subject: Government Shows Interest In Military Addictions [print this page] The National Intrepid Center of Excellence opened last week in Bethesda, Maryland. The center will improve the ability of military and civilian health care providers to treat traumatic brain and injuries and psychological disorders in war veterans.
The center is located on the grounds of the National Naval Medical Center. It is one of six created under the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, established in 2007 to lead work by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The depression treatment center will serve as a hub for service members and their families to receive better diagnosis and treatment plans than those currently available at their local military post.
The need for such an institution could not be more pressing as our military approaches its tenth year at war, said Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn.
Despite medical and treatment advances, many troops are returning home with brain injuries, and psychological problems like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies show that more than ten percent of those who served in Iraq suffered concussions and at least 12 percent show significant signs of depression or combat stress. A depression treatment center will be a welcome service to many members of the military returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Theyll need care long after the wars are over, Lynn said.
The Department of Defense has appointed directors of psychological health in each of the 50 states to provide consistent service to members of the National Guard and their families. More than 2,000 mental health providers have also been added to the healthcare system.
The stigma of mental health problems is still a concern for many service members. The Department of Defense wants to reassure members of the military that their careers will not be jeopardized if they seek treatment for depression or other mental health issues.
The opening of the $65 million medical center comes amid criticism by Congress and reports that soldiers with traumatic brain injuries often do not have their conditions diagnosed. Many are forced to go through the large bureaucracy of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Help and Traumatic Brain Injury, which is in charge of their treatment. About 115,000 service men and women have suffered mild traumatic brain injury and depression since the beginning of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Its not acceptable to sweep these wounded veterans under the rug, said Arnold Fisher, chairman of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which raised the money for the center.
The 72,000 square-foot facility offers a variety of services, including advanced digital imaging technology and a serene place called Central Park. The centers opening marks a major step toward the governments goal of closing Walter Reed Army Medical Center by 2011.
Its a step in the right direction, said Lynn. But we still face challenges in treating these wounds.
