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At the Matthew Gfeller Center, UNC-Chapel Hill researchers study the causes and effects of Traumatic Brain Injury
UNC Chapel Hill has received a $12.5 million gift to start a clinical treatment program for veterans and first responders with traumatic brain injuries.
The new program, called THRIVE — Transforming Health and Resilience in Veterans — builds on the university’s expertise in concussion and head injuries from sports. It will offer access to treatment at sites across the state.
The money came from a foundation started by Actor Gary Sinise, a long-time advocate for troops and veterans.
Traumatic brain injury — or TBI — is a signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, in part because improvised bombs were so common. Many troops survived blasts, but shock waves caused a TBI. More than 400,000 veterans have been diagnosed with TBIs since the year 2000.