Brain Injury Care for U.S. Service Members
SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center in Atlanta now has in-person and virtual program options. Learn more here.
The SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center is a comprehensive rehabilitation program that focuses on assessment and treatment for service members who have served in the U.S. military since September 11, 2001, regardless of discharge status. The program helps service members who are experiencing symptoms of or have a diagnosis of mild to moderate brain injury, or concussions and any co-occurring psychological or behavioral health concerns, including post-traumatic stress.
SHARE Military Initiative provides hope, assistance, support and education to service members and their families during their recovery treatment and beyond.
SHARE Military Initiative Mission Statement:
The mission of the SHARE Military Initiative is to empower post-9/11 veterans and service members with brain injury to live with hope and purpose by providing high-quality, comprehensive and personalized rehabilitation care.
SHARE Ethos Statements:
- Embrace the challenge.
- Commit and follow through.
- Live each day with purpose.
The SHARE Military Initiative, located at 80 Peachtree Park Drive, has served over 500 active duty service members and veterans since its opening in 2008.
The Dynavision light-training device is used to evaluate and improve the visual, cognitive processing and motor functions of SHARE clients.
SHARE works with Project Healing Waters, which allows disabled veterans to learn fly fishing techniques and other skills in a calm, meditative environment.
Each quarter, SHARE clients participate in a therapeutic swim interaction with whale sharks and manta rays at the nearby Georgia Aquarium.
Our horticulture group meets weekly at Shepherd Center’s greenhouse to work on plant care and propagation for an annual plant sale at the main hospital campus.
Day program clients have the option of a graduation ceremony, where they receive a blanket from Quilts of Valor to honor their service, dedication and commitment to America’s freedom.
Weekly outings provide an opportunity to apply the skills learned in physical, occupational, speech and behavioral health therapies. Pictured, a group of SHARE clients work on constructing a picture frame.
Habituation exercises focus on ocular-motor strengthening and vision improvement. Clients initially perform these exercises on a plain surface in a quiet room.
As clients progress, habituation exercises increase in difficulty. Distractions such as busy backgrounds, music and balance challenges are added to improve desensitization and stability as well as vision.
SHARE Clients Share Their Stories of Courage
In the SHARE Military Initiative's "Stories of Courage" video series, former SHARE clients describe the healing and recovery they experienced in the program.
Meet our Specialists in this Area
-
Russell Gore M.D.Medical Director, Vestibular Neurology
Director, SHARE Military Initiative
Director, Complex Concussion Clinic -
Michael Yochelson M.D., MBAChief Medical Officer