Treating Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans

The THRIVE Program celebrates the graduation of its first intensive outpatient program cohort in February 2023.

The Matthew Gfeller Center in the College of Arts and Sciences launched a new initiative to make treatment for traumatic brain injuries more accessible for military veterans in and around North Carolina, thanks to a $12.5 million investment from the Avalon Action Alliance. This gift has enabled Carolina to establish an outreach program dedicated to treating traumatic brain injuries and related health conditions, promoting overall wellness for veterans.

The Transforming Health and Resilience in Veterans, or THRIVE, Program is designed to provide care to veterans who are experiencing the effects of traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress resulting from a career serving our nation. The THRIVE Program aims to serve approximately 140 veterans per year for the next 10 years. Veterans are evaluated and treated for physical, cognitive and other health conditions in a month-long
care program.

“The Matthew Gfeller Center has a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by our nation’s service members. Our decade-long military research partnerships in North Carolina have sought to address the lasting impact military service may have on long-term neurological and psychological health in active-duty service members and veterans,” said Jason Mihalik, director of the Matthew Gfeller Center. “We are thankful for this tremendous partnership with the Avalon Action Alliance to carry out the THRIVE Program’s clinical mission to benefit veterans, first responders and their families in an innovative clinical outreach program in the communities we serve.”