Article cited by WTVBAM

ALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — State Representative Julie Rogers of Kalamazoo introduced a House Resolution on Thursday, July 21, to help the more than 500,000 veterans who the state of Michigan home.

House Resolution 330 would urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to facilitate FDA-approved research on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The resolution was introduced with bipartisan support and referred to the House Committee on Health Policy.

“As a physical therapist, I have firsthand knowledge of this sort of treatment, and it has shown many promising results,” said Rogers. “I am especially optimistic about what this could mean for our veteran communities. It is predicted that treating brain wounds with hyperbaric oxygen therapy will help address more of their complex needs.”

Earlier this year, Rogers, who serves as the Democratic vice chair of the Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee, partnered with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on a statewide veterans’ issues listening tour.

During the tour, Rogers heard from veterans and veteran service organizations on a wide variety of topics impacting service members with one theme continuing to surface; the need to ensure veterans have access to health services, including mental health services.

“It is important that we implement every available tool to help ensure that our veterans have access to proper health care,” said Rogers. “This research could lead to an approved treatment which could improve the quality of life for those who served and help military families and communities.”