BY RANDY GRIFFITH
Combining two Johnstown programs for treating wounded veterans will allow expanded services in a seamless continuum of care, leaders say.
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center–Johnstown and DVBIC–Laurel Highlands have combined all programs as DVBIC–Johnstown, said Dr. George Zitnay of Westmont, co-founder of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Centers.
Johnstown is one of nine lead sites in the DVBIC system, headquartered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
“This is significant because we can provide more services for those from mild to severe traumatic brain injury,” Zitnay said.
Previously, the Laurel Highlands organization operated a community re-entry program and outpatient services. Facilities included a group home in a Johnstown neighborhood and a bookstore employment training business downtown. Medical care was provided at Laurel Highlands Neuro-Rehabilitation Center, 111 Roosevelt Blvd.
The DVBIC-Johnstown organization was developing an assisted living and respite unit in Hiram G. Andrews Center, 727 Goucher St., Upper Yoder Township.
Combining the programs under one umbrella will allow more patients with physical disabilities to be included in the community re-entry program, while making smooth transition for assisted living patients who are ready for the community program.
The combined programs can serve about 30 wounded service personnel or veterans recovering from brain injury. A five-bed respite unit will allow families of wounded soldiers recovering at home an opportunity to take a break from the stress of 24-hour care.
