Feature Stories

"Invisible Wounds of War" — Combat Stress & Traumatic Brain Injury

Combat stress (also called Post Traumatic Stress) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are the signature “invisible wounds” of our nation’s conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. It has been estimated that one in three veterans are affected by these invisible wounds.

In 2009, the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program was created to:

• Provide clinical care to veterans and families affected by combat or deployment–related stress and TBI
• Educate clinicians and the community about the "invisible wounds of war" and the needs of military families
• Research new treatment and further understanding of Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) and TBI

It is important for anyone who may have combat–related stress or TBI be evaluated by a clinician at the earliest possible opportunity. To schedule a confidential appointment for further evaluation at the Home Base Clinic, contact us at 617-724-5202 or homebaseprogram@partners.org.

Are you in crisis? If you or a family member is in crisis or facing an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Relaxation Training: Free, Eight-Week Program for Service Members and Veterans

Home Base is enrolling participants now for a free, 8–week Mind Body Resilience training program for service members and veterans.  The course began on June 4. A relaxation method that originated at the Massachusetts General Hospital Benson Henry Institute, Mind Body Resilience training has proven to be an effective way to decrease the negative effects of combat stress and anxiety. Pre–registration and a commitment to the full 8–week training is required for all participants.

• Began: June 4, 2012
• When: Mondays at 5:30 p.m.—7:00 p.m. (ET) 
• Where: Home Base Clinic, 101 Merrimac Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114
• Contact: For questions or more information, contact Cally Lilley, APRN-BC, at 617-643-6409

Skiing, Sailing, and Baseball: Register for the Home Base Adventure Series

Like all good ideas, this one started small—with a couple of OIF/OEF veterans taking a hike with a member of our Home Base Veteran Outreach Team.

The Home Base Program created the Adventure Series as a way to connect with veterans and their families in a casual, fun and usually outdoor setting.  It's one of our most popular programs. The Adventure Series runs all year, and all the activities are free of charge. You don’t have to be receiving care through Home Base in order to participate. 

During the winter, veterans and their families have skied, ice fished, skated and socialized in the great outdoors thanks to our hosts at Loon Mountain and Lake Ossippee in New Hampshire, the Sugarbush Ski Resort and Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport. This February, the City of Boston's Dept. of Veterans Services and Commissioner Francisco Urena co-hosted Boston–area veterans and families for skating at the City's Frog Pond Rink Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino was a special guest. In March, military families from throughout New England enjoyed a a free day of basketball history and hoops thanks to generous hosts at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Last summer, veterans and families sailed on the Charles River and attended a Paw Sox game in Pawtucket Rhode Island. Planning is underway for summer 2013 activities, so be sure to register to receive information by email. To see photos of Adventure Series activities, visit our photo gallery.

All Adventure Series events accommodate adaptive sports needs. Click here to register for and receive Adventure Series information. To view a list of our upcoming activities, visit our events page.

What to Expect When You Come to the Home Base Program