*New* As of January 17th, US military veterans in an “acute suicidal crisis” can now receive free treatment including inpatient care up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days.
If you or a loved one have contemplated suicide, call The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with a trained counselor.
The expanded care announced by the Department of Veterans Affairs is meant to “prevent veteran suicide by guaranteeing no cost, world-class care to veterans in times of crisis.” Veterans who are seeking that care can go to any VA or non-VA health care facility, the release said, and they do not have to be enrolled in the VA system to receive care.
The new policy says veterans who were discharged after more than two years of service under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for the care, which will either be paid for or reimbursed by the VA.
The policy will also apply to former service members, including those in the Reserves, who served “more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation” who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and veterans who were the victim of sexual assault, sexual battery, or sexual harassment while serving.
According to the VA’s release, the policy will “[p]rovide, pay for, or reimburse for treatment” of eligible veterans’ emergency suicide care, transportation costs, and follow-up care at a VA or non-VA facility, to include 30 days of inpatient care and 90 days of outpatient.
The policy will also allow the VA to make “appropriate referrals” after a period of emergency suicide care, determine veterans’ eligibility for other service and benefits from the VA, and refer veterans who received the emergency care to other VA programs and benefits.
COVID-19 treatment at no-cost
The State of Minnesota launched a new telehealth test-to-treat program to ensure Minnesotans who have tested positive for COVID-19 have easy access to clinician care and, if appropriate, medicine that can reduce their risk of serious illness or hospitalization.
All services, including the consultation, medication and delivery, will come at no cost to the Minnesotans who use this service.
For more information on how to access the test-to-treat program, and for instructions on downloading and getting started with the Cue Health App, visit: care.cuehealth.com/mn or call 1-833-283-8378.
For free COVID testing information and locations, go to: Testing Information
In-home vaccination program
Did you know that Minnesota has a COVID-19 in-home vaccination program? This service applies to homebound residents and children.
Language services available.
To schedule, call 1-833-431-2053.
Why do I need an updated booster?
The virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time. The different versions of the virus that have developed are called variants. Learn more.
Updated boosters can help build protection that has decreased since your last shot, and provide better protection against newer variants.
Boosters are an important part of protecting yourself from getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19.
Booster shots are common for many vaccines, like the flu shot or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).
HomeHelpMN Increases Assistance, Extends Deadline
HomeHelpMN adopted program changes took effect August 12, 2023:
The cap on assistance was increased to $50,000 per household. The prior limit was $35,000.
There is no longer a time restriction on past-due expenses. Previously, expenses had to be incurred after January 21, 2020.
For applications being processed, the new criteria will be used and no additional action is needed. Applicants who were previously denied but are still in need of assistance and meet eligibility criteria may request their case be reopened by calling 800.388.3226.
HomeHelpMN can help with:
OVERDUE MORTGAGE PAYMENTS
If you are behind on your house payments, you may qualify for financial assistance to reinstate your mortgage.
OTHER PAST-DUE EXPENSES
You may be having a difficult time keeping up with housing-related expenses like property taxes, insurance, association fees or lot rent. We might be able to help with these expenses.
To begin an application or learn more, visit HomeHelpMN.org or call 800.388.3226.
NeighborWorks Home Partners
NeighborWorks Home Partners is ready to lend a hand with affordable home improvement financing to improve home safety and the health of those who live there. NeighborWorks Home Partners can help homeowners living in the 11-county metro area with a Metro Home Loan and MHFA Fix Up Loans. Additional assistance is available to Ramsey County homeowners living in the Cities of St. Paul, Shoreview and Woodbury. Call: 651-292-8710 or visit: NeighborWorks Home Partners Home Improvement Loans.
Ramsey County Library has growing “Library of Things”
You can now check out a drill set, bundt pan, dessert decorating set, various games, knit or crochet kits, etc. Go to https://www.rclreads.org/and search for: Library of Things. The library also has a variety of puzzles on site to take, enjoy, keep or return.