BRAVE Program

Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic for Veterans and First Responders

02/19/2026

Last week, we had the opportunity to welcome Congressman Scott Fitzgerald to the BRAVE Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Traumatic brain injury and trauma-related conditions remain some of the most underrecognized injuries among veterans and first responders. Many are living with symptoms that impact sleep, mood, cognition, and relationships, often without realizing a brain injury may be part of the picture.

BRAVE was created to address exactly that.

We are the Midwest’s first program dedicated to treating mTBI in veterans and first responders, using coordinated clinical care rooted in neuroscience.

If you’re in law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, or are a military veteran and something feels off do not wait for it to escalate.

Reach out. Start the conversation. Support the ones who serve.

02/18/2026

Today BRAVE had the opportunity to visit the Crystal Lake office of Veterans Path to Hope and spend time with Director of Outreach Jim Dolan, Clinical Mental Health Counselor Sean Merchant, and Executive Director Laura Franz.

I walked away incredibly impressed.

Veterans Path to Hope is doing meaningful, boots-on-the-ground work to support veterans and their families. From housing stability and employment services to clinical mental health support and long-term case management. The depth of care and intentionality behind their programs is evident the moment you walk through the door.

Collaboration matters in this work. No single organization can meet every need, but it is in strong partnerships that ensure veterans don’t fall through the cracks.

If you’re not familiar with Veterans Path to Hope, I encourage you to check out their social media and learn more about the impact they’re making.

Thank you, Jim, Sean, and Laura, for your time today. I’m grateful for the relationship and look forward to continued partnership.

And a special thank you for keeping Amanda caffeinated... that might be the fanciest coffee maker I’ve ever seen. ☕️

02/17/2026

In Veterans & First responders, symptoms like irritability, brain fog, poor sleep, headaches, emotional reactivity, and hypervigilance are often labeled as PTSD.

But many of those same symptoms overlap with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Car crashes. Falls. Assaults. Blast exposure. “Getting your bell rung.”
Rapid movement of the brain can stretch neural pathways ... even when scans look normal.🧠

🧠PTSD changes brain function.
🧠 alters brain structure and connectivity.

In high-risk professions, these injuries often coexist.

When we don’t screen for both, we risk treating only half the injury.

This isn’t about toughness.
It’s about biology.

If we want healthier First Responders and Veterans, we have to stop guessing and start assessing.

At BRAVE, we treat the whole brain.

Because “just stress” has cost us too much already.

02/13/2026

Congratulations to our BRAVE Medical Students Elizabeth and Aaditya!

Yesterday was their last day with us, as they step forward on the next leg of their journey! Medical Students rotate through clinics as they progress through their education.

We are so proud of you both! Thank you for jumping in on the team, having a spirit of curiosity, and learner attitude. You both went above any beyond in your rotation with us!

Good luck and Come visit!!

02/11/2026

Two conferences. Two cities. Countless conversations that matter. 💪

Last week, BRAVE had the honor of attending the Wisconsin EMS Association (WEMSA) Conference at the Resch Center in Green Bay. We connected with EMS providers from across the state - old friends, new faces, and the next generation of leaders in emergency services.

This week, we were at the 2026 Wisconsin Professional Law Enforcement Foundation (WPLF) Winter Training Conference at the Kalahari Resort - continuing conversations about brain health, trauma recovery, and real support for those who serve.

Every handshake, every shared story, every “I didn’t know this existed” reminds us why BRAVE matters.

We are here for Veterans.
We are here for First Responders.- including 911 Dispatchers.
We are here to make sure no one fights these battles alone.

If you stopped by the booth ➡ THANK YOU. If you grabbed a flyer ➡ share it. If you’ve been thinking about reaching out ➡ THIS IS YOUR SIGN 🔰

We’re just getting started.

#911

02/09/2026

This message is for the ones who say, “I should be fine.”

We’re really good at ranking our pain against others and telling ourselves we don’t deserve help yet.

But waiting until it’s “bad enough” comes at a cost.

If something changed after the job like your sleep, your patience, your joy, your relationships- this matters.

You don’t have to be falling apart to ask for help.
You just have to be honest.

At BRAVE, we see this every day and support starts long before crisis.
Learn more about what we do at the intersection of having your bell rung & PTSD for ALL Veterans
& First Responders - How we can help you or someone you love?

02/05/2026

Where is BRAVE going now?
We are going to the WPLF & WCPA Winter Training Conference & Expo next week at the Kalahari Resort! Come visit Amanda at our Booth . Stop by- Say Hi- and Learn more about BRAVE Program & Avalon Action Alliance.

✨Spoiler✨: we are the Midwest's first program specifically designed to evaluate and treat mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), along with the overlaying symptoms of PTSD. Many veterans and first responders are unaware that this program exists...find us at events throughout WI, the Midwest and IN this spring!

Want to learn more- jump in our DMs- call the hotline (office)- visit us online at: https://www.mcw.edu/.../wisconsin-institute.../brave-program

02/03/2026

Today, we honor the Four Chaplains.

On February 3, 1943, Chaplains George Fox, Alexander Goode, John Washington, and Clark Poling gave their lives aboard the USAT Dorchester, choosing selfless service over self-preservation. As the ship sank, they offered prayers, comfort, and hope. Embodying unity across faiths in the face of unimaginable fear.

Their legacy reminds us that courage, compassion, and service to others transcend differences.

At BRAVE, we remember their sacrifice and recommit ourselves to those same values. Supporting service members, veterans, and their families with dignity, respect, and care.

🕯️ May we always lead with courage and compassion.

02/02/2026

Happy Groundhog Day! 🦫

Winter in Wisconsin feels long… so we’re letting the groundhog bring the laughs today! 😂❄️
Check out our Groundhog Day video for a little mid-winter fun.

And while we’re keeping things light, we also want to highlight the BRAVE Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin, supporting veterans and first responders on their journey toward recovery and resilience. 💛

01/30/2026

You didn’t get knocked out.
You finished the call.
You kept going.

That doesn’t mean your brain wasn’t affected.

“Getting your bell rung” can change how the brain manages stress, sleep, and emotion, especially when layered with trauma.

Many Veterans and First Responders live in the overlap between mTBI and PTSD without ever being told that’s what’s happening.

BRAVE exists for that space.

Call us.
☎414-955-1040
🌍https://www.mcw.edu/departments/wisconsin-institute-of-neuroscience-wins/brave-program

01/28/2026

Where is BRAVE going? Glad you asked...

We are gearing up for the Wisconsin EMS Association Conference & Expo in Green Bay, WI, February 3 - 7th! Come visit us at our Booth #811. Stop by- Say Hi- and Learn more about BRAVE Program & Avalon Action Alliance.

✨Spoiler✨: we are the Midwest's first program specifically designed to evaluate and treat mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), along with the overlaying symptoms of PTSD. Many veterans and first responders are unaware that this program exists...find us at events throughout WI, the Midwest and IN this spring!

Want to learn more- jump in our DMs- call the hotline (office)- visit us online at: https://www.mcw.edu/departments/wisconsin-institute-of-neuroscience-wins/brave-program

Address

10200 West Innovation Drive
Wauwatosa, WI
53228

Telephone

+14144275370

Website

https://www.mcw.edu/departments/wisconsin-institute-of-neuroscience-wins/brave-program

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