Hennepin Healthcare

Welcome to the Trauma Survivors Network at Hennepin Healthcare. We are honored to be able to provide life-saving care to those who have experienced traumatic injuries and strive to support our patients and families throughout their journey to recovery.

Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes a nationally recognized Level 1 Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center, a nationally recognized Acute Burn Center, a large outpatient Clinic & Specialty Center, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and surrounding communities. Our flagship hospital, HCMC, is a 484-bed academic medical center with the busiest Emergency Department in the state. Hennepin Healthcare also includes a large psychiatric program, home care, and operates a research institute and philanthropic foundation, as well as Emergency Medical Services serving 14 cities in Hennepin County.

We understand that experiencing a traumatic injury is life changing. Some carry lifelong physical changes, all carry memories and psychological effects. The goal of our Trauma Survivors Network is so individuals are not alone on their journey to recovery. Join our network to connect with other survivors and learn about other areas of support by clicking Join this Center above. You can access virtual support groups with other survivors or family members. Or take part in Nextsteps, a 6 week course for learning self management skills. See below for a list of local and national resources that may offer support for your particular injury or need. And feel free to reach out to the Hennepin Healthcare TSN Coordinator Kary Briner, whose contact info is included below, to explore other ways to connect or find support.

TSN Coordinator

Kary Lehman Briner, LICSW

TBI Center & Trauma Reintegration Program Coordinator

 

Kary Lehman Briner, LICSW
Email Coordinator

Telephone
612-873-3284

Email
[email protected]

Address
730 South 8th St
Mail Code: 09.110
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415

Website
hennepinhealthcare.org

Upcoming Programs & Events

Virtual – Trauma Survivors Support Group

The Trauma Survivors Network offers a virtual support group for trauma survivors of physical injury. The Trauma Survivors Support Group meet twice monthly; the 3rd Wed from 2:30-4:00 CST and the 4th Wed from 4:30-6:00 CST. Survivors can join the Zoom meeting using a computer, tablet, or phone. To register for an upcoming virtual support group, visit https://traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/SupportGroup. You must register 48 hrs before the group’s scheduled start time.  

Virtual – Family and Caregivers Support Group

The Trauma Survivors Network offers a virtual support group for family, friends, and caregivers of trauma survivors of physical injury. This group meets monthly, the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00 – 1:30 CST. Join via Zoom us using your computer, tablet, or phone.  To register for an upcoming virtual support group, visit: https://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/support-groups/

NextSteps Online

Ongoing – The NextSteps program is a free 6-week self management course designed to recognize that YOU play the most important role in your recovery. Based on the principles of self-management, the course uses techniques that have been scientifically proven to increase one’s self confidence and sense of empowerment. NextSteps teaches you the skills to become an active self manager of your health and your life. Learn more here.

Peer Visitation

Recovery after trauma is challenging, filled with uncertainty and anxiety. The Trauma Survivor’s Network Peer Visitation program connects trauma survivors with trained individuals who have personally navigated the recovery journey. Peer visitors offer support, understanding, and practical tips, having experienced the entire journey from the rescue scene to rehabilitation. Reach out to Hennepin Healthcare’s TSN Coordinator if you are interested in becoming a Peer Mentor and volunteering to connect with others who are newer to their recovery journey.

 May is Trauma Awareness Month!

Each year, the month of May is focused on raising awareness for trauma survivors, their family/friends, and the trauma professionals who go above and beyond every day. Learn more here .

May 20, 2026 – Mark your calendars! The 3rd Wednesday in May is National Trauma Survivors Day. Together, we celebrate the strength and resiliency of trauma survivors, their family/friends, and the trauma professionals who go above and beyond every day. Learn more here.

Community Resources

Resources for Amputation Survivors

  • Amputee Coalition: amputee-coalition.org, phone: 888-267-5669.  A community for Americans with limb loss and limb difference, providing support, resources, and connections that help individuals, families, and professionals.

Resources for Brain Injury Survivors

  • Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance: Braininjurymn.org, phone: 800-669-6442. Supports Minnesotans affected by brain injury through advocacy, public policy, resource facilitation, case management, education and outreach.
  • Brain Injury Association of America: Biausa.org, phone: 800-444-6443.  A nationwide advocacy organization aimed at improving the quality of life of people affected by brain injury across their lifespan through advancing prevention, awareness, research, treatment, education, and advocacy.

Resources for Burn Survivors

  • Phoenix Society: Phoenix-Society.org, phone: 800-888-2876. National nonprofit organization supporting and empowering anyone impacted by a burn injury.

Resources for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

  • The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: Christopherreeve.org phone: 800-225-0292. A nationwide nonprofit dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. Resources include a Paralysis resource guide, virtual support groups, and 

Resources for Victims of Crime

  • Minnesota Department of Public Safety Crime Victim Emergency Fund: dps.mn.gov, phone: 888-622-8799. Provides financial help to victims and their families for losses incurred as a result of crime
  • Minnesota Crime Victim Support Line: 24-hr crisis hotline: 866-385-2699, Text: 612-399-9977

Legal Resources

  • Minnesota Disability Law Center: Mylegalaid.org/disability-law-center, phone: 1-800-292-4150. The federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency for people with disabilities in the state of MN. Provides free legal help to people with disabilities on disability rights issues.

General Resources

  • United Way 2-1-1: phone: 211, toll free: 800-543-7709, text: 898-211. Free and confidential health and human services information for people in Minnesota available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. All languages available.