James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital Operation Healing Forces Donates Weighted Blankets to Veterans at PREP at James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital
By Rachelle Smith , Public Affairs September 16 , 2024
In a simple but heartfelt gesture , Phillip Fong and Tiers Arnts , Sword Program Managers , from Operation Healing Forces visited James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital premiere program for the comprehensive rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury to donate weighted blankets
“ Having been a patient here myself , I know firsthand how challenging the road to recovery can be ,” said Fong . “ Weighted blankets made a real difference in my own healing , especially when it came to managing anxiety and getting better sleep .”
Weighted blankets provide numerous benefits , particularly for individuals coping with stress , anxiety , or trauma . They create a sense of calm by simulating deep touch pressure , similar to the feeling of being gently hugged or held . This pressure can help lower stress hormones , reduce anxiety , and improve sleep quality , reducing symptoms of TBI , including physical , cognitive and mental health . Anything we can do to support and enhance the sleep environment is a win for our patients .”
PREP ’ s mission to provide each Active-Duty Service Member and Veteran with compassionate , stateof-the-art individualized treatment services focusing on rehabilitation
Phillip Fong and Tiers Arnts , Sword Program Managers , from Operation Healing Forces visited James A . Haley Veterans ’ Hospital premiere program for the comprehensive rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury to donate weighted blankets to Veterans currently undergoing rehabilitation .
to Veterans currently undergoing rehabilitation . Their donation will help Veterans in the Post-deployment Rehabilitation Evaluation Program manage anxiety and improve sleep , both critical components of the healing process .
Phillip Fong , a former patient at the hospital , has a personal connection to the cause . which are essential factors in both mental and physical recovery .
For Veterans , these blankets offer a holistic approach to easing distress and enhancing the overall rehabilitation experience . The blankets , donated to the Post-Deployment Rehabilitation and Evaluation Program within the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center , will provide immediate benefits .
“ Sleep is fundamental to rehabilitation in TBI care and plays a critical role in supporting brain health ,” said Dr , Karen M . Skop , PREP program director “ Our program focuses on and mental health needs following complex TBI exposure during deployments or training . The team assists those in their care with improving functional abilities , reducing symptom complains , stabilizing psychological distress while restoring confidence and a sense of mastery , while also enhancing family relationships and ongoing recovery .
“ Sleep is so important for recovery , whether it ’ s mental health or physical healing ,” Arnts added . “ It ’ s great to be able to give back to a place that helped me so much .”
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