HeroCare: Health care advocacy and mental health program for veterans

Regions Hospital created the Lee and Penny Anderson HeroCare Program to provide health care advocacy and mental health care for veterans. This unique program sets the standard of non-VA health care and veterans mental health services in Minnesota. We work in close collaboration with the Veteran Health Administration and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

HeroCare serves veterans, members of the military and their families by connecting them to mental health services, medical care and resources specific to servicemember and veteran needs. We treat all veterans, military members and their families, hospital wide.

Veterans Crisis Line

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1. Or text the Veterans Crisis Line at 838255.

You’ll have access to free, 24/7 confidential support for all veterans, even if you’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.

Connecting our country’s finest to benefits and mental health services

The HeroCare team has social work advocates who are all veterans or are currently serving themselves. Our experts often connect veterans with mental health support and other services that they didn’t know were available. The HeroCare social work advocates assist with:

  • Connecting patients to appropriate medical and mental health services that address the specific needs of veterans
  • Connecting patients to a wide variety of veteran and military benefits based on eligibility and specific patient need
  • Educating patients and their families on current community, state and federal benefits
  • Identifying appropriate military-related community resources
  • Thanking each veteran, military member and family member for their service and sacrifice with a HeroCare Challenge Coin

Providing veterans mental health education to businesses and the community

Our HeroCare team also focuses on educating and collaborating with community providers. We educate the public on military culture and the possible roles community providers can play in caring for veterans, military members and their families.

We support and assist community organizations to create more opportunities for veterans, military members and their families. HeroCare continues to develop partnerships with organizations and programs that are dedicated to serving our nation’s finest.

Our mission

To honor and advocate for the unique needs of veterans, military members and their families; ensuring our country’s finest are treated with respect, dignity and pride.