Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:

A bill for an act establishing a veterans recovery pilot program and fund for the reimbursement of expenses related to providing hyperbaric oxygen treatment to eligible veterans and making appropriations.(See HF 518.)

Subcommittee members: Sorensen-CH, Blom, Turek

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025

Time: 8:15 AM - 8:30 AM

Location: House Lounge

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

02-12-2025

Dale Lutzen [TreatNow]

Good morning, esteemed members of the Iowa State Veterans Sub Committee and thank you for allowing me time today to provide information on a very critical veterans issue.My name is Dale Lutzen, retired Senior Master Sergeant USAF, and current member of the Air Force Sergeants Association and the Disabled American Veterans, both recognized Veterans Service Organizations. Im here today to speak in support of HF 326, A bill for an act establishing a veterans recovery pilot program and fund for the reimbursement of expenses related to providing hyperbaric oxygen treatment to eligible veterans and making appropriations put forth by Representative Cindy Golding District 83Having served in the Vietnam war and Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield and regularly engaging with activeduty soldiers and recent veterans, I can personally attest to the conditions and effects combat soldiers experience both during and after the battle on the field has been fought. The increased use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by enemy troops in conflicts such as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq collectively referred to as the Gulf Wars has resulted in increased blunt force trauma type injuries to our service members1. Based on a study published by the RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research (2008)2:Approximately 18.5% of U.S. servicemembers who have returned from Afghanistan and Iraq currently have posttraumatic stress disorder or depression, and19.5% report experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during deployment.Another 7% have reported probable brain injury and current PTSD or major depression (Rand Report, April 2008)The National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics (2020) reports that 74,886 veterans of the Gulf Wars reside in the state of Iowa. Applying the RAND TBI statistic of 19.5%, that translates to approximately 14,607 Iowa Veterans who are likely to be suffering from some form of TBI/PTSD.Examples of symptoms commonly experienced by individuals with brain injury include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), speech difficulties, fatigue, headaches, migraines, insomnia, cognitive impairments, light sensitivity, and having trouble with short and longterm memory. Another troubling symptom being reported is a higher rate of suicide.A recent study published in the JAMA Network4 found that veterans with a history of TBI/PTSD are at an increased risk compared to veterans without a history of TBI/PTSD. From 20062020, suicide rates increased per year by 14.8% for veterans with TBI, 14.4% for veterans without TBI and 1.2% for the U.S. adult population. Over the 15year period from 2006 to 2020, veterans with TB/PTSD had suicide rates three times higher than the U.S. adult population, the study showed.Iowa suicide rate in 2022 was 39.0 percent per 100,000 veterans vs the Veterans National suicide rate of 18.4% per 100,000 veterans Based on a 2022 RAND report6, only around half of those who need treatment for TBI/PTSD seek it. And of those who seek treatment, slightly more than half receive minimally adequate care. The study concludes that access to care, cost of care, and effective treatment options result in major gaps for those who need care.Currently, service members with TBI/PTSD are typically prescribed pharmacological treatment plans requiring ongoing drug costs and usage which may treat the symptoms but do NOT cure the invisible brain injury. It may also unintentionally contribute to the TBI/PTSD Veteran suicide and opioid epidemic7. From 2006 to 2014, the VA distributed over 847 million opioid pills (DEA.gov) to 4 of 8 Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacies (CMOP). The CMOPs distribute over 80% of the prescription medications to Veterans in the VA.As an alternative to drugs, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) stimulates brain wound healing and it can reverse soft tissue and neurocognitive damage. This treatment allows patients to experience recovery of cognitive and neurological functioning without surgery or drugs. Numerous studies7 have been published scientifically proving the efficacy of HBOT as an effective treatment option for brain wounds. Dr. Paul G. Harch has peer reviewed and published two significant reports in the Frontiers of Neurology magazine.So why arent veterans receiving HBOT as a reasonable and viable treatment option? Why do treatment facilities turn veterans away even if the veterans doctor prescribed HBOT and the veteran has their own personal funds to pay for their share of the cost? The primary reason is simple, yet sad HBOT for TBI/PTSD is not listed on the Medicare approved list8. Medicare does allow HBOT for treatment of 14 conditions such as crush injuries and suturing of severed limbs, progressive necrotizing infections, and diabetic wounds. Yet HBOT is considered off label for treatment of TBI/PTSD despite the expansive scientific evidence of HBOTs effectiveness for treatment of TBI/PTSD. I recognize Medicare is a federal agency and believe me, we are fighting the fight to enlighten those folks with the support of AFSA and other VSOs.But Im here today to talk to you about how you can help. How you can change things right here in Iowa to help our Iowa veterans. HBOT is proven to be safe and effective at healing invisible brain wounds. Iowa veterans with TBI/PTSD simply need access to HBOT care. At its most basic level, HF 326 gives veterans, who have been diagnosed with TBI/PTSD, the right to receive HBOT treatment as prescribed by a doctor. The men and women who have served our country and have been invisible brain injured in the course of serving, deserve to have effective treatment options available to them so they can fully return to their country, their families, and their lives. Its the least we can do for those who have given us so much.Thank you again for your time today.Dale Lutzen, SMSgt (ret) USAFdlutzengmail.com40231278958700 NE 91st StreetKansas City, MO 641571https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19404818/2https://www.rand.org/pubs/researchbriefs/RB9336.htmlhttps://www.va.gov/vetdata/veteranpopulation.asp#::text=MS,MO,Missouri4TBI Triples Suicide Rate Among Veterans vs. General US Population (October 11, 2023)https://www.usmedicine.com/clinicaltopics/mentalhealth/tbitriplessuiciderateamongveteransvsgeneraluspopulation/#::text=From%202019%2D2020%2C%20suicide%20rates,population%2C%20according%20to%20the%20report6https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0079995https://www.lsuhsc.edu/newsroom/Veterans%20Study%20Reports%20Reduction%20in%20Suicide%20Ideation%20after%20HBOT.htmlIs the Time Right for Alternative Therapies?https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2022.815056/full?utmsource=Emailtoauthors&utmmedium=Email&utmcontent=T111.5e1author&utmcampaign=Emailpublication&field&journalName=FrontiersinNeurology&id=8150567https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9262363/8https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hyperbaricoxygentherapy and https://www.oxygenunderpressure.com/general82 https://www.va.gov/vetdata/veteranpopulation.asp https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/datasheets/2022/2022StateDataSheetsIowa508.pdf

02-12-2025

Dale Lutzen [TreatNOW ]

March 2024The National TreatNOW Summary of StatebyState Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy(HBOT) Legislative and Resolution Effort (10/23/2023)The TreatNOW Coalition has been working for over 16years to treat the signature invisible physical brainwounds of Veterans. Over 877,450 brain wounded Veterans returned home from Iraq and Afghanistan since2001. The Veteran suicide and opioid epidemics have taken its toll with approximately 220,000+ deaths andcounting. Over 847 million opioid pills delivered by the VA Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacies (CMOP)from 2006 to 2014 (DEA.gov) which inflicted 679,000 Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Veterans in 4Q2012.The877,450 TBI/PTSD Veteran societal economic impact is approximately $118.1 billion annually, $4.7 trillionover 40year life span. We can safely and effectively help heal TBI Veterans for of one percent of the lifetimecost. The Coalition has not been successful in helping send a U.S. Congressional House and Senate passed billto fund Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in those states who have enacted legislation. Statelevel efforts began in2010 with Oklahoma the first state in 2014. Veteran advocates and supporters in multiple states began educationefforts to engage with state legislators and Veteran groups to pass meaningful HBOTforTBI/PTSD legislationin each state. To date, those efforts have succeeded in ten states enacting HBOT legislation: Oklahoma, Texas,Indiana, Arizona, Kentucky, Florida, North Carolina, Wyoming, Maryland, and Virginia,Indiana, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Maryland have legislated or supported either partialor full funding for treatments. Why are Veteran advocates and Veteran Service Organizations having to legislatestate by state to provide lifesaving HBOT treatments to our Veterans? HBOT for TBI/PTSD Veterans has beenproven with over 21 IRB clinical medical trials to be safe, efficient, and effective to help heal TBI Veterans.The United States Veterans Bureau (War Risk Insurance Act) of 1923 (S.2257) states on Page 3, Item 18,Payment of compensation is authorized for a recurrence of a preexisting disease as well as for the aggravationof the preexisting disease, to which the present provision is limited. Individual states should consider this Actand seek reimbursed from the federal government for expenditures in the care of TBI/PTSD Veterans.Below is a Summary of the tenstate legislative effort; additional detail can be viewed athttp://treatnow.org/contact/statecampaigns.Oklahoma: Senate Bill 1604, Oklahoma Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Act of2014 was the first state enacted on April 30, 2014. Legislation is in 2023/2024 preparation to appropriatefunds into State Fund to pay for treatments. Currently, donation and pro bono activity on the part of the PatriotClinics have successfully treated and help heal more than 600 veterans, fire, police, first responder, andNational Guard. Oklahoma has a Veteran population of 266,513. Veteran homelessness in Oklahoma declinedby 10.5 percent in 2019, leaving only 280 Veterans homeless. There are an estimated 13,156 TBI/PTSDVeterans in the state, 110 suicides per year, and 1,020 with opioid use disorder.House Vote 830, Senate Vote 430 (1260)1Texas: House Bill HB 271 is the Veterans Recovery Pilot Program, enacted on May 29, 2017. Effective9/1/2017. Legislation is in preparation to appropriate funds from the State Fund to pay for treatments. Currently,donation and pro bono activity on the part of four Clinics in Texas have successfully treated and helped healseveral dozen Texas veterans, fire, police, first responders, and National Guard. Texas has the second largestveteran population in the country, second only to California. Texas currently has 1,806 homeless veterans.There are an estimated 68,326 TBI/PTSD Veterans in the state, 569 suicides per year and 5,304 with opioid usedisorder. House Vote 1390, Senate Vote 291(1681)Indiana: Senate Enrolled Act No 96, HB 1306, Indiana Veteran Recovery Pilot Study, enacted and effectiveon July 1, 2017, and further revised in 2019/2020. $1,000,000 funded through the state General Fund for a fiveyear state funded program which has been extended several times Approximately 32,000 of the 380,000veterans in Indiana are woman and 572 are homeless. There are an estimated 18,210 TBI/PTSD Veterans in thestate, 153 suicides per year and 1,428 with opioid use disorder. House Vote 920, Senate Vote 450 (1370)Arizona: Arizona HB 2513, 1512, Section 26105, Arizona Revised Statues, as added by this Act, enactedMarch 29, 2018, establishes the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund. The sum of $25,000state appropriated and funded from the General Fund in FY 2018/2019 to the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy forMilitary Veterans Fund. The veteran population is Arizona is just over 496,000. There are 910 homelessveterans. Veterans in Arizona have three times higher risk of depression, PTSD, and suicide than nonveterans.There are an estimated 22,253 TBI/PTSD Veterans in the state, 183 suicides per year, and 1,700 with opioid usedisorder. House Vote 590, Senate Vote 300 (890)Kentucky: House Bill 64, amended into KRS 217.930942, the Colonel Ronald D. Ray Traumatic Brain Injuryand Treatment Act, enacted on July 14, 2018. No state funding was allocated but legislation effort is plannedin 2023/2024 in preparation to seek and appropriate state funds to support treatment. House ConcurrentResolution 40, enacted March 30, 2022. Urges Kentucky's Congressional delegation to include Kentucky'sVeterans Affairs Medical Centers into the Center for Compassionate Innovation, a U.S. Department of VeteransAffairs pilot program enabling the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment for veterans with a traumaticbrain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder and urges the VA Community Care Program to be utilized tocontract with eligible community partners to provide HBOT to TBI Veterans. Kentucky has 267,000 veterans,or approximately 8% of the population 18 or older. There are approximately 447 homeless, and the state is oneof the leading states in Veteran opioid addiction. Kentucky was one of five states heavily impacted by theopioid addiction epidemic. The Kentucky Veterans Program Trust Fund granted funding of $8K in 2021 forHBOT treatments of TBI/PTSD Veterans. There are an estimated 12,872 TBI/PTSD Veterans in the state withan estimated $484.2 million annual societal economic impact by TBI/PTSD Veterans, 110 suicides per year,and 1,020 with opioid use disorder. HB 64 House Vote 890 Senate Vote 380, HCR 40 House Vote 970,Senate Vote 380 (1350)Florida: House Bill 501, enacted on June 26, 2019, and effective July 1, 2019. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapywas among the five alternative treatment options specified in the legislation. CS/CS/HB 501 creates a $200,000pilot program focused on treating posttraumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries in veterans using alternativetherapies. It expands available therapies for eligible veterans to includer accelerated resolution therapy, equinetherapy, music therapy, service animal training therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy at registered facilities.Florida has 1, 525,400 veterans and an estimated 2,472 homeless veterans. Florida in 2023 increased statefunding for TBI/PTSD Veteran HBOT treatments to $14 million with an additional $14 million to Universityof Central Florida (UCF) for the treatment program. There are an estimated 67,936 TBI/PTSD Veterans in thestate, with an estimated $3.8 billion annual societal economic impact by TBI/PTSD Veterans, 562 suicides peryear, and 5,236 with opioid use disorder. House Vote 1140, Senate Vote 400 (1540)North Carolina: House Bill 50/SL 2019175 S149) sponsored by now U.S. Congressman Dr. Greg Murphywas enacted July 26, 2019. The bill authorized prescription of HBOT therapy for veterans with TBI and PTSD.2State legislation has funded $750K (2021 $100K, 2022 150K, 2023 $500K). In part because of this bill, HBOTcontinues to be provided using private funds to treat active duty and veteran military families as well as firstresponders, firemen, and policemen. The state veteran population of approximately 667,035 (8.3% ofpopulation 18 or older). It ranks 21st in the country for veterans in 2018, largely because 32,000 veterans areunemployed, 907 homeless and 48,000 with an income below the poverty level. There are an estimated 31,161TBI/PTSD Veterans in the state, 256 suicides per year and 2,380 with opioid use disorder. House Vote 1120Senate Vote 420 (1540)Wyoming: House Joint Resolution HJ 0001, enacted on February 9, 2021, the Traumatic Brain Injury andPost Traumatic Stress Treatments. A JOINT RESOLUTION requesting US Congress swiftly enact legislationproviding for Veterans access to treatments for traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder thatinclude hyperbaric oxygen therapy. There are an estimated 2,032 TBI/PTSD Veterans in the state, 15 suicidesper year and 136 with opioid use disorder. House Vote 573, Senate Vote 40 (613)Maryland: The David Perez Military Heroes Act, SB 709 establishes the PostTraumaticStress Disorder andTraumatic Brain Injury Alternative Therapies, state funded of $1 million in 2024 as a special nonlapsing fundfor treating TBI/PTSD Veterans enacted May 29, 2022. There are an estimated 17,409 TBI/PTD Veterans inthe state, with an estimated $584.5 million annual societal economic impact by TBI/PTSD Veterans, 146suicides and 1,360 with opioid use disorder. House Vote 1350, Senate Vote 460 (1810)Virginia: SB1082 Virginia Veteran Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment andRecovery Act of 2023 was enacted on March 26, 2023 and funded $75K.. Allows the Department of VeteransServices to contract with any hyperbaric clinic providing medicalgrade 100 percent oxygen in U.S. Food andDrug Administrationapproved chambers in the Commonwealth or any hospital that furnishes a comprehensivetreatment program that includes medication, psychotherapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, from an accreditedprogram, to any veteran in the Commonwealth who has been certified by the U.S. Department of VeteransAffairs or any branch of the United States Armed Forces as having posttraumatic stress disorder or traumaticbrain injury. There are an estimated 30,958 TBI/PTSD Veterans in the state, with an estimated $2.1 billionannual societal economic impact by TBI/PTSD Veterans, 256 suicides and 2,380 with opioid use disorder.House Vote 960, Senate Vote 360 (1320)Note: Statistical data from The National BrainWounded Veteran Brain Drain, Googlebooks.com,October 2021, the legislative data through the individual state legislative websites. Total state treatmentfunding to date is $30,858,000.The legislative state efforts have these common characteristics:1. Total individual state House and Senate vote tally across all ten states on HBOT for TBI/PTSD Veteransequates to 1,364 yes to 4 no votes. A total of 1,364 state legislators have voted in favor of HBOT forTBI/PTSD Veterans.Every state has an obligation to medically care for our Veterans not treated by the federal governmentthrough federal and state Medicare funds for indigent, unemployed, incarcerations, and homelessness.Every state in the Union has on average 17,500 TBI/PTSD Veterans (877,450/50) residing in theircommunities with the highest Veteran suicide rate in our nation history. Over 146,000 Veteran suicides(20 per day x 365 x 20 years) since 2003 that has not improved for the past twenty years.The ten HBOT enacted and legislative states and their Governors recognize Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapyhas a proven efficacy and is cost efficient in helping treat TBI/PTSD veterans leading to eliminatingsuicide ideation to reduce the suicide rate.Each legislated state has legislation that can be modified to allow the state to recommend and specifyhow treatments will be provided and paid for through a communitybased treatment network of hospitalsand private clinics. The enacted states just require the federal funding. There are a minimum of 1,15632. 3. 4. 5. hospitals across the country with HBOT chambers fully certified, approved, and staffed with qualifiedmedical doctors.6. While not all states have allocated state funds to treat TBI/PTSD Veterans, states with enactedlegislation recognize the need for private and public funds to be used until the federal governmentrecognizes its obligations, or the states seek reimbursement for medical support to Veterans wounded inservice to our country.7. All state legislation falls within state public health auspices and pays particular attention to the health,safety and welfare of any Veteran/patient treated.8. The HBOT enacted states that are treating TBI Veterans will begin to see the economic impact ofreturning Veterans to the workforce and allowing them to be a part of the economic engine again.9. It is estimated the economic impact of 877,450 TBI/PTSD Veterans to America is $118.1 billionannually, $4.7 trillion over 40year life span. That is an average impact cost of $2.3 billion annually toeach state. We can treat and heal for less than of 1 percent of the lifetime cost.10. Every state in the union is impacted by the Veteran opioid epidemic. The TBI/PTSD Veterancommunity is especially impacted because of treat the symptom approach to the physical brainwounding and pharmacology pain management.4

02-12-2025

Blake Richardson [Help Our Heroes]

Good day, Honorable Members of the Iowa State Veterans Sub Committee,My name is Blake Richardson, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served with distinction and honor to the rank of Sergeant. I am a lifetime member of the esteemed Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization. In my ongoing commitment to support those who serve, I founded and presently preside over 'Help Our Heroes', a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through this platform, I advocate and build strategic partnerships with organizations that support and or provide evidencebased treatments, therapies, and resources aimed at addressing the mental health challenges that contribute to the high suicide rate among our heroes.Today, I would like to present to you my personal journey navigating the challenges of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I aim to shed light on the transformative impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) a treatment that has revolutionized my life, helped my family, and has helped the lives of countless other Veterans who had similar symptoms that could not be relieved through medications and or therapies. Moreover, I intend to champion the cause for sustained support and acknowledgment of HBOT as an effective therapy for both PTSD and TBI.During my tenure in the military and a series of deployments overseas, particularly in combat zones, I endured lowlevel blasts (LLBs) and a highlevel blast (HLB) which resulted in multiple brain injuries. Over time, the symptoms of mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) began to manifest more prominently. Furthermore, my participation in numerous combat training exercises exposed me to additional LLBs and even a neardeath drowning event, further compounding the challenge. For clarification, the acronym (HLB) refers to highlevel blast overpressure, commonly associated with the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED). On the other hand, LLB signifies lowlevel blast overpressure, typically generated from the discharge of specific weapons such as artillery, shouldermounted devices, .50 caliber firearms, and even indirect fire (IDF). These variations in overpressure are critical to understanding the different sources and impacts of blastrelated injuries1.In January 2006, while stationed at Al Taqaddum, Iraq, I experienced a lifealtering event. An RPG struck the sandbags just outside the generalpurpose (GP) tent where I was sleeping. The concussive force of the blast resulted in a mild traumatic brain injury. This incident led to an immediate onset of disorienting symptoms: involuntary urination, sudden ringing and hearing loss, confusion, fragmented recollections of the event, recurring migraines, and shortterm memory loss.Prior to embarking on my second tour of duty in Iraq, I underwent rigorous helicopter water crash training which resulted in a neardeath drowning incident. This, coupled with various other training and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)specific events, marked the onset of progressive and increasingly noticeable symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Over time, these symptoms have become chronic, persistently affecting my daily life. The challenges I continued to grapple with, up to February 2024, include difficulty concentrating, unpredictable mood swings, persistent ringing in my ears, hearing loss heightened sensitivity to light, insomnia, debilitating migraines, significant anxiety and depression, as well as shortterm memory loss.Currently, the primary therapeutic interventions for PTSD symptoms encompass Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). While these treatments are generally effective, they may be associated with mild to moderate side effects. These can range from gastrointestinal discomfort and increased perspiration to headaches and bouts of dizziness2. In the management of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), medications such as Carbamazepine and Valproate are employed to control behavioral disorders. However, it's important to note that the full spectrum of their longterm effects remains under investigation and is not yet fully understood3. Since 2009, my journey with mental health has led me down a complex path of numerous prescriptions over ten different types of SSRIs and SNRIs, as well as other medications. These treatments often felt like mere bandaids, offering temporary relief without addressing the root causes of my symptoms. In addition, I spent a decade participating in various forms of behavioral therapy, both group and individualized. Despite these experiences, a sense of true healing remained elusive, leading me to question if a longterm solution truly existed.The turning point arrived in late 2020, when a combatwounded, amputee Army Ranger reached out to our organization, Help Our Heroes. He was seeking assistance with room and board expenses, as well as meals, while undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at the Hyperbaric Health and Wellness Foundation in Hailey, Idaho. This treatment was aimed at improving his gait and alleviating symptoms of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). At first glance, I considered his condition to be far more severe than mine. However, this prompted me to delve deeper into the potential benefits of HBOT. To my surprise, my research led me to realize that I, too, could be a suitable candidate for this innovative therapy.In 2021, I discovered a local facility, Restore Hyper Wellness, offering HBOT. This unexpected encounter enabled me to procure a prescription specifically catered to address my PTSD and TBI symptoms using their "softshelled" hyperbaric chamber. Understanding the potential benefits of this "softshelled" chamber in effectively treating my symptoms, I made a personal investment and completed a series of 30 dives. As I progressively underwent more HBOT secessions, I began to witness and experience tangible improvements. My mental clarity improved, leading to a notable decrease in brain fog. Anxiety and depression levels were significantly reduced. My comprehension abilities enhanced, migraines became manageable, mood swings less frequent, and overall, I experienced a surge in energy. Each dive brought me closer to wellness, proving that this investment was indeed a rewarding journey toward healing.However, after approximately 2 years, my wife and I began to observe a resurgence of the PTSD and TBI symptoms. This led me to delve deeper into research and engage in insightful discussions with leaders at TreatNow.org4 in July 2023. Through these interactions, I learned that "softshelled" hyperbaric chambers may not be as effective in fully healing damaged brain tissue as their "hardshelled" counterparts. Moreover, it was brought to my attention that typically, individuals using HBOT for PTSD or TBI require between one to three treatment series before experiencing complete healing. Each series consist of 40 treatments or dives.About 1 year ago, I had the privilege of meeting the proprietor of the Hyperbaric Healing Institute, where I was offered therapy in a "hardshelled" chamber. Upon commencing this new treatment regimen, I noticed a significant decline in my symptoms. My wife also observed further positive transformations, which were not as apparent with the "softshelled" chamber treatment, including improvements in my speech, sleep, a noticeable increase in motivation. I chronicled my HBOT journey on LinkedIn, providing others with a transparent view of the results and offering hope to veterans who may feel that there are limited options available for addressing their PTSD and TBI symptoms. This narrative serves not only as my personal testament but also as an inspirational beacon for others navigating similar health challenges.My symptoms post 17th HBOT treatment in a hard shell chamber: Following the initiation of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) within a robust "hardshell" chamber, utilizing 100% oxygen at pressures of 1.5 to 2.0 atmospheres (ATA) for an uninterrupted duration of 60 minutes, there has been a remarkable transformation in my symptoms related to PTSD and TBI.From as early as the second treatment, the therapeutic benefits became evident. I found myself able to enjoy a full night's sleep without the aid of any medication. I feel more motivated in the morning to get out of bed and start my day. I have minimal to no anxiety or depression. I have found that if I have anxiety or depression, I can more easily management it through breathing exercises and meditation. My conversational skills have evolved noticeably. No longer do I find myself pausing midconversation, grappling to recall my train of thought. Social situations, once a source of anxiety and stress, have now become more manageable, allowing me to navigate public spaces with ease and confidence. Emotional stability has been another significant milestone. The frequency of mood swings has diminished considerably, and when they do occur, I find them far easier to manage. This newfound emotional equilibrium has fostered a deeper connection with my family, encouraging me to spend quality time with my children and wife rather than withdrawing into solitude. Physical activity has become a welcome part of my daily routine, replacing the inertia that once held me captive. And by the eleventh session, another unexpected benefit surfaced the joy of reading returned. For the first time in what feels like forever, I could effectively read, comprehend what I was reading, and enjoy literature once again.Moreover, I've noticed a substantial improvement in my organizational skills, enabling me to structure my life more effectively. Prior to starting my HBOT series (40 dives/treatments) in the "hardshell" chamber, I attained a RightEye exam. Additionally, I attained a second RightEye exam after my 20th dive/treatment. A RightEye exam is an eyetracking diagnostic tool designed to measure various metrics relevant to TBI. Through the RightEye exam, we saw dramatic change in the data showing the positive efficacy of HBOT and TBI. This journey through HBOT therapy has been transformative, breathing new vitality into every aspect of my life thus far. I respectfully urge this esteemed committee to lend its full endorsement to House File (HF) 326. I further implore the distinguished representatives of the great state of Iowa to affirm this crucial legislation.This bill represents not just a piece of legislation, but a lifeline for our brave brothers and sisters in the armed forces. They have selflessly served our nation, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they have expansive resources to address their mental health challenges. Thank you for your time and for taking my testimonial into account.Very respectfully,Blake Richardson, MHA, USMCHelp Our Heroesblakehelpourheroes.orgSources:1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8700773/#2.https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understandtx/medsforptsd.asp3.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877065715005540?via%3Dihub4.https://treatnow.org/knowledgebase/5.https://righteye.com/wpcontent/uploads/2020/09/cnc20190013verticalsmoothpursuit.pdf

02-13-2025

Robert Beckman [TreatNOW]

POINT PAPERPREPARED FOR THE IOWA LEGISLATORS, FEB 2025SUBJECT: HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (HBOT) FOR TBI/PTSDSince 2000: Estimated TBI/PTSD Veterans: 877,450 Estimated Veteran suicides: 153,000 Estimated Veteran opioid deaths: 109,206 Estimated Veteran deaths due to DFU amputations: 796,340, exceeding all the veterans KIA in all the U.S. Wars (623,982) since the beginning of World War I. Veteran suicide rates increased unabated from 20002023 (Ref A).Veterans with TBI are twice as likely to commit suicide (Ref B).VA standard of care treats mental health symptoms with drugs/counseling (Ref C). TBI is a brain injury, resulting in debilitating mental health symptoms (Ref C/D).Science, clinical evidence and personal testimony confirm HBOT:*Resolves symptoms, restores lives, prevents suicide (Ref E). Israeli Defense Force, Ukraine, Russia, et al, use HBOT for TBI/PTSD: To retain military force levels. VA adoption of HBOT as standard of care for TBI/PTSD military supports: U.S. requirements/military operational needs.*Includes active duty, Veterans, Special Forces and Intrepid Spirit CentersREF (A): Page 3, 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, CDC, Washington. D.C.REF (B): VA Research on Traumatic Brain Injury, Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, September /October 2019.REF (C): VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management and Rehabilitation of Post Acute Mild TBI, Version 3.0, June 2021. REF (D): Injury Definition: MerriamWebster.REF (E): Report to The North Carolina Legislature on The Fiscal Year 2023 & 2024 Military Veteran Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Program (Copy Attached).PREPARED BY: DR. ROBERT L. BECKMAN, BECKMANR88GMAIL.COM, 7033468432.

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