About - HHWF

ABOUT US

OUR VISION

Our vision is to serve those who have sacrificed so much in serving us by making Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) available for veterans with trauma. We offer veterans struggling with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) hope through liberation from the lasting effects of both visible and invisible wounds. Acknowledging the inherent dignity, wisdom, and resilience of each veteran, we facilitate veterans’ autonomy in determining their own path toward healing and growth through restoration of balance in physical and mental health.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to connect veterans struggling with the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to hyperbaric oxygen therapy providers while removing or reducing this intervention’s barrier of significant financial cost and bureaucratic challenges to access. We accomplish this by developing a network of HBOT treatment facilities and support organizations who can assist veterans’ access to HBOT treatment.

PROVIDING HBOT FOR VETERANS WITH TRAUMA

Whether a veteran is a loved one, a friend, or simply a fellow citizen, their trauma impacts us all, whether we realize it or not. Though still advancing, current scientific understanding gives us greater insight into the tremendous suffering caused by the invisible wounds, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). One veteran suffering needlessly is one too many and if there’s any way we can provide relief for those who have sacrificed for us, we believe it is our moral imperative to do so.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

An Idaho based non-profit, the Hyperbaric Health & Wellness Foundation (HHWF) is committed to assisting veterans suffering from conditions related to their military service by providing access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). These conditions may include, but are not limited to, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and polytrauma (physical damage to multiple body parts and/or organ systems).

HBOT provides 100% pure, medical-grade oxygen to its recipient while within a safe, monitored environment of heightened atmospheric pressure. With a well-documented track record of effectiveness, it aids in recovery, overall wellness, and an improved quality of life. HBOT is a prescribed treatment approved by the FDA and AMA for a broad array of conditions. Unfortunately, since HBOT has not yet received unanimous VA approval for all conditions, including TBI and PTSD, those seeking relief must pay out of their own pocket. This can range from $200 – $1000 for each 90-minute session. With a typical program of 40 sessions, this cost adds up rapidly, totaling anywhere from $8000 – $40,000. The HHWF recognizes this overwhelming financial burden as a major obstacle for most veterans who simply want relief from their symptoms so seeks to neutralize it by covering the treatment costs.

Through generous donations and grants, the Hyperbaric Health & Wellness Foundation enables veterans nationwide to access a comprehensive treatment protocol of 40 HBOT sessions over a 20-day period. A unique resource, the foundation has served over 72 veterans with over 2800 treatments since 2018. We facilitate the journey to recovery with open arms, respect, and compassion.

Committed to healing those in need of an improved quality of life, the HHWF is located at 416

South Main, Suite 204 in Hailey, Idaho. Office phone: 208-913-0698

HYPERBARIC HEALTH & WELLNESS FOUNDATION

CHRIS DOOLEY Executive Director
Hyperbaric Health & Wellness Foundation

RANDI GERHARD Finance Manager
Hyperbaric Health & Wellness Foundation

Christopher Dooley

Executive Director, HHWF

Dooley brings his passion for personal development and a diverse range of professional experiences to his role at the Hyperbaric Health and Wellness Foundation. After 4 years overseas in the Army Infantry and 4 years in wildland firefighting, he transitioned into the academic world, acquiring scientific degrees in massage therapy and psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology. He has worked professionally with veterans and special needs individual since 2002 and assisted research for populations with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other related pathologies at the Kessler Foundation and the War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC). He continued work on the clinical side of therapeutic intervention with young adults and adolescents at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy and subsequently served veterans with trauma and their families with Higher Ground’s recreational therapy and adaptive sports program. His approach focuses on post-traumatic growth through applications of neuropsychology, mindfulness, and experiential education. When not working, Dooley spends time volunteering his chainsaw skills for disaster response with Team Rubicon. More locally in Idaho’s Wood River Valley, he can be found bicycling, motorcycling, snowboarding, exploring hot springs, and locating dogs needing petting.

Randi Gerhard

Accountant, HHWF

With a degree in Accounting from UC Berkley, Randi has logged over 30 years’ experience, working in numerous countries and across the U.S. She was the first woman Controller and member of the Executive Committee for Washington D.C.’s world-renowned Mayflower Hotel. An accomplished Chef and Event Coordinator, Randi is inspired daily by her husband and son. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, fly-fishing, and exploring the great state of Idaho.