 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:
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:
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
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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
May 2025
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