SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center Launches Virtual Program

The SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center in Atlanta has launched a virtual version of if its highly effective veteran treatment program. The virtual program was developed to continue to serve service members while SHARE's in-person program is closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

To be considered for admission, clients must:

• Be a Georgia or North Carolina resident;
• Have access to a personal computer or tablet, as well as the internet;
• Have symptoms of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury or concussion;
• Clients may also have a co-occurring behavioral health diagnosis, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress.

The virtual program includes:

• Daily, individual sessions tailored to the client's needs;
• Group sessions with other veterans and service members;
• Virtual visits with a neurologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, recreational therapist, nurse, case manager, clinical social worker, psychologist, vocational specialist, peer support specialist and transition support specialist.
• Physician visits offered through ExamMed, an Atlanta-based telehealth provider that Shepherd Center uses for its other outpatient programs. Individual and group therapy will be provided via Zoom for Healthcare. Both programs are HIPAA-compliant.

"Even as the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, meeting the needs of our nation's service members remains a top priority for the SHARE Military Initiative," says Russell Gore, M.D., medical director of Shepherd Center's SHARE Military Initiative and the director of the hospital's Complex Concussion Clinic. "Our virtual program allows us to continue to serve veteran clients who need our program now without delay."

Shepherd hopes to continue to provide virtual support and services even after the in-person program reopens. This will allow SHARE to serve veterans throughout Georgia who need more flexibility in their schedule.

SHARE Military Initiative clients receive their treatment at no cost. Shepherd Center is able to sustain the program through individuals, families, corporations and private foundations. To support SHARE Military Initiative, contact Jon Roxland at jon.roxland@shepherd.org or 404-350-7314.

You can learn more about SHARE Military Initiative at shepherd.org/SHARE. For information related to admissions*, please contact SHARE Admissions at 404-603-4314 or shareadmissions@shepherd.org.