Beginning June 1, 200 buses in the Twin Cities are carrying signage that says, “It takes the courage and strength of a warrior to ask for help . . .If you or someone you know is in an emotional crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).  Press 1 for Veterans.”

The local bus ad campaign is part of a national effort in 127 U.S. cities.  More than 21,000 buses are carrying the signs, including 200 buses in Duluth and 100 buses in St. Cloud. The campaign is the second phase of a national media advertising effort to reach veterans.  Last year, the Washington, DC, area served as the pilot.  VA officials said the educational effort was successful based on the significant increase in callers to the national suicide prevention hotline. The ad campaign will run 12 weeks.

“The most important thing for veterans to know is that help is available at all times,” said Lindy Fortin, suicide prevention coordinator at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.  “In addition to calling the hotline, veterans can come into the hospital at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  We have counselors here at all times.”

---

Priority Group 8 Adds Benefits for Thousands of Vets
Starting June 15, 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're eligible with VHA's enrollment calculator.

---

H1N1 Novel Influenza (formerly known as swine flu)
H1N1 Novel 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. For information about the situation in the State of Minnesota, see the Minnesota Department of Health (minnesota department of health web site) (*External site-see disclaimer below)

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 H1N1 Novel influenza, go to http://www.publichealth.va.gov/.

*External Link Disclaimer:
All the links marked with asterisk ( * ) are External links. By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website.

---