#United States #Washington, DC #PTSD Treatment #TBI Support #Hyperbaric Institute

The Reality of Veteran Health Care Crisis

In a powerful announcement, the Hyperbaric Institute has revealed an award-winning documentary shedding light on the urgent issue of veteran health care. The film, creating waves in its screening at the National Press Club, uncovers a stark reality: each day, 22 veterans make the heartbreaking decision to end their lives, grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These staggering statistics have ignited a call for reform, particularly regarding the controversial denial of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

A Documentary Fueled by Evidence

Titled "Undeniable Evidence: Clean Medicine. Dirty Politics," the documentary is not just a critique; it’s a well-researched narrative that won Best Documentary at the Syracuse International Film Festival and has been nominated for another prestigious award at the MV Shorts LA Film Festival. The film emphasizes the chasm between existing clinical research on HBOT and the current policies enforced by the Department of Defense.

Prominent in this narrative is the revelation that since 9/11, more than 155,000 veterans have succumbed to suicide—statistics reflecting a) a staggering rate that overshadows even combat deaths by a factor of 19. The film features the compelling insights provided through studies conducted by Dr. Paul Harch, whose research spotlighted promising results from administering HBOT to patients suffering from blast-related brain injuries.

A Call for Action and Reform

Despite these encouraging findings and an array of documented evidence backing HBOT as a viable treatment for veterans’ ailments, the VA continues to deny coverage. This alarming trend is exactly what the documentary seeks to address, exposing the systemic barriers hindering veterans from accessing alternative therapies.

Inspired by Dr. Harch's influential book, The Oxygen Revolution, the documentary advocates for Congressional intervention and highlights two critical pieces of legislation currently in the pipeline: House H.R. 1336 and Senate S. 2737, both aimed at securing better treatment for veterans with TBI. Impressively, 14 states have already implemented supportive legislation to ensure veterans gain access to hyperbaric treatment, proving that a grassroots movement is indeed underway.

Meet the Visionary Behind the Movement

Dr. Paul Harch is a pivotal figure in the documentary and in the real-world application of HBOT for treating veterans. Based in New Orleans, he has devoted over three decades to research and practice concerning traumatic brain injuries. His dedication is evident as he collaborates with his senior partner to unveil the first hyperbaric-equipped ambulance in the United States, scheduled for launch in New Orleans in spring 2026.

The Emergency Briefing and Its Implications

The upcoming screening also features a 45-minute emergency briefing that includes various short documentaries narrated by veterans like John Salcedo, who understand the weight of these issues firsthand. After the screening, members of the audience will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session featuring Dr. Harch and other key figures who have been integral to advancing this conversation on veteran health care.

Event Details

• - Where: National Press Club, Washington, DC 20045
• - When: November 18, 2025
• - Timeline: Doors open at 6:00 PM; Screening begins at 7:00 PM
• - RSVP: Interested attendees can secure their spots by contacting [email protected]

As the conversation unfolds, this documentary serves as a glowing beacon that highlights not only the plight of veterans in need of immediate assistance but also the demand for systemic policy change that could save lives. This hard-hitting presentation called forth challenges us to reflect on how the policies governing veteran health care continue to lag behind the proven solutions available today.