NAMI Montana has learned from experience in serving Montanans that the best treatment for brain conditions happens in places that are actively involved with research. This insight led us to help start the Center for Mental Health Research and Recovery at Montana State University and it now guides us in this advocacy effort to increase the amount of active research for hidden wounds.
The Coalition to Heal Invisible Wounds was founded in February 2017 to connect leading public and private scientific investigators of new PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatments with policymakers working to improve care for veterans. Coalition members support innovators at all stages of the therapy development life-cycle, from initial research to late-stage clinical trials. The Coalition aims to spur strategic federal institution support to create better treatment and care for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. The Coalition seeks to work with the VA and the Department of Defense (DOD) on immediate improvements to public-private partnerships for:
- Developing and validating PTSD and TBI biomarkers and diagnostics;
- Providing research access to PTSD and TBI datasets;
- Providing institution-wide support for PTSD clinical trials;
- Improving messaging of relevant policies and practice guidelines; and,
- Providing up-to-date education around clinical trial endpoints and drug therapy options.
The Coalition also seeks renewed investment in VA-funded PTSD research and an expansion in the types of research supported. Through strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors, the Coalition believes that our nation can improve treatment of servicemembers and veterans suffering from PTSD.
NAMI Montana is honored to be part of this Coalition and excited to get our hands dirty in this effort to improve the care of our nation’s injured heroes.
