2023 House Resolution 119

Whereas, Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the signature wounds of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, affect an estimated 877,450 veterans. Both conditions are significant health issues and can lead to increased suicide rates and opioid use among veterans; and

Whereas, Michigan has a veteran population of approximately 567,919. Of the veterans who were deployed, it is estimated that 20 percent suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury and 8 percent will have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder within their lifetimes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been proven safe and effective to treat these conditions; and

Whereas, The Food and Drug Administration has cleared hyperbaric chambers to treat a variety of conditions much like these brain wounds, including non-healing wounds, crush injuries, air emboli, burns, severe skin and bone infections, and radiation injury, among others; and

Whereas, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown promising results for veterans. Over 7,500 cases in scientific and clinical trials have demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps treat brain wounds. Since 2007, over 750 patients have been successfully treated for Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in neurological studies and trials, and over 10,000 veterans and citizens have been successfully treated in private clinics to heal brain wounds that the VA and DOD have been unable to heal. In these studies, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was shown to repair brain tissue, improve quality of life of patients, and reduce suicidal ideation, which will then help military families and communities; and

Whereas, It is predicted that treating brain wounds will have a positive economic impact and ensure that our veterans have access to care that addresses the entirety of their needs. Over 109,000 veteran suicides have occurred since September 11, 2001, and within the last two decades, the suicide rate increased consecutively for over fifteen years; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the United States Food and Drug Administration to facilitate FDA regulated research on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Commissioner of the United States Food and Drug Administration.