Dr. Leon L. Haley Jr. wanted to bring “something transformational” to UF Health Jacksonville and set the organization apart with a “big idea.” He wanted to connect UF Health’s leading experts to the large military and veteran population in Jacksonville to help them overcome debilitating conditions. He established close relationships with the Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network and other organizations like the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation to bring the program to fruition.

The UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, Brain Wellness Program was officially named in his honor at the ribbon-cutting and grand opening event on Nov. 19, 2021. The program had its first cohort of graduates in December 2021 and is continuing to see great success.

The Haley Brain Wellness Program is an interdisciplinary treatment for military veterans experiencing persistent health issues associated with mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries, along with associated behavioral health issues, such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and substance use disorder.

These conditions are all invisible wounds of war and contribute to a suicide rate of more than 20 veterans per day, a figure that increases every year. Treating these veterans requires a comprehensive approach to care — one that gives service members the expertise they deserve.

The goal of the program is to aid in healing and provide treatment and recovery options using a holistic approach, and to set veterans up for success upon completion. Patients receive intensive outpatient treatment to integrate conventional medicine with complementary and alternative therapies. Patients are also connected to a network of community resources as part of the long-term treatment plan.

In addition to serving veterans, UF Health Jacksonville plans to expand efforts for adults suffering from these conditions, including athletes and first responders.

Learn more at UFHealthJax.org/brain-wellness.