HEALING THOSE WHO PROTECT US
At the Operator Relief Fund (ORF), we have made it our mission to bring best-in-class wellness treatment and services to Special Operation Forces and Intelligence Community Professionals (SOF/IC) struggling with Post Traumatic Stress and other complex trauma symptoms. We also understand that spouses of special operators need support as well. The scars endured from service have an impact on the mind, body, and spirit of the operators and their families. It is our passion and duty to help the SOF/IC Community, and their Spouses begin a journey to health and wellness.
OUR APPROACH
ORF provides funding for Advanced Stellate Ganglion Block (ASGB) treatment for shadow warriors to enable a journey to health and wellness. The procedure calms the constant fight or flight state. Fight or flight state can look different for everyone, symptoms that look common to PTS concerns, but additional concerns of memory loss, low muscle tone, trouble breathing, sweating for no reason, and problems with digesting food, can occur as well. If your body can't function at a basic level, like converting food to energy, or something “simple”, like remembering to perform job duties, as it has done for years, we can't expect our operators to enjoy life and have thriving relationships. The root causes must be addressed first. Post traumatic stress and other traumas can literally change a person's biological functions. Once this occurs, it can be challenging or even impossible to heal without proper support. The ASGB procedure can give the operator’s nervous system time and space mentally, but also allows our biological functions to reset and refocus on how to start living a healthy lifestyle. ASGB is not about getting back to what was, but more so making something better for your future.
OUR IMPACT
Over the past 3 years, ORF connected over 1,500 Special Operations and Intelligence Community members and spouses to vital mental health supports.
ORF’s recent participant survey revealed 85% of participants showed clinical improvement and 63% no longer met criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. In addition to reduced PTS symptoms, participants also noted improved nervous system regulation, better sleep and emotional regulation, stronger relationships and social functioning, and greater overall well-being and hope.
WHAT IS ASGB?
Advanced Stellate Ganglion Block (ASGB) is an injection of medication into a collection of nerves at the bottom front side of the neck. When administered into both sides of the neck, it has a proven, lasting impact. It resets the sympathetic nervous system fight or flight response to its baseline.
The single side SGB procedure has been used for several years for pain management. Over the recent years providers, military bases, and VA entities, have begun to explore its use for PTS symptom management. Early research displays that the single side procedure assists an average of 71-75 % PTS symptom reduction, with an average longevity of one to week to a month.
Over the last two years several providers and entities have begun the exploration of the dual sided approach often referred to as the ASGB and/or DSGB ( Dual SGB). Early results have indicated a 81% reduction in PTS and other associated symptoms, an average longevity in reduction of symptoms. of 6.5 months.
CURRENT SERVICES
ORF offers support for SOF/ IC Member and their spouses to receive the ASGB procedure through one of our partner medical clinics. Our medical partners hold both privacy and efficacy to the highest standards of care. Currently, ORF funds the procedure itself, hotel room, and travel to and from the procedure. Once connected with our partner medical clinic, participants can seek additional types of support through that provider, if they wish to explore that on their own. Many find the connection to a provider they trust, allowing them to explore additional health concerns.
Additionally, through our network of other community organizations, ORF connects participants to follow-on services as needed including Life Coaching, Counseling, Holistic Medicine Modalities, Functional Medicine Resources, and other resources.
Operator Relief feels privileged to have gained the trust of many active and former SOF community members and their families. Over the last year we have grown our trust so much so that we often see a month-long access to care waiting time. We pride ourselves on being able to provide services faster and with more ease than the average payer service provider. In order to be able to continue to support this community we will need to continue to grow our donor community as well. If you feel led to donate or know of a person or organization that might be interested, please explore our donate link on the primary page. We appreciate the consideration of support.
PARTNERS AND PROVIDERS
We Can't Do It Without Your Generous Support
**Thanks to the generosity of three family foundations, who cover all overhead costs and expenses, 100% of donations go directly towards our programs.**
