Resource Guide

VA debuts documentary highlighting heroes, polytrauma system of care

  • Published
The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a campaign to increase awareness about Traumatic Brain Injury and services provided by the VA for veterans and service members recovering from TBI and co-occurring complex injuries.

The campaign debuted with a 25-minute documentary last week highlighting individual stories of recovery for some of the most severely injured and wounded veterans through the VA Polytrauma System of Care at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Va. The documentary and other videos can be viewed at www.polytrauma.va.gov.

"The stories of true courage and determination are an inspiration to all who watch this documentary," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "The stories go beyond their injuries resulting from combat or vehicle accidents by highlighting their heroic roads to recovery, aided by VA's system of care. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to watch the video."

VA has released a series of products to promote awareness of TBI and services available to veterans, including public service announcements featuring Golden Globe, Emmy, and Screen Actors Guild SAG Award winner and Academy Award nominee Gary Sinise.

The pieces highlight the fact that effects of TBI can range from mild to severe, lasting for a brief or prolonged period of time. Treatment is available and VA provides specialized services to support veterans and service members through evaluating and diagnosing TBI, related problems, and enabling their recovery.

More information about TBI and VA's Polytrauma/TBI System of Care is available at www.polytrauma.va.gov.