebo pill (has no drug, a sugar pill) and you will not know which one you will receive. You will be compensated up to $300 for your complete participation.

ACTIVELY RECRUITING

Inclusion Criteria:

• Have completed inpatient rehabilitation and are living in the community

• Have severe below level neuropathic pain (daily average 9/10 or 10/10)

• Tried and failed to achieve adequate pain relief with the use of other drugs and can continue to take spasmolytics, pregabalin, gabapentin, and opioids

Contact info: z.umn.edu/SCIPain rehablab@umn.edu or 612 301 3072

Scan the QR

on the left with your phone to go to the website for this study

Bone Regulation of Energy and Male Fertility after SCI

University of Minnesota researchers are seeking participants (Males, 18-50 years of age) with or without a spinal cord injury for a clinical trial. We are interested in how bone health affects insulin sensitivity and sperm health in adult males with spinal cord injuries. Compensation of $200 will be provided for participation.

ACTIVELY RECRUITING

Inclusion Criteria:

• With a spinal cord injury

• Have completed inpatient rehab and are living in the community

• Use a wheelchair

OR

• Without a spinal cord injury

Scan the QR code on the left with your phone to go to the website for this study

Contact info: z.umn.edu/SCIBoneStudy rehablab@umn.edu or 612-301-3072

ACTIVELY RECRUITING

Inclusion Criteria:

Veterans with a complete or incomplete SCI aged older than 18 years, regardless of level of injury, and are non-pregnant. Persons who have an open pelvic region pressure injury that clinicians consider would be compromised by the CT scanning, will not be eligible for recruitment, however they will become eligible once the wound has healed. This study takes approximately a 2 3 hour visit to the Minneapolis VA, once per year for 2 years and includes a blood draw and CT scan. You will receive $25 each visit for participating.

Contact information: John Belew Study coordinator at 612 467 4806

Title: A Clinical Trial of Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitationfor Sensory and Motor Recovery in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

Title: Biomarkers for Pressure Injury Risk ACTIVELY RECRUITING

The aim of this study is to evaluate two different interventions to improve sensation and movement in adults with spinal cord injury. Any Veteran with a SCI/D who is at least 3 months out (no end date limit) from a spinal cord injury, can self transfer and some reduction of sensation and/or movement after their spinal cord injury.

Interventions: Either you will receive physical therapy, called "cognitive multisensory rehabilitation" (focusing on restoring body awareness during movements) or you will receive a membership for the adaptive fitness at Courage Kenny (Golden Valley) to train there with the adapted fitness equipment

Testing: MRI of the brain (before and after the interventions); test of sensation and movements + questionnaires (before and after the interventions + 3 months after the intervention.

Contact information: Dr. Ann Van de Winckel: avandewi@umn.edu or 612 406 2500

Duane

Harry

October

Dave Langsdale

November

Orie Beltz

Norma Blankenship

John Conner

Harry Davis

Richards Evans David Funk Eugene Gruber Bruce Hochstetler

John Ivens

James Karels

Allen Kingsley

Jeffrey Kittock Mark Lattin

James Moriarty Dean Nesley Karl Olson

Richard Petron Mark Pocernich

James Salisbury

Matthew Sjoquist Brian Walstad

Gary Winter

1 Veterans Drive - SCI 238 Minneapolis, MN 55417

North Star Bullet

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