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UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., Brain Wellness Program

About the Program

The UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, Brain Wellness Program started seeing patients October 2021 and its first cohort of three graduates completed the program December 2021. The Haley Brain Wellness Program is an interdisciplinary treatment program for military veterans experiencing persistent health issues associated with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries, along with associated behavioral health issues, such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and substance use disorder. In addition to serving veterans, UF Health Jacksonville plans to expand efforts for adults suffering from these conditions, including athletes and first responders.

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A Night at UF Health: Healing Invisible Wounds

To learn more about the need and approach of this program, please click here to watch a brief virtual salon...

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Our Health Care Team

Learn more about the people that make up the health care team for the Haley Brain Wellness Program.

Veterans Guide

Learn more about what you need to obtain the maximum benefits when you leave military service.

Photo Credit: U.S. Army Africa, Pfc. Craig Philbrick

Invisible Wounds

During their time on the battlefield, about 900,000 servicemen and servicewomen develop symptoms consistent with, or are diagnosed with, post-traumatic stress, or PTS. An estimated 560,000 service members sustain a traumatic brain injury, or TBI.

Mild to moderate TBI, PTS, anxiety, depression and substance abuse are invisible wounds of war. These conditions contribute to a suicide rate of more than 20 veterans per day, a figure that has increased every year since 2002. Treating these veterans requires a comprehensive approach to care — one that gives our servicemen and servicewomen the expertise they deserve.

Photographed October 17, 2014, by U.S. Army Africa (USARAF), Pfc. Craig Philbrick, this image depicts military personnel, in support of Operation United Assistance, entering a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, about to depart en route to Cesco City, Liberia.

Photo Credit: Department of Defense Public Domain

Meeting The Challenge

The UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., Brain Wellness Program is an interdisciplinary treatment program for military veterans and other adults experiencing persistent health problems associated with mild to moderate TBI, along with associated behavioral health problems, such as PTS. In addition to serving veterans, UF Health Jacksonville will join efforts to establish new protocols for all patients affected by these conditions, including athletes and those in our surrounding community.

By leveraging our knowledge, experience and skills as an academic health center, we are uniquely positioned to establish a program in Jacksonville that delivers comprehensive solutions through research and innovative care to address and mitigate the mental health and traumatic brain injury crisis.

SASEBO, Japan (Dec. 02, 2008) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Arturo J. Adame holds his son during a homecoming celebration for the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9)to Fleet Activities Sasebo. Denver is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, which serves under Task Force 76, the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed amphibious force commander. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua J. Wahl.

The Power of Philanthropy

With deep roots in our military city, and more than a century of life-changing care, UF Health Jacksonville's clinical programs of distinction offer integrated multidisciplinary care, medical and community education, and clinical research. We need visionary partners to expand these programs and achieve our big vision. Your support will unlock a transformational space for comprehensive mental health and traumatic brain injury care, allowing us to change the conversation around mental illness through leading research and comprehensive care.

Care Plan Examples

Full diagnostic assessment, plus individualized treatment plan and referral recommendations

Full diagnostic assessment, plus a three-week intensive on-site program (five days a week) using a wide spectrum of traditional and supportive therapies

Latest News

Caring for the invisible wounds of war

Category: Patient Care

UF Health Jacksonville program aimed at helping military veterans opened Nov. 19.

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Raising Awareness About PTSD

Category: Education

June is PTSD Awareness Month, which offers a great opportunity to become educated about post-traumatic stress disorder, its symptoms and treatments.

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UF Health joins forces with Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network dedicated to assisting veterans and first responders

Category: Community

UF Health Jacksonville and one of the nation’s premiere institutions dedicated to helping veterans, first responders and their families — the Gary S...

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For More Information

Give to this Fund

To establish and maintain a program at UF Health Jacksonville to diagnose, treat and provide rehabilitation to veterans and other patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries or PTS to improve health outcomes and quality of life.