This week marked another important step forward in our mission to ensure veterans and first responders have access to proven, evidence-based care for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dale Lutzen, Help Our Heroes Policy and Legislative Advocate, Eapen Thampy, Lobbyist, and Blake Richardson, Help Our Heroes Founder, met with Missouri Senator Rusty Black in Chillicothe, Missouri to discuss next steps in securing funding support for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) under Missouri HB 262.

Why This Meeting Matters
Missouri HB 262 created a pathway for veterans to access HBOT as a treatment option for TBI and PTSD. The critical next phase is ensuring sustainable funding so eligible Missouri veterans can actually receive care—without delay, financial burden, or unnecessary barriers.
Our discussion with Senator Black focused on:

• The urgent need for effective treatments that address the root cause of brain injuries, including HBOT and Ibogaine
• The growing body of clinical research supporting HBOT for neurological injury
• The cost-benefit case of funding care that improves outcomes and reduces long-term healthcare utilization
• Real-world outcomes from veterans who have experienced meaningful recovery through HBOT and Ibogaine

We are encouraged by the continued openness and engagement from Missouri leadership and will be meeting with additional Missouri legislators in the coming weeks to broaden support and move funding conversations forward.

Looking Ahead: Kansas Legislative Efforts
Momentum is also building just across the state line.

Next week, we will be meeting with Kansas legislators to lock in a sponsor and co-sponsor(s) for a Kansas-based HBOT bill. This legislation will aim to make HBOT accessible not only to veterans, but also to first responders who are disproportionately impacted by brain wounds specific to TBI and PTSD.

Our goal is straitforward:

• Expand access to evidence-based brain health therapies, starting with HBOT.
• Reduce reliance on symptom-management-only approaches
• Provide veterans and first responders with real options for healing

A Broader Vision for Veteran Brain Health
Across the country, states are recognizing that the status quo is not enough. Veterans and first responders deserve access to treatments supported by decades of research, objective data, and lived experiences.

At Help Our Heroes, we remain committed to:

• Educating policymakers
• Connecting and working with the pioneers within the modalities identified at mitigating the root cause of TBI, PTSD, CTE, and other similar brain wounds
• Advocating for funding models that prioritize outcomes and accountability
• Ensuring those who served have access to the care they need to truly recover.

Missouri is moving forward. Kansas is next. And this work will continue, state-by-state, until access to effective brain wound care is the norm, not the exception.

Evidence-Based Research Supporting HBOT for TBI & PTSD
The following peer-reviewed studies and authoritative sources informed and support our advocacy efforts: ​Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
​

Missouri HB 262 - Funding Conversations Underway
​
We’re continuing to work with Missouri legislators, partners, and veteran advocates to secure funding for Missouri House Bill 262. This legislation aims to provide access to HBOT for Veterans living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Developing a funding plan is a detailed process that requires collaboration, data, and community support — and we’re encouraged by the growing number of leaders who see HBOT not just as treatment, but as a pathway to true recovery.

With continued momentum, Missouri could become a national model for brain-healing policy that prioritizes results over red tape. 

Expanding to Kansas - Bipartisan Conversations Have Begun
​October 2025, we’ve started conversations with Kansas legislators to introduce a bill that mirrors Missouri’s efforts — ensuring that both Veterans and first responders have access to proven, brain-healing care.

These early discussions have been met with strong interest and a shared recognition that traditional “standard of care” approaches are not enough. We’re working toward identifying both sponsors and co-sponsors who can help bring this bill to life in the 2026 legislative session. 

A Call for Policy Change - TreatNOW and the Hyperbaric Institute Spotlight the Crisis

​The TreatNOW Coalition recently featured a story about an award-winning documentary released by The Hyperbaric Institute, titled Undeniable Evidence: Clean Medicine. Dirty Politics.

The film sheds light on a critical issue—how promising treatments like HBOT are still working their way through the processes needed to become more widely available. It highlights both the scientific research behind HBOT and the ongoing policy discussions at the national level.

Some key takeaways include:

• Each day, 22 Veterans die by suicide, many linked to untreated brain injuries and psychological trauma.
• Since 9/11, over 155,000 Veterans have died by suicide—a number that demands renewed attention and collaboration.
• Published studies by Dr. Paul Harch and others continue to demonstrate measurable improvements in brain function through HBOT.
• Thirteen states have already implemented programs that provide access to HBOT for Veterans, showing that progress is possible.
• Two federal bills—H.R. 1336 and S. 2737—are currently before Congress to explore and expand HBOT access for Veterans.

The documentary serves as both a warning and a call to action: the science is there, but politics continue to stand in the way.

Why This Matters
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has helped countless Veterans and non-Veterans heal from invisible wounds, restore cognitive function, and reclaim their lives. These are not just anecdotes — they’re supported by data, brain imaging, and peer-reviewed science.

Event Details: National Press Club
529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045
November 18th, 2025 | Doors open at 6:00 PM | Screening 7:00 PM
RSVP: hbotfilms@gmail.com
Contact: The Hyperbaric Institute | John Salcedo | HBOTFILMS@gmail.com

On July 14, 2025, Missouri made history by signing House Bill 262 (HB262) into law — officially recognizing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a treatment option for veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The passage of this bill is a critical step forward in addressing the invisible wounds of war. HB262 establishes a state-funded program that, once appropriated, will reimburse licensed facilities offering HBOT to Missouri veterans at no cost to the veteran. The Missouri Veterans Commission will also track treatment outcomes, paving the way for future evidence-based policy decisions.

What Is HBOT and Why Does It Matter?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which allows the body to absorb oxygen at higher concentrations. This process boosts the body's natural healing ability, reduces inflammation, and helps restore brain function after injury.

Multiple peer-reviewed studies and veteran case reports show that HBOT can significantly improve symptoms of PTSD and TBI — including better sleep, reduced anxiety, enhanced memory, and decreased suicidal thoughts. Veterans who complete HBOT protocols often report getting their lives back.

As retired Air Force Master Sgt. Dale Lutzen testified, “This treatment allows patients to experience recovery of cognitive and neurological functioning without surgery or drugs” (Missouri Independent).

Next Step: Funding for 2026

Although HB262 is now law, the program still needs state funding to launch in full. The 2026 legislative session will determine whether Missouri allocates the necessary resources to provide this treatment to veterans statewide. Until then, organizations like Help Our Heroes are working tirelessly to raise awareness, support early access to treatment, and educate the public on HBOT’s benefits.
​
As bill sponsor Rep. Chris Brown stated, “There are too many veterans that are taking their lives. They don’t see a way out. HBOT may be the answer" (Missouri Independent).

How You Can Help

Help Our Heroes is committed to making HBOT accessible to every veteran who needs it — not just in Missouri, but across the country. We are continuing to advocate, educate, and collaborate with partners, medical providers, legislators, and supporters to ensure funding is secured in 2026 and beyond.

Stay informed. Share this blog. Donate if you can. Together, we can empower our heroes and truly honor their sacrifice - one Veteran, one treatment, one life at a time.

A life-saving breakthrough is coming to light—and it could change everything we know about treating concussions, brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress.

Later this month, a landmark peer-reviewed study will reveal that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)—already known to many Veterans and clinicians—has demonstrated objective, measurable healing of acute concussions, backed by EEG-based brain biomarkers.

In the study, young athletes who sustained a concussion within the past 10 days received between 2 and 8 one-hour HBOT sessions (average: just 3). The results were nothing short of groundbreaking. Participants saw rapid improvements across a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional markers—something no current concussion protocol has ever achieved.

This was healing, not just symptom management.

The Science of Healing—Oxygen Under Pressure

Renowned neurosurgeon and long-time Pittsburgh Steelers team physician, Dr. Joseph Maroon, recently released a video summarizing the powerful science behind HBOT’s healing mechanisms. These include:

• Neurogenesis (new brain cell growth)
• Angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
• Mitochondrial biogenesis (cellular energy production)
• Neuroplasticity (brain rewiring)
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Stem cell activation
• Whole-body healing

These biological processes are the reason HBOT has helped over 31,000 individuals, including 12,500 Veterans and 700+ Special Operations personnel, regain control over their lives following brain trauma.

What Veterans Are Telling Us

In a recent survey conducted by Mission Roll Call, nearly 50% of Veterans supported access to HBOT as part of their care through the VA (See Image Above). This is not a fringe idea. This is an unmet demand—by those who’ve borne the battle.

Help Our Heroes has partnered with TreatNOW.org to help bridge the gap between what science shows and what’s widely available. For 16 years, TreatNOW has led grassroots efforts to bring education, clinical research, and direct access to healing options like HBOT to the Veteran community.

Brain Wounds Deserve Medical Attention—Not Just Outreach

We applaud the Department of Veteran's Affairs continued expansion of mental health services and suicide prevention outreach. But we now have the scientific tools to go even further.

While the VA budget for FY 2025 reflects a strong $17.1 billion investment in mental health—and $583 million specifically for suicide prevention outreach—we believe healing invisible brain wounds must be part of that strategy.

The numbers are sobering:

• Over 135,000 Veterans lost to suicide in the past decade
• More than 110,000 Veteran overdose deaths
• Between 2010 and 2019, overdose mortality rates rose 53% among Veterans
• 93% of those deaths involved opioids
• Research suggests that for every fatal overdose, 15 nonfatal overdoses occur—many resulting in undiagnosed hypoxic or anoxic brain injuries

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Millions may be living with these hidden wounds. Many don’t even know there’s a treatment—one as simple, safe, and effective as oxygen under pressure.

The Road Ahead: HBOT and Community Care

Already, 12 states have passed legislation supporting HBOT for Veterans, with over $32 million in funding committed to expanding access. More are considering similar measures.

The next step is clear: expand access to HBOT through the VA and VA’s Community Care program, giving Veterans the right to choose this evidence-based option when appropriate.

No one is suggesting HBOT is a silver bullet, as there is no "one-size-fits-all" medication, treatment, or therapy for everyone. But it deserves a seat at the table, alongside every other tool being used to combat PTSD, TBI, and Veteran suicide.

How You Can Support the Mission

At Help Our Heroes, we believe in hope backed by science. Through our partnership with TreatNOW.org, we’re fighting to ensure every Veteran has access to treatments that can truly change lives.

Here’s how you can help:
✅Donate to support Veterans pursuing HBOT treatment
✅ Share this post to raise awareness
✅Write to your state and federal lawmakers in support of HBOT legislation
✅ Learn more about the research at TreatNOW.org

Treat now. Heal now. Hope now.

​Published in partnership with TreatNOW.org

Right now, Missouri stands at a critical crossroads.
​
House Bill 262—a bill that could transform the lives of thousands of Veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI)—has made it to Governor Mike Kehoe’s desk. This legislation would provide access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at no cost to Missouri Veterans, offering a path to true healing—not just temporary relief.

But the bill still needs two things:
Governor Kehoe’s signature and full funding in the state budget.

Why It Matters​
According to data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Missouri consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for Veteran suicide rates. These are not just statistics—they represent real people who served our country and came home only to face battles most never see.

For too many, conventional treatments have fallen short. But HBOT has emerged as a proven therapy, supported by more than 28 peer-reviewed studies. It helps repair brain function, reduce symptoms, and—most importantly—restore hope and purpose.

This isn’t about a political win.
It’s about saving lives.

HBOT Is a Proven Solution—But It Must Be Accessible
​At Help Our Heroes, we’ve witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of HBOT when delivered using the peer-reviewed neurological protocol. Veterans report improved sleep, emotional regulation, memory, and cognitive function—many credit the therapy with saving their lives.
​
HB262 opens the door to this treatment statewide, providing Missouri Veterans with a chance to truly heal. But we need action now. Without the Governor’s signature and a commitment to funding, this opportunity could disappear.

The Movement Is Growing—California May Be Next
​This week, Help Our Heroes, TreatNow, and Hyperbaric Healing Institute began conversations with a national organization to explore drafting a similar HBOT bill in California. The momentum is building, and states across the country are beginning to see what Missouri (and 11 other states) have already recognized: HBOT works—and our Veterans deserve access to it at no cost.
​
Missouri can lead the way by becoming a model for how we treat Veterans—with compassion, science, and urgency.

How You Can Help
We need your voice—now more than ever.
✅ Contact Governor Mike Kehoe and respectfully urge him to sign HB262 and ensure full funding. Contact the Governor's Office | Governor Mike Kehoe
✅ Share this blog post and help raise awareness using #SignHB262 and #HelpOurHeroes
✅ Support our mission by donating: Donate

​Let’s make Missouri a national leader in Veteran care. Let’s deliver on the promise we made to those who served by ensuring they receive the healing they’ve earned.

After months of tireless advocacy, collaboration, and overwhelming bipartisan support, we are proud to announce that Missouri House Bill 262 (HB 262) has officially made it to the Governor’s desk, pending signature.

If signed into law, HB 262 will create the “Veterans’ Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Act,” funding access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — wounds that are often invisible, but no less life-threatening.

This bill represents hope.
Hope for healing.
Hope for families who’ve been searching for answers.
Hope for Veterans who’ve exhausted every traditional option and are still struggling.

Again, Why This Matters
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy isn’t just another treatment — it’s a scientifically proven way to heal the brain at the root, not just manage symptoms.

Veterans who receive HBOT under peer-reviewed neurological protocols have shown:

• Dramatic reduction in PTSD and TBI symptoms
• Increased cognitive function and sleep
• Lower dependence on pharmaceuticals
• Significant decreases in suicidal ideation — and in many cases, full remission

This is why HBOT is often described as a catalyst for recovery — and why state legislation like HB 262 is so critical.

The Fight Isn't Over
While this milestone deserves celebration, the work is far from done. We must ensure:

• Governor Parson signs HB 262 into law
• Other states follow Missouri’s lead
• Veterans across the country have access to HBOT — regardless of zip code, income, or status

Help Our Heroes will continue connecting Veterans to "no-cost" HBOT treatment through our partners, and our recently launched HBOT Campaign is raising critical funds to support these efforts while we wait for long-term legislation to catch up.

🩵 You can help today: Donate to the HBOT Campaign

Our Final Thoughts
The path to healing invisible wounds isn’t easy — but it’s possible.
HB 262 is more than a bill. It’s a promise. A signal to every Veteran that their service, their life, and their recovery matter.
Let’s keep going. Let’s get this signed.
And then let’s keep fighting for every state, every Veteran, and every life that can still be saved.

Exciting news is unfolding for our nation's Veterans and families.
On April 24, 2025, Missouri’s House Bill 262 (HB 262) officially advanced out of Senate committee with a “Do Pass” recommendation, moving it one step closer to becoming law. HB 262 would establish the “Veterans’ Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Act,” providing funding for Veterans diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to receive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) — a proven, healing treatment long overdue for broader accessibility.

This milestone comes at a pivotal time. Just this week, North Dakota became the 11th state to pass a resolution urging Congress to act and fund HBOT for Veterans suffering from TBI and PTSD. Their newly passed resolution boldly declares:​
"The Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly urges Congress to provide veterans with medical coverage for hyperbaric oxygenation therapy."

North Dakota now joins a growing coalition of states — including Oklahoma, Texas, Indiana, Kentucky, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, Wyoming, and Virginia — all unified in calling for urgent federal change. Together, these states have appropriated over $30 million to fund HBOT treatments for Veterans, while nonprofit organizations and coalitions like TreatNOW, HBOT4Heroes, HBOT4KYVets, Help Our Heroes and many others, have helped over 12,500 Veterans nationwide through access to HBOT.

Why This Momentum Matters for Missouri...and Beyond North Dakota’s resolution isn’t just a victory for its own Veterans — it directly strengthens Missouri’s efforts and sends a resounding message to other states and federal leaders: America’s Veterans deserve better access to treatments that heal, not just manage symptoms.

As North Dakota's legislative findings highlight:

• TBI and PTSD continue to devastate our Veteran community.
• Traditional treatments often warehouse Veterans on dangerous medications, without healing underlying brain wounds.
• HBOT is a safe, scientifically validated therapy that restores brain function, reduces dependency on pharmaceuticals, and virtually eliminates suicidal ideation in many patients.

Missouri’s HB 262 builds on this undeniable truth. By funding HBOT treatments at neurological protocols proven effective through peer-reviewed studies, Missouri is poised to set a national example — not just calling for federal change but leading the way at the state level.

Every step forward — whether in Bismarck, Jefferson City, or beyond — brings us closer to a future where Veterans receive real healing, real hope, and real support.
The Time Is NowWith the Senate’s “Do Pass” vote, Missouri’s HB 262 is nearing the finish line — but our work isn't done yet. We must continue to raise our voices, educate our communities, and urge our lawmakers to do what’s right.
​
As North Dakota's success shows, when states lead, lives are saved. Missouri has the opportunity to not only change lives, but to inspire action across the nation.

Help us keep the momentum going.

Because healing brain wounds shouldn't be a privilege — it should be a promise.

It is time to fight for those who’ve fought for us.
One of the most critical ways we’re doing that right now is by pushing for legislative support that can bring Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to more Veterans who need it most. And we’re not doing it alone.

This week marked another pivotal step forward. A dedicated group of legislators, advocates, and HBOT champions came together in a powerful show of unity and purpose. Representative Ken Jamison, Representative Donna Barnes, Representative Dave Griffith, Representative Bill Irwin, and Representative Chris Brown all joined forces to witness firsthand the life-changing power of HBOT. Alongside them stood Dale Lutzen of TreatNow.org, David Diester—owner of the Hyperbaric Healing Institute—and our founder, Blake Richardson.

Together, this group toured Hyperbaric Healing Institute, got inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, asked hard questions, and, most importantly, listened to the raw, emotional, and life-changing testimonials from those who’ve experienced the healing power of HBOT. These aren’t just stories. They are proof. Proof that healing is possible. That hope is alive. And that the path forward exists—we just have to walk it together.

HBOT has shown incredible promise in treating brain injuries, PTSD, and reducing suicidal ideation—issues that plague too many of our nation’s heroes. That’s why Missouri House Bill 262 (now part of the broader House Bill 80) and Missouri Senate Bill 664 are so critical. These bills are not just pieces of legislation—they represent a lifeline. A second chance. A new chapter for countless Veterans across the state.

But legislation doesn’t pass itself. It takes relentless effort, collaboration, and unwavering resolve. And that’s what you’ll find here at Help Our Heroes. We are continuing to work tirelessly behind the scenes—meeting with lawmakers, educating communities, and amplifying the voices of those who’ve been helped by HBOT. Because we believe the stigma surrounding suicide and invisible wounds must end. We believe access to healing shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a promise.

It takes everyone—elected officials, medical professionals, Veteran advocates, and ordinary citizens—working together to make this change a reality. We’re not stopping. Not until these bills pass. Not until HBOT is accessible to all who need it. Not until every Veteran knows there’s hope on the other side of trauma.
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We invite you to join us in this mission. Share the message. Contact your legislators. Support the cause. Because when we work together, healing becomes possible—and hope becomes unstoppable.

March is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month. It’s more than a campaign—it’s a call to action. At Help Our Heroes, we believe the time for half-measures is over. Veterans are waiting. The science is here. The healing is real. The moment is now.

For years, traumatic brain injury, especially the kind caused by blast exposure, concussive trauma, and combat, has been labeled an invisible wound. It steals memory, distorts personality, clouds judgment, and too often leads to hopelessness. Many of our nation's heroes are still trapped in the aftermath, stuck between ineffective treatments and a system slow to change.

What the Science Now Says: The Case for 40
According to a groundbreaking article published in Medical Gas Research (March 2025), HBOT is no longer experimental. It is a clinically validated intervention for chronic TBI when delivered in the proper dosage—at least 40 sessions at 1.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA).
Why 40? Here's what the research shows:

• Statistically significant cognitive improvements in memory, executive function, processing speed, and attention were observed after 40 HBOT sessions.
• No adverse effects were reported. This isn’t just effective—it’s safe.
• Angiogenesis (the growth of new oxygen-carrying blood vessels) occurs only after repeated, sustained exposure to pressurized oxygen. This is not a quick fix. It’s deep, cellular-level repair.

TBI is not just a one-time brain injury. It triggers a cascade of secondary damage—ischemia, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and disrupted blood flow. The only way to reverse these long-term effects is to restore oxygenation to damaged tissue—exactly what HBOT is designed to do.

Why HBOT for TBI Is Not the Same as HBOT for Divers
Historically, HBOT has been used to treat decompression sickness (DCS) in Navy divers. These cases required single-session treatments. But TBI is different. It’s not about bubbles—it's about rebuilding brain vasculature, reducing inflammation, and restoring neural networks.
That’s why the Navy, which originally standardized hyperbaric protocols, now recognizes longer HBOT schedules (40–60 hours) as the therapeutic benchmark for brain repair.
This is not theory. This is medicine evolving in real time.

The Missouri Opportunity: HB 262 (Now in HB 80) and SB 664
Missouri can become a national leader in veteran brain injury recovery. Two crucial pieces of legislation are on the table:

• HB 262, now incorporated into HB 80, and
• Senate Bill 664,
  would establish the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Fund. This would:
  • Reimburse facilities that provide HBOT using a specific peer-reviewed neurological protocol to Veterans with TBI or PTSD
  • Fund clinical studies on HBOT and other alternative therapies
  • Expand access and awareness around this life-changing care

This isn’t about politics. It’s about people. It’s about saving lives. It’s about honoring service with science-backed solutions.

The Paradigm Shift Is Here
We are no longer asking if HBOT works—we’re asking how quickly we can get it to those heroes who need it.
There is now irrefutable biological evidence that HBOT:

• Restores oxygen-starved neurons
  
• Reverses chronic inflammation
  
• Promotes neurogenesis
  
• Increases mitochondrial efficiency
  
• Mobilizes the body’s own stem cells
  

And perhaps most importantly, restores hope.

Let’s Lead the Nation in Healing
For too long, our Veterans have been waiting in the dark. Now, they have a light. But they need us to carry it forward.
40 treatments. One powerful therapy. A lifetime of healing.
Support HBOT. Support our veterans. Support the future of medicine.
Let’s make Missouri the model for the nation.
[Get Involved] | [Donate] | [Contact Your Legislator]
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Missouri has recently introduced Senate Bill (SB) 664, known as the "Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Act", aiming to enhance support for Veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 
Sponsored by Senator Rick Brattin, the bill was first read on February 3, 2025, and is currently under legislative consideration. 

Key Provisions of SB 664:

• Establishment of a Dedicated Fund​: The bill proposes the creation of the "Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Fund". This fund is designed to reimburse eligible facilities that provide Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to Veterans diagnosed with TBI and or PTSD. 
• Eligibility and Cost Coverage: Veterans meeting specific criteria can receive HBOT at "no personal cost", as facilities are prohibited from charging Veterans for this therapy under the act.
• Annual Reporting and Oversight: The Missouri Veterans and Armed Services, previously known as the Missouri Veterans Commission, is tasked with compiling annual reports detailing HBOT treatments and their effectiveness. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will award funds for studies on alternative therapies and submit annual findings and recommendations to the Governor by January 30th each year.

This legislative effort reflects Missouri's commitment to addressing the complex health challenges faced within the Veteran community, ensuring access to innovative and effective treatments. 

Missouri is taking a monumental step toward improving the lives of Veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). With Missouri House Bill 262 being incorporated into Missouri House Bill 80, the state has the opportunity to bring proven, life-changing treatment to individuals who have served our nation. This legislation prioritizes access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), a therapy supported by robust, evidence-based research.

The Science Behind HBOT
HBOT works by delivering 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, saturating the blood with oxygen to promote healing at the cellular level. For individuals with TBI and PTSD, HBOT helps by:

1. Increasing Oxygen Delivery: Enhances oxygen flow to damaged areas of the brain.
2. Reducing Inflammation: Lowers swelling and promotes tissue repair.
3. Stimulating Neuroplasticity: Encourages the brain to form new, healthy connections.
4. Accelerating Healing: Repairs and regenerates cells damaged by injury or trauma.​

Data from peer-reviewed research studies consistently report that 70-85% of individuals with TBI and/or PTSD experience measurable clinical improvement following HBOT at neurological protocols (40+ treatments, 1.5-2.0 ATA, 60 minutes per session). This isn’t anecdotal—it’s evidence-based medicine, backed by science and real-world outcomes.

Evidence-Based Research Articles: 

1. Systematic review and dosage analysis: hyperbaric oxygen therapy efficacy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder
   
2. The National Brain Injury Rescue and Rehabilitation Study - a multicenter observational study of hyperbaric oxygen for mild traumatic brain injury with post-concussive symptoms
   

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, allowing the body to absorb more oxygen to heal damaged tissues, especially in the brain. It reduces swelling (neuroinflammation), repairs damaged cells, and encourages the brain to create new connections (neuroplasticity). This makes HBOT a powerful treatment for conditions like PTSD and TBI, helping veterans and others recover and improve their quality of life.

Robert's Story - A Veteran's Healing of TBI & PTSD with HBOT
In this video, Bobby Dawson shares his journey of healing from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PTSD through HBOT. He discusses how the therapy has significantly improved his quality of life.

Dr. Paul Harch & The Science Behind the Practice
​​This interview focuses on Dr. Harch's personal journey and the scientific discoveries he's made in the field of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improves Symptoms, Brain's Microstructure and Functionality in Veterans with Treatment Resistant Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial
This is a peer-reviewed study that ​evaluated the effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD. Participants underwent sixty daily hyperbaric sessions, and outcomes were measured using standardized clinical assessments and advanced imaging techniques. The findings indicated significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, as well as enhancements in brain microstructure and functionality.
​