Donate

FAQs

FAQs

Healing Arizona Veterans (“HAV”) is a grassroots organization dedicated to helping our recent returning veterans to heal from their Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) conditions suffered in combat. HAV is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation

No, HAV collects donations and pays for treatment at provider locations in the network. There are currently two. If the demand requires it, other providers will be added to the network.

The Federal Government is not currently supporting HBOT for treating Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), several states have undertaken a grassroots effort to provide HBOT to their veterans. Nine states have already approved the use of HBOT and a further six states are evaluating doing the same. The State of Arizona passed HB2513 in March of 2018 to support this treatment, becoming the 5th state to do so. The Arizona bill was passed unanimously by The State House and Senate. The Federal Government is slowly beginning to catch up to the States; Senate Bill S785 was signed into law in October 2020 which offers to pilot the treatment utilizing alternative therapies including HBOT.

Virtually 100% of donations will be used for veteran treatment. HAV has no overhead costs at present, as all Board members and staff are volunteers. Once the number of veterans treated increases, there will be overhead costs to manage the operation. Our goal is that overhead costs not exceed 10% of donations.

For mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI) HAV provides free Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) combined with a nutritional program to help the veteran to heal the injured brain.  This type program is standard of care in many countries of the world but has not been approved as yet for use in our VA hospitals.  It has over 40 years research backing its proven results.

HBOT is treatment that is provided when a patient sits inside a chamber, under pressure typically one-half atmospheres above ambient pressure and patients breathe 100% oxygen.  

Typical treatment time spent in the chamber for recovery from TBI is one hour under pressure. Between 40 and 80 sessions are needed for full treatment depending on condition of the injury.

HAV sponsors HBOT treatment exclusively as it is the only proven therapy to actually heal the brain in cases of TBI. HAV does not offer sponsorship for other drug free PTSD therapies that have a proven record of benefits and are performed by professionals with long histories of success. These include Neuro-bio-feedback, Acupuncture, Meditation, Equine Therapy, EMDR, Qigong, Physical conditioning, Yoga and PEMF (Pulsating Electro-Magnetic Frequency). The veteran is free to find appropriate providers for these other therapies.
The qualification for treatment will be determined by a doctor for neurological condition, and our Board Chairman and Veteran Liaison leader will determine sponsorship qualifications. It will be based on interviews and past documentation of condition.

It has become clear with the cumulative effects of injury of NFL players that untreated TBI leads to increased risks of Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS and CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy).  This same correlation is becoming evident in military veterans.  This is why it is urgent to treat as soon as possible.

Veterans will be treated at private facilities in Arizona. The current, and future private facilities, cover services across Arizona. The selection of these facilities is based on their qualifications and the veteran’s geographic residency.

These therapies are fully or partially covered through generous HAV donors who continue to show their appreciation for and their profound desire to help the American Veteran, especially so that the severely wounded can receive the treatment needed to make their lives whole again.

For more information on the process, check out the Veterans page. You can also send an email to healingazvets@gmail.com by filling out the form on our Contact page, or you can call HAV at (520)-222-6036

Check out our volunteer page or send an email to Healing Arizona Veterans via the Contact page. You can also call our number with your request: (520) 222-6036