LANSING, Mich., July 21, 2022 – State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) introduced House Resolution 330 to urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to facilitate FDA-approved research on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to better serve the veteran population. The resolution was introduced with bipartisan support and referred to the House Committee on Health Policy.
“As a physical therapist, I have firsthand knowledge of this sort of treatment, and it has shown many promising results,” Rogers said. “I am especially optimistic about what this could mean for our veteran communities. It is predicted that treating brain wounds with hyperbaric oxygen therapy will help address more of their complex needs.”
Earlier this year, Rogers, who serves as the Democratic vice chair of the Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee, partnered with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on a statewide veterans’ issues listening tour. During the listening tour, Rogers heard from veterans and veteran service organizations on a wide variety of topics impacting service people. One theme that continued to surface was the need to ensure veterans have access to health services, including mental health services.
Michigan is home to nearly 568,000 veterans, and it is estimated that a significant portion of these veterans suffers from TBI and PTSD. Studies have shown that brain injuries can negatively impact mental health, and suicide rates in veterans have increased.
“It is important that we implement every available tool to help ensure that our veterans have access to proper health care,” Rogers said. “This research could lead to an approved treatment which could improve the quality of life for those who served and help military families and communities.”
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