Brain Wellness for Veterans: A Life-Changing Program at UF Health Jacksonville
For many military veterans and first responders, the battles don’t end when the uniform comes off. The aftermath of service often brings invisible wounds—traumatic brain injuries (TBI), post-traumatic stress (PTS), cognitive challenges, and emotional struggles that impact daily life. Fortunately, an innovative and powerful initiative is helping these heroes reclaim their lives: the Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program at UF Health Jacksonville.
In a recent episode of the VET S.O.S. podcast, hosts Shawn and Keith sat down with Steve Papas, U.S. Navy veteran and Executive Director of the Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program. Papas brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the table—he completed the program himself after surviving two serious TBIs. This conversation offers hope, direction, and a clear path to healing through the power of dedicated brain wellness care.
💥 From Survivor to Advocate
Steve PapasSteve Papas’ journey is both harrowing and inspiring. After two life-altering car accidents, he was left with persistent symptoms—vertigo, memory issues, mood swings, and cognitive decline. These were more than medical concerns; they were constant reminders that something wasn’t right.
Urged by his daughter and supported by his doctor, Papas applied to the Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program program at UF Health. What followed was nothing short of transformational. Through comprehensive evaluation and integrative therapy, he began to heal physically, emotionally, and mentally.
🧠 What Is a Brain Wellness Program?
A brain wellness program goes beyond treating symptoms. It looks at the full picture of neurological, psychological, and emotional health. The Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program is part of the Avalon Action Alliance, a national initiative dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders dealing with invisible injuries.
At UF Health Jacksonville, the Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program program begins with a three-day comprehensive evaluation, assessing:
Neurological health
Cognitive function
Emotional wellbeing
Behavioral health
Speech and language skills
This assessment sets the foundation for a fully personalized three-week outpatient intensive therapy program. Participants receive nearly 90 hours of group and individual therapies designed to support full-spectrum brain wellness.
💡 An Integrative Approach to Healing
What sets this brain wellness program apart is its holistic approach. Core clinical treatments are integrated with complementary therapies to treat the brain, body, and spirit. These include:
Neuropsychology and speech therapy
Neurophysical rehabilitation
Behavioral and emotional health therapy
Art therapy
Equine therapy
Canine-assisted therapy
Mindfulness and somatic movement
Steve Papas referred to art therapy as the “ninja” of the program—it helped him unlock thoughts and emotions he couldn’t verbalize. These therapeutic modalities work together to rebuild confidence, capability, and connection, which are critical for long-term brain wellness.
🛑 Removing Barriers to Access
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program at UF Health is its accessibility. Veterans and first responders face enough challenges—getting help shouldn't be one of them. That’s why this program removes all traditional barriers:
✅ Completely free of charge
✅ No VA referral required
✅ Open to all discharge statuses
✅ Accepts active-duty service members within one year of separation
The program’s intake team even assists with gathering medical records and handling paperwork, ensuring that those in need are not overwhelmed by logistics.
📈 Real Results, Real Hope
Participants in the Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program don’t just feel better—they experience measurable improvement. Through tools like the PCL-5 (for PTSD) and the NSI (Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory), outcomes are tracked and benchmarked. The results speak for themselves.
Steve shared the story of a veteran who arrived using a cane and struggling with a stutter. By the end of the program, he was walking unaided and gave a fluent graduation speech. These aren’t isolated cases—they represent the consistent outcomes the Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program delivers.
📣 Reaching Those Who Need It Most
Despite the success of the program, one major challenge remains: getting the word out to the right people. Many veterans and first responders aren’t connected to the VA, VFW, or American Legion. That’s why digital outreach and storytelling—like through the VET S.O.S. podcast—is critical.
The brain wellness team is leveraging social media, podcast interviews, and academic research presentations to reach a broader audience. UF Health has fully supported this mission, helping the team scale awareness while maintaining exceptional care.
🌍 Growing a Nationwide Brain Wellness Network
Currently, there are six centers across the U.S. offering this type of intensive brain wellness care, including:
UF Health Jacksonville (Florida)
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Medical College of Wisconsin
University of Colorado (Marcus Institute)
Additional sites in Pennsylvania and Virginia
And that’s just the beginning. The goal is to expand and even develop a civilian concussion clinic using the same integrative model. The broader mission is simple: elevate brain wellness for all who need it.
☎️ How to Apply for the Brain Wellness Program
If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of TBI or PTS, don’t wait.
🔍 Search: “UF Health Leon Haley Brain Wellness Program”
📞 Call Executive Director Steve Papas directly: 904-576-0604
The application process is simple, compassionate, and fully supported by intake coordinators who understand the unique challenges of brain injury recovery.
🔚 Final Thoughts on Brain Wellness
The concept of brain wellness is more than a clinical goal—it’s a mission to restore hope, function, and quality of life to the heroes who served. Through the leadership of veterans like Steve Papas and the dedication of the UF Health team, this program is delivering on that mission every single day.
If you're a veteran or first responder—or love someone who is—know that recovery is possible. The right tools, the right support, and the right program can make all the difference.
🛟 Don’t drown in the sea of transition. Grab the VET S.O.S. lifeline—and rediscover the power of brain wellness.
