Funding secured for direct care for Military Personnel

Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 8th) today announced 6 million dollars in new federal funding for the Defense and Veterans Head Injury Program (DVHIP) - the largest increase in the program's history.  Created after the Gulf War, the DVHIP is the only federal program that provides for direct care and treatment for military personnel and veterans sustaining brain injuries.

"We have no higher duty than to provide the very best medical attention for the men and women who serve our nation," stated Pascrell, a veteran of the U.S. Army and Army Reserve.  "The incidence of brain injury may be as high as 40-70% of combat casualties.  Clearly, we need to provide our troops with the proper treatment.  This need is underscored by the return of troops from Iraq - many of whom will be suffering brain injuries."

As Co-Chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, Pascrell has lead the House effort for the DVHIP, which has been overwhelmed with treating soldiers injured in theater as a result of blasts, gunfire as well as other incidents such as crashes.  In the past year, the DVHIP has treated almost 400 troops with brain injuries, which includes necessary follow-up care.

"Traumatic brain injury can leave devastating results and Congress has an obligation to address this issue," stated Pascrell. "These injuries affect the victim's whole family, and often result in immense medical and rehabilitative expenses."

The secured funding will provide clinical care for injured soldiers, training of battlefield medics and clinical research on blast injury, including new rehabilitation programs.

"In this time of war, military health care needs are ever increasing.  We must not turn our backs on those who serve on the battle lines.  There is a great deal we can and should do for those who give so much, and at the top of the list is providing comprehensive medical attention."

Established in 1992, the DVHP is a component of the military health care system that integrates clinical care and clinical follow-up, with applied research, treatment and training.  Over time, the research conducted buy the DVHP has come to define optimal care for military personnel and veterans with brain injuries. 

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