Traumatic Brain Injury Two-City Event Raises Awareness
Though traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a very serious condition, it is not fully understood nor widely discussed. That is beginning to change however, with new presidential and organizational initiatives aimed at researching and better understanding how TBI affects people.
Dr. Howard and Jean Somers, the parents of Army National Guard soldier Sgt. Daniel Somers who suffered from TBI and PTSD and eventually committed suicide, have joined the cause and are spreading the word by organizing a two-city mental health and brain injury event.
The event, titled Operation Engage America, took place in San Diego and Des Moines on June 7th. The event’s goal is to increase understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, as well as provide resources for those who are affected and their families.
The Somers had initially sought treatment for their son’s post-traumatic stress, which had manifested as a “moral injury” or an overbearing guilt, sorrow, and anger over participating in, witnessing, and failing to prevent acts during war conflict. Unfortunately, Sgt. Somers did not receive the proper care needed at the Phoenix VA Medical Center in Arizona. In his suicide note he stated that he was “too trapped in a war to be at peace, too damaged to be at war…”
As a result of their family tragedy, Dr. Howard and Jean Somers have worked tirelessly to improve VA mental health care and raise awareness on PTSD and TBI. Operation Engage America is currently building relationships with community health facilities, government bodies, and volunteer organizations in an effort to gain support and spread awareness.
The Operation Engage America event has gained attention, and is expected to host lawmakers, VA health officials, veterans’ service organizations, volunteer groups, soldiers affected by PTSD and TBI, and their families. Somers summed up the need for more awareness by explaining that “there is so much in our culture and our laws in this country that really work against mental health treatment. And there are thousands of volunteer organizations to help service members. But until our son needed help, we weren’t aware of the barriers we faced as parents and we now are just scratching the surface in figuring out what help there is.”
Because TBI is not fully understood, it can be difficult for those suffering from it to get the help they need. While these patients may need medical help, they can also require legal assistance. As the victim of personal injury, you may be able, in some instances, to receive compensation for your injury. However, personal injury cases can be complex. Thus, it is imperative that you seek the counsel of experienced personal injury lawyers like those at Gilleon Law Firm, APC in San Diego. With years of experience in several areas of personal injury, including traumatic brain injury, the Gilleon Law Firm, APC has the know-how to fight for your rights and just compensation.
