What is Polytrauma?

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center  (MVAHCS PRC) is one of 5 facilities in the country designed to provide acute, inpatient rehabilitative care to Veterans and Active Duty Servicemembers (ADSM) who have  experienced severe injuries. 

Polytrauma is defined as two or more injuries sustained in the same incident that affect multiple body parts or organ systems and result in physical, cognitive, psychological, or psychosocial impairments and functional disabilities. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) frequently occurs as part of the polytrauma spectrum in combination with other disabling conditions, such as amputations, burns, pain, fractures, auditory and visual impairments, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.

MVAHCS is also home to our 10-bed residential Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Program (PTRP) and is the VISN 23 Polytrauma Network Site (PNS) for post-acute, outpatient rehabilitation services.

Mental Health Support/Veterans Crisis Line

Veterans with Polytrauma injuries may also need mental health and crisis support.  If you or someone you know is having trouble readjusting to civilian life after military deployment, we can offer  assistance and care. 

Veterans Crisis Line.

For immediate help, call the National Veterans Crisis Line at   1-800-273-TALK (8255). Your call is confidential and can also be anonymous. Or, you may have a confidential online conversation with a professional on the National Veterans Crisis Line Web Chat site 

Readjustment Counseling System (Vet Centers)

National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

VA Mental Health Program

Additional Information

If you are interested in more information about MVAHCS Polytrauma and PM&R Services, including admission or referral information, please contact Stacy Tepper, LCSW, C-ASWCM, at (612) 467-3235 or (866) 414-5058, Ext. 3235.

Returning Veterans and Active Duty Servicemembers

Veterans and Active Duty Servicemembers returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and/or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) should contact their local OEF/OIF Program Manager for information about benefits and health care enrollment. Points of contact for VISN 23 OEF/OIF programming include:

Minnesota

• Minneapolis VA Health Care System
• St. Cloud VA Medical Center

South Dakota

• Black Hills Health Care System
• Sioux Falls VA Medical Center

North Dakota

• Fargo VA Medical Center

Iowa

• Central Iowa Health Care System (Des Moines)
• Iowa City VA Health Care System

Nebraska

• Nebraska-Western Iowa Healthcare System

Information for Families

Our patients and their families are vital participants in our interdisciplinary rehabilitation programs. They regularly partner with team members to develop plans of care that offer the greatest treatment outcomes possible, including the highest level of independence attainable.

• PRC Family Care Map
• Lodging for visitors and families
• Directions and parking information for our facility
• Visiting hours and facility information