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

New! Virtual Trauma Survivors Support Group

Survivors of physical trauma are invited to join our monthly virtual support group. We will meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 4:00-5:30, starting August 12, 2026. We will meet using the Microsoft Teams virtual platform. Reach out to Kary for more information and to register.

This virtual support group is hosted by Twin Cities Metro Trauma Survivor Networks: Hennepin Healthcare, North Memorial, and Regions Hospital.

The National Trauma Survivors Network offers other virtual support groups for trauma survivors, and also support groups for family or loved ones of trauma survivors. To learn more and register, visit https://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org/support-groups-2026/

 May is Trauma Awareness Month!

Thank you to those who joined our inaugural Trauma Survivors Day lunch on Wed, May 20, 2026. The event was a huge success and incredible opportunity to celebrate the strength and resiliency of trauma survivors, their family/friends, and the trauma professionals who go above and beyond every day. Visit: hennepinhealthcare.org/TSN to see more photos. And check back next spring to learn more about our plans for Trauma Survivors Day in May 2027.

Learn more about National Trauma Survivors Day here.

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. Hennepin Healthcare does not have a peer visitor program yet, but we are looking forward to adding this resource in the future. 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.

Community Resources

Below is a list of some resources that may be relevant for trauma survivors. If you are looking for a resource that isn’t listed here, please reach out to TSN Coordinator Kary Briner.

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.

-Never Shake Minnesota’s mission is to provide support to the victims of Abusive Head Trauma or Shaken Baby Syndrome and their families and to educate the public in hopes of preventing the injury of babies by Abusive Head Trauma. https://nevershakemn.com/

Resources for Burn Survivors
Firefighters for Healing: Firefightersforhealing.org email: [email protected]. Twin Cities organization that supports burn survivors, firefighters, first responders and their families.
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 other support areas.

Resources for Grief and Loss after Death
-Visit Hennepinhealthcare.org/griefsupport for a list of resources for those grieving after loss; including resources for children after the death of a parent, resources for sudden or unexpected death, and resources for those in the Latino community.

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

Resources for those impacted by Impaired Driving
-MADD Mothers Against Drunk Driving is more than just mothers. We’re fathers, sisters, brothers, families, and friends. MADD works tirelessly to support victims at no charge, advocate for stronger laws and create a future of No More Victims. https://madd.org/minnesota/
24 hour victim/survivor helpline: 877.MADD.HELP

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.