Frequently Asked Questions

What if my TBI occurred when I was not on active service duty or before or after my time in the military?

We treat patients with a TBI, regardless of when the brain injury occurred.

Can active service members go through this program?

At this time, only military veterans are eligible for the Veteran care program. Non-military individuals with traumatic brain injury can inquire about eligibility by contacting us at (504) 988-5195.

How much does the program cost?

Thanks to a generous grant from the Avalon Action Alliance and support from donors, including the Priddy Family Foundation and the Goldring Family Foundation, we accept Veterans with a TBI regardless of financial situation or health insurance coverage.

How many days does the program last?

There are two parts to our Veteran care program: the evaluation (three days) and the intensive outpatient program (three weeks/21 days). Veterans start by attending the three-day evaluation, and eligible Veterans may return to the clinic at a later date for the three-week IOP.

Where will I stay in New Orleans during the program?

Veterans stay at the Residence Inn or Courtyard by Marriott in Metairie, La. (a suburb of New Orleans)where lodging, meals, laundry and other comforts are available for the three-day evaluation and three-week IOP. A member of our care team will be in touch to arrange travel/transportation and other details about your stay.

What happens during the three-day evaluation?

Over the course of three days, Veterans meet our care team and participate in one-on-one evaluations with specialists. You will spend each weekday with us, from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We  provide water, snacks and meals. You are welcome to bring any additional snacks or beverages. You may have some downtime between appointments, so you may want to bring a book, magazine, or small hobby during those times. This may also be a good time to check your messages and/or return calls on your electronic devices.

Learn more about the evaluation.

What happens during the three-week intensive outpatient program (IOP)?

During the three-week IOP, Veterans work with the same team of providers who guided the initial evaluation. You will follow a schedule of treatment therapies based on your individualized care plan. Expect to participate in up to eight hours of treatment each weekday.

Family members are welcome to join you during the last week of your stay to participate in programs and to learn skills that can help your loved ones navigate life at home and in your community.

You will spend each weekday with us, from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We will provide water, snacks and meals. You are welcome to bring any additional snacks or beverages. You may have some downtime between appointments, so you may want to bring a book, magazine, or small hobby during those times. This may also be a good time to check your messages and/or return calls on your electronic devices.

We offer many different evaluations and diagnostic tools to assess and treat patients with TBI.

Read more about the evaluations and tools here.

Can a family member/spouse/caregiver join me during the program?

Family members are welcome to join you during the last week of your stay during the IOP to participate in programs and learn skills that can help your loved ones navigate life at home and in your community.

Where can I make a donation?

Donations can be made through the Tulane Giving portal and earmarked for the Center for Brain Health.


Operation Bootstrap is a sponsor support program that directly benefits Veterans by paying for food, travel, lodging and clinical service for the 3-day evaluation ($8,500) and 3-week IOP ($14,000).

Monthly donations and one-time gifts can also be earmarked for the Center for Brain Health.

For information about making a donation and other ways to support our Veteran care program, contact Bonnie McCollough, Director of External Relations.
Email: bmccollo@tulane.edu 
Phone: (504) 988-8481

Can I sponsor a Veteran in the program?

Yes. For more information about Operation Bootstrap and sponsoring travel, food, lodging and clinical care for a Veteran, contact Bonnie McCollough, Director of External Relations.
Email: bmccollo@tulane.edu 
Phone: (504) 988-8481

Can I volunteer?

To learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities, contact Bonnie McCollough, Director of External Relations.
Email: bmccollo@tulane.edu 
Phone: (504) 988-8481

How can I help a Veteran?

Our Veteran care program is made possible through donations, in-kind gifts, employer gift matching, tributes, sponsorships, partnerships and many other types of community support.

Donations can be made directly through the Tulane Giving portal and earmarked for the Center for Brain Health.

If you have questions about donations or other ways to support the Center, please contact Bonnie McCollough, Director of External Relations.

Email: bmccollo@tulane.edu 
Phone: (504) 988-8481

If you'd like to refer or recommend a Veteran to our program, please submit an inquiry form with your contact information, as well as basic information about the Veteran's military status and injury. (Please note, this inquiry form is completely confidential and follows all HIPAA compliance protocols.)

Once you submit the form, a patient navigator manager will follow up with you to collect more information. You can also reach us by e-mail tbicare@tulane.edu, or call  (504) 988-5195.

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