Armed Forces News

Airmen and members of the other armed services who suffer from invisible wounds — post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, psychological issues and chronic pain — have a new avenue of treatment. The Air Force dedicated its first medical facility devoted solely to the treatment of invisible wounds on Aug. 30. The Invisible Wounds Center is located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
“The center is ready to treat retirees, Guard, reserve, and active-duty members from our sister services who carry the weight of invisible wounds,” said Lt. Gen. Dorothy Hogg, the Air Force surgeon general, during the dedication ceremony.

The Eglin-based 96thMedical Group will operate the facility, which is modeled after the existing Intrepid Spirit Centers. Specialists in 18 areas will treat patients by incorporating conventional treatment regimens with holistic and complimentary therapies. Besides traditional protocols, patients could take advantage of art and music therapy, acupuncture, physical and occupational therapy, and mental health services. Patients, caregivers and family members will work closely to improve prognoses and outcomes, according to the center’s mission.

“We learned the best outcomes occur when a host of people are involved in the healing process. Complete healing and reintegration requires healing the patient as well as the family,” Hogg said.