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. 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.
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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:
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:
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:
This March, Awareness Isn’t Enough. We Need Action! 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] 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:
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 Importance of Missouri House Bill 80 Missouri House Bill 80, with the integration of HB 262, recognizes HBOT as a vital treatment for Veterans with a diagnosis of TBI and or PTSD. This bill aims to make HBOT accessible to Veterans in need, offering a safe, effective, and non-invasive therapy for conditions that have long been resistant to traditional treatments. Why is this important? TBI and PTSD are invisible wounds that impact thousands of Veterans, often leading to long-term disability, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, which can lead to suicide. For years, many have been left without effective solutions, trapped in cycles of medication and ineffective therapies. HBOT offers a path forward, giving Veterans a chance to heal, recover, and regain hope. 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:
Evidence-Based Research Articles: A Chance to Heal: Why Passing This Bill Matters Passing Missouri House Bill 80 is not just about providing access to a treatment; it’s about giving Veterans and others the tools they need to heal. Here’s why it’s critical:
How You Can Help Missouri House Bill 80 is a beacon of hope, but it needs support to become law. Here’s how you can make a difference:
A Call to Action
The evidence is clear: HBOT works. With Missouri House Bill 80, we can bring this life-changing therapy to those who need it most. Let’s come together to heal our heroes and ensure that no veteran is left without the care they deserve. Contact your legislators today, donate to support treatments, and share this message. It takes EVERYONE to make a difference--one life, one treatment, one Veteran at a time. 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. |
Blake RichardsonMarine Corps veteran turned his journey of healing from TBI and PTSD through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) into a mission of hope, founding Help Our Heroes to empower veterans and first responders with life-changing resources and support. Archives
March 2025
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