October 3, 2025
HJF received funding through a grant from Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) to support the work of the 7 East Brain Injury Medicine/Neuropsychiatry Program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). The 7 East Program is a specialized unit for treating a wide range of traumatic brain injury (TBI) complications, integrating medical, surgical, and behavioral health care, unique within the Department of War (DoW) for its comprehensive approach.
Per the grant, HJF will hire a psychologist as part of the interdisciplinary team to enhance research and clinical services for patients with TBI. The psychologist will conduct assessments, develop behavioral plans, and support families, aiming to improve patient outcomes and understanding of psychological health.
“The program treats brain injuries of all severities, from mild concussive injuries to severe injuries requiring surgery, combining medical, surgical, and behavioral health care to address the full spectrum of complications from TBI,” said Medical Director David Williamson, M.D., a neuropsychiatrist with WRNMMC specializing in brain injury. “The addition of a psychologist will play a crucial role in the interdisciplinary team, conducting psychological assessments, developing treatment plans, providing counseling to patients and families, and contributing to research efforts to identify factors that determine the best outcomes after brain injury.”
Dr. Williamson developed this new model of care for wounded warriors with a combination of physical and psychiatric injuries, bringing together a team of specialists of diverse backgrounds in a holistic model. The program has garnered several awards and national recognition as a resource for the most challenging and complex TBI patients. The 7 East Program annually supports 85 to 100 various categories of patients—primarily active-duty military personnel, including Special Operations Forces—their family members, post-9/11 veterans, their caregivers, and family members and addresses complex medical and psychological needs associated with TBI.
“Traumatic brain injury continues to be one of the most pressing and complex challenges facing the warriors we serve. This partnership reflects Wounded Warrior Project’s long-term commitment to improving the brain health, behavioral health, and quality of life of post-9/11 veterans –not just through direct programming, but by investing in innovative care models that have the power to transform lives,” said Ashley Bunce, director of community partnerships and investments at WWP. “7E’s integrated, multidisciplinary approach treats the whole warrior and their full spectrum of unique needs, supports families, and leads with research and clinical expertise. We have seen 7E’s impact first-hand in delivering state-of-the-art services for some of our warriors navigating the most complex injuries. We are proud to be a part of advancing the future of brain health treatment, a priority of WWP.”
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) empowers and serves post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured veterans, along with their families and caregivers, through life-changing programs and strategic partnerships. The grant to HJF and 7 East reinforces WWP’s growing commitment to brain health and innovative TBI care. Since 2012, WWP, the nation’s largest nonprofit funder of veteran-serving organizations, has given more than $436 million to 221 military and veteran organizations.