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County veteran service officer highlights VA 'Gateway' research on TBI and PTSD; invites commissioners to visit
Summary
Veteran Service Officer Steve Hernandez told the commissioners court April 28 about a VA research program — the Gateway Project — that uses blood testing, psychological assessment and MRI to study traumatic brain injury and PTSD among returning veterans.
Veteran Service Officer Steve Hernandez briefed the commissioners court on April 28 about a Veterans Affairs research initiative housed at the local VA center that studies traumatic brain injury and post‑traumatic stress in returning veterans.
Hernandez described the Gateway Project as a research effort that combines blood biomarkers, psychological assessments and magnetic resonance imaging to identify biological and neurological indicators associated with TBI and PTSD in veterans. He said the research aims to improve diagnosis and treatment and to better identify service members who may be at elevated risk after combat exposure.
Hernandez also described practical local implications. He said the data is intended to help researchers and clinicians develop treatment pathways and early interventions for veterans exiting service and noted that the jail population often includes undiagnosed TBI and PTSD cases who may be self‑medicating or whose behavior stems from untreated injuries. He encouraged commissioners to tour the facility and see the work firsthand: “I would invite all of you, maybe individually to actually go and see what they're actually doing there,” he said, noting the center is located in Building 93 on the VA campus.
No formal court action was taken on the briefing. Hernandez said his office will continue to coordinate with VA researchers and to refer veterans and local clinicians to the VA center when appropriate.
