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.

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.