UCLA Operation Mend: Healing Warriors and Their Families

UCLA Operation Mend stands as a beacon of hope for post-9/11 era service members, veterans, and their families, offering advanced surgical, medical, and psychological support. Established in 2007, this program, a partnership between UCLA Health and the United States military, has evolved into a comprehensive network dedicated to healing the physical and emotional wounds of war.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

Operation Mend distinguishes itself through its "whole-person-centered approach," recognizing that true healing extends beyond physical injuries. The program addresses the interconnectedness of physical health, psychological well-being, and family dynamics, providing tailored treatment plans that consider the unique needs and goals of each warrior and their caregiver.

The Vision and Expansion of Operation Mend

The program was born from the vision of Los Angeles philanthropists and UCLA alumni Ron and Maddie Katz, who recognized the need for improved post-injury care for veterans. Their desire to give back to UCLA led to the establishment of Operation Mend, initially focused on providing reconstructive surgeries for service members with complex facial trauma.

Under the guidance of Dr. Jo Sornborger, who joined in 2009, Operation Mend expanded its services to encompass a broader range of medical specialties and comprehensive psychological support. This expansion reflected a commitment to addressing the "hidden wounds of war," such as PTSD and traumatic brain injury, and to providing holistic care that supports the overall well-being of veterans and their families.

Addressing the Needs of Warriors and Families

Operation Mend's commitment to holistic care extends to the families of veterans, recognizing their crucial role in the healing process. The program offers behavioral health screenings for family members, identifying those who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or other mental health challenges.

By including caregivers as active participants in the treatment process, Operation Mend empowers them with the skills and support they need to navigate the challenges of caring for a wounded warrior. This approach ensures that warriors and their caregivers are working together towards a shared understanding of their challenges and a common set of strategies for thriving.

Comprehensive Services and Support

Operation Mend offers a wide array of services designed to address the diverse needs of post-9/11 era service members, veterans, and their families. These services include:

Advanced Surgical and Medical Treatment

UCLA Health's world-class experts provide advanced surgical and medical treatment in a variety of clinical areas, addressing injuries sustained during combat operations or while training for service. The program's original focus on plastic and reconstructive surgery remains a core component, with surgeons striving to re-establish form and function for defects arising from trauma.

Psychological Health Care

Operation Mend offers comprehensive psychological evaluation and support for veterans and their families, addressing the emotional and mental health challenges that can arise from military service. The program's mental health services include individual and group therapy, as well as specialized programs for PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

Intensive Treatment Program

In partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project's Warrior Care Network, UCLA Health Operation Mend launched an intensive, structured treatment program for service members and veterans who have suffered service-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This program provides personalized care, travel, and accommodations at no cost to participants and their caregivers. The program is unique in the country for including caregivers as fully integrated participants. Participants also receive three weeks of provider-facilitated check-ins to continue refining skills, building community and transitioning to local care.

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The six-week program is designed for patients who require more than regular outpatient care. During the program, the veteran and family spend three weeks at UCLA receiving cognitive training for challenges related to symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury. In addition, the patient and family take wellness programs including psychotherapy in which people interact with horses, qi gong (an ancient Chinese practice focused on breathing and movement), acupuncture, acupressure and meditation.

Warrior Care Network

UCLA Operation Mend is a founding member of the Wounded Warrior Project's Warrior Care Network (WCN), a groundbreaking collaboration between WWP and its academic medical center partners. WCN offers specialized clinical services through either a regionalized Outpatient Program (OP) and/or an innovative Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors by raising awareness and enlisting the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, helping injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and providing unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

Telehealth & Wellness Technology Platform

UCLA Operation Mend utilizes a TeleHealth & Wellness Technology Platform.

The Impact of Operation Mend

Since its inception, Operation Mend has worked with numerous service members and veterans, providing them with the care and support they need to heal and rebuild their lives. The program has been praised by military leaders, veterans, and their families for its comprehensive approach to care and its commitment to serving those who have served our country.

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Testimonials and Recognition

Army Sgt. Jason March, who underwent multiple operations at UCLA after being injured in Iraq, credits Operation Mend with helping him feel young again. He praises the team for their dedication and their ability to instill a sense of hope and normalcy.

Retired Army Spc. Joey Paulk, another Operation Mend patient, expresses gratitude for the program's positive impact on his life. He highlights the program's ability to improve his quality of life and enable him to do things he previously thought were impossible.

Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. John F. Campbell visited "Operation Mend" and met with Operation Mend patients. After learning of the details of the program, Campbell met with two Operation Mend patients. He spent some time with the Soldiers and learned their stories.

Addressing the Changing Needs of Veterans

Dr. Sornborger has observed a shift in the demographics of veterans seeking treatment at Operation Mend, with fewer recent injuries among service members and more veterans in their 40s and 50s seeking treatment, particularly for traumatic brain injuries. This trend underscores the importance of mental health support for veterans of all ages, as they may continue to grapple with the emotional and psychological effects of their service long after returning home.

A Model for Comprehensive Care

UCLA Operation Mend serves as a model for comprehensive care for veterans and their families. By addressing the interconnectedness of physical health, psychological well-being, and family dynamics, the program provides tailored treatment plans that empower warriors and their caregivers to thrive. As Operation Mend continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the veteran community, it remains a vital resource for those who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation.

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