UCLA Operation Mend provides advanced surgical/medical services as well as intensive treatment for PTSD and mild TBI for post 9/11 era service members and veterans injured during combat operations or while training for service. Participants in the program will receive the personalized care for which UCLA Operation Mend is known. All care, travel and accommodations are arranged and provided for at no cost to Operation Mend patients and their families.
If you are interested in participating in Operation Mend or are inquiring about the program on behalf of a wounded warrior, please contact us at (310) 267-2110 or email us at operationmend@mednet.ucla.edu.
Eligibility requirements
The following requirements are necessary to be considered for the Operation Mend program:
- The patient sustained his/ her injury during post 9/11 active military service such as combat or combat training
- The patients injuries require specialty treatment and local options for care are unavailable, inadequate, or previous treatments were not comprehensive or satisfactory
- The patient is physically and psychologically stable and able to travel
- The patient has a nonmedical attendant (a stable friend or family member) who can travel with him/ her
- The patient currently has a case manager or primary care physician that can assist in the Operation Mend intake process and follow-up care (e.g. obtaining referrals, medical records, consents, etc.)
- Additionally, to be eligible for the Intensive Treatment Program, the military service members/veterans must have symptoms related to or have received a diagnosis of TBI and/or PTSD and must undergo initial evaluations at UCLA to determine if the Intensive Treatment Program meets the individual’s needs
Specialty services include (but are not limited to):
- Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Orthopaedics
- Spine Surgery
- Maxillofacial/Dentistry and Prosthetics
- Advanced Imaging and Diagnostics
- Anesthesia & Pain Management
- Ophthalmology & Oculoplastic Surgery
- Dermatology
- Mental Health Services specializing in PTSD and mTBI
- TBI Diagnostics
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
Our three-week intensive clinical program onsite followed by our three-week telehealth peer-to-peer support is designed to provide support, education, healing and wellness, and includes:
- Evidence-informed treatments for PTSD and TBI
- Comprehensive evaluation and customized treatment plan
- Daily wellness, Life Tools, and Healing Arts program
- Caregiver support groups
