Haley Brain Wellness Program

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Jacksonville, FL
Haley Brain Wellness Program

Our mission is to provide barrier free comprehensive & transformative care to Veterans and First Responders.

11/24/2025

As we head into Thanksgiving week, now is the perfect time to remember that gratitude is more than a feeling — practiced intentionally, it can be a powerful component of your brain health toolkit. 🧠🍁

Regularly practicing gratitude can support emotional regulation, improve sleep, reduce stress, and strengthen resilience — all of which are particularly important for individuals recovering from PTSD, brain injury, or chronic stress.

Here are a few simple, science-backed ways to build gratitude into your weekly routine:

📝 1. Keep a 2-minute gratitude list.
Write down 2–3 things you’re grateful for each day. Little things count — a good cup of coffee, a moment of calm, a supportive coworker

🎯 2. Practice “gratitude spotting”.
Challenge yourself to notice moments of safety, connection, or progress throughout the day. This gently trains the brain to shift attention away from threat mode.

👥 3. Tell someone they made a difference.
Expressing gratitude to another person activates brain networks tied to social bonding and lowers stress for both people.

Gratitude doesn’t erase challenges, but it can help the brain create space for hope, connection, and healing. What are you grateful for today?

Wishing you a safe and restorative Thanksgiving week 🍂

11/19/2025

Many thanks to the 140+ attendees, speakers, and community members who made the Brain Health Summit a huge success! From the keynote speech by Congressman Aaron Beam to powerful panel discussions and representation by UF Health Jacksonville leadership, Patrick Green and Dean Edwards, we feel more motivated than ever to shine a light of hope and healing for the invisible wounds faced by many veterans in our community and across the country.

Did you attend the Brain Health Summit? Let us know your thoughts!

11/17/2025

Join us in celebrating another of our incredible team members! 🧠 🎨

Chelsea Mailhiot, ATR, has been on board with the UF Health Haley Brain Wellness Program since its inception! As a Registered Art Therapist, she utilizes creative modalities to assist patients in navigating their physical and mental health challenges. She holds two master's degrees, one in Education and one in Art Therapy with Counseling Specialization.

Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys staying active through tennis, running, and yoga. Her favorite part about being part of working at the Haley Brain Wellness program is the team approach to treatment and learning opportunities across disciplines.

Fun fact: Chelsea has a long-haired dachshund! 🐾

11/15/2025

Time is running out to register for the UF Health Jacksonville Turkey Trot! This family-friendly event takes place on Thanksgiving morning and is a major source of support for initiatives benefitting individuals with brain injury throughout our community, including 100+ patients through the Haley Brain Wellness Program.

Come out and strut your stuffing with us! 🧠 🦃 🏃‍♂️

5K and fun run registration: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/99477/uf-health-jacksonvilles-turkey-trot-5k?brid=1UNLiqj1uXNFqTLAWvboEA
Volunteer registration: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FACA829A0FDC25-57918585-2025 #/

11/13/2025

A great time was had by all at the City of Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade! The Haley Brain Wellness Program marched in the parade as part of the UF Health Jacksonville float. Thanks to all who braved the chill to show their support!

11/11/2025

Today and everyday, we honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans and service members. Happy Veterans Day!

11/10/2025

Today we honor the proud legacy of the United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve. From the first battles of our nation’s history to missions around the world today, Marines have always strived to embody courage, commitment, and sacrifice.

At the Haley Brain Wellness Program, we are privileged to work alongside and serve many Marine veterans in our program whose strength and discipline continue to inspire our team.

11/06/2025

Our Executive Director Steve Papas represented the Haley Brain Wellness Program at the City of Jacksonville, Florida - Government Celebration of Valor Press Conference with the CEO of our Avalon Partner, GratitudeAmerica, Inc– Warrior PATHH, Michael Anthony. This event kicked off over 20 events in the community to celebrate our military personnel, veterans and families in the First Coast area.

One of these events is our Brain Health Summit on November 15th, 9am-1pm at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena – Duval Room. This is the last week to register, we look forward to seeing you there!

Brain Health Summit registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uf-health-brain-health-summit-healing-minds-changing-lives-tickets-1492541655269

Full list of Celebration of Valor Events: https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/military-affairs-and-veterans-department/news/2025-celebration-of-valor-event-schedule?fbclid=IwZnRzaANvJ5VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHmY3A8uyLARRqyGLC5s6iDK1Z_D9CZD19-zwy-XBg8gvRz-rCzPZ462fKhQB_aem_8SdvvLdWHNK0wwAGUbX0eQ

11/04/2025

Calling all veterans, families, and supporters!

Don’t miss the Celebration of Valor: Brain Health Summit – a FREE event focused on veteran brain health, PTSD, TBI, and invisible wounds. 🧠

Saturday, Nov. 15 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena | Duval Room
Free brunch buffet
Resources for veterans & families
Expert-led sessions

Registration by 11/7 is REQUIRED. Secure your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uf-health-brain-health-summit-healing-minds-changing-lives-tickets-1492541655269?fbclid=IwY2xjawM9QURleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFReUZBcUVGSzhTTmtzaXQyAR4HaYNm7SiaENRJUj0-HJYTVyv2c_724bTWH1x9L_wKzAa4wPh2ckFbnnWeiw_aem_8Ei3MS9dm-KhC2yMlqylBQ

Learn more about our program at UFHealthJax.org/brain-wellness

11/03/2025

When Daylight Saving Time ends, gaining an extra hour of sleep can feel great — but the change can still disrupt your body’s internal clock. A sudden shift in daylight affects melatonin production, mood, and alertness, which can make mornings groggier and evenings restless.

Here are a few simple ways to ease the transition:
☀️ Get outside early in the day — natural light helps reset your circadian rhythm.
🛏️ Stick to consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends.
🚫 Limit caffeine and screen time close to bedtime.
💡 Dim lights an hour before bed to help your brain wind down.

A smooth adjustment supports better sleep, sharper focus, and steadier mood — all key to maintaining brain and mental health.

10/30/2025

How does the brain process fear? 🧠

When your brain detects something that feels threatening — whether it’s a sudden noise or a stressful memory — the amygdala activates first. This almond-shaped structure deep in your brain quickly detects threats and kicks your fight-or-flight response into gear before you even realize what’s happening. Your body prepares for action: heart rate increases, breathing quickens, and muscles tense.

A moment later, your prefrontal cortex steps in to interpret the situation and decide if the threat is real or if you can stand down. This process helps explain why our bodies sometimes react before our minds have time to think.

For veterans and first responders, whose brains have spent years responding quickly to danger, this system can stay on high alert even in safe environments.

Understanding how fear is processed is an important step toward retraining the brain’s response — a key part of recovery after trauma or injury.

10/27/2025

Take care of yourself this spooky season — check out our key tips to maximize your wellbeing as we head into the last few months of 2025! 🍂

💤 Prioritize Rest: Shorter days can mess with your rhythm, so aim for 7–9 hours of sleep to keep your energy and mood steady.

🍭 Balance the Treats: Candy is part of the fun, but pair it with fiber- and protein-rich foods so your blood sugar doesn’t play tricks on you.

🚲 Get Outside: Enjoy the (slightly) cooler weather by taking regular walks or trying out a new outdoor activity like bicycling or pickleball. Fresh air and movement are powerful mood boosters!

🗓️ Set Boundaries for Your Schedule: Fall can get busy fast. Protect time for rest, study, and social connection — don’t let burnout sneak up like a ghost.

💬 Stay Connected: As it gets darker earlier, reach out to friends, join a seasonal event, or start a new tradition that brings joy.

Address

1833 Boulevard POB, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL
32206

Website

https://ufhealthjax.org/brain-wellness

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