Fort Detrick to receive $100 million grant to study PTSD

Fort Detrick to receive $100 million grant to study PTSD
Follows executive order calling for further mental health services
Originally published September 08, 2012
By Courtney Mabeus
News-Post Staff

The Fort Detrick-based Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs on Friday announced $100 million in grants to fund research into the diagnosis and treatment of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injury.

The money follows an executive order issued by the White House on Aug. 31 that calls for expanded mental health services for members of the military, veterans and their families. The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are funding the research, CDMRP spokeswoman Gail Whitehead said.

Two consortia, one to focus on PTSD and another on mild TBI, are to be set up. Investigators from a number of organizations, including the Defense Department, VA and academia, are expected to collaborate on the work, which will take place over five years, Col. Dallas Hack, director of the Combat Casualty Care Research Program at Detrick, said Friday.

The Army has grappled with PTSD and mild TBI in recent years. The long-term health consequences for those who suffer are not well understood.
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