Heal
A Better Health Program to Combat PTSD
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Multilevel sympathetic chain blockade for treatment of PTSD
Our primary goal is to help veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder absolve or reduce their symptoms to increase daily functioning and improve overall quality of life. The focus is to combine the utilization of SGB with traditional therapies, by clinical therapists with expertise in trauma and veteran treatment to achieve long-term resolution of post-trauma symptoms.
I cannot thank AVA enough! I was digressing and slowly falling back into some of my old "bad habits" of fighting with PTSD symptoms that were debilitating. AVA didn't hesitate after I went to them! In just a few days after they reviewed my case, I was being prepped and completed my second SGB injection and hopefully my last, but I will take it again if I feel myself falling back into that hole!
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance is to introduce a formalized treatment protocol for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in veterans in Louisiana.
The main focus of treatment is the utilization of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) which has demonstrated repetitive, anecdotal, clinical success in various patients over the last several years.
The goal is to demonstrate clinical validity over time thus increasing funding and accessibility to additional veterans in Louisiana and surrounding states.
ELIGIBILITY
Veterans, reservists, and active-duty US military who meet diagnostic criteria of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as diagnosed by a clinical therapist or contracted psychiatric practitioner via the Acadiana Veteran Alliance will be considered for the treatment.
Additionally, active substance abuse and/or medical complications that can interfere with treatment would need to be ruled out.
Candidates must be deemed psychologically fit for treatment per clinical therapists.
Candidates must also be deemed medically fit by the medical director.
Participants must provide written and verbal consent for treatment and agree to all treatment recommendations by medical director(s) and clinical therapist(s).
TEAM

Robyn Sonnier, M.A., LPC, NCC, CCTP Clinical Director
Robyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with specialized training and certifications for working with veterans. She has a passion for helping veterans overcome obstacles impacting daily life.

Thomas K. Bond, M.D., M.S. Medical Director
Dr. Bond has an experienced background in administering SGB injections successfully. He's trained extensively with Dr. Sean Mulvaney, one of the leaders in treating PTSD in veterans with SGB, and is a world-renowned expert in Interventional Regenerative Orthopedic procedures.

Madison NyquistDevelopment Director
Currently the Business Development Director for River Oaks Hospital, a New Orleans-based facility that has provided quality treatment to individuals suffering from mental illness since 1970. Skilled in Networking, Leadership, Social Media, Community Outreach, and Program Development.
Treatment Logistics
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Candidate Referral
Candidates can be referred to the Acadiana Veteran Alliance via the Referral Form that will be emailed to heal@supportava.org once completed. A referral specialist will review the information and initiate contact with the potential candidate to explain the necessary criteria for eligibility for treatment. Once verbal consent is obtained, an appointment will then be scheduled with a licensed therapist specializing in the treatment of trauma and veterans who will determine if a diagnosis of PTSD is met and if the candidate qualifies for treatment.
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Candidate Screening
Candidates will be screened by a licensed therapist specializing in the treatment of trauma and veterans. This initial screening session may last 50-60 minutes. During the time of the screening a diagnostic interview as well as a PCL-M will be performed. According to the National Center for PTSD, a score of 31-33 or higher is indicative of benefit from PTSD treatment. At the time of screening, the therapist is to rule out any potential conflicts such as potential TBI or substance abuse/substance use disorder. If the candidate meets eligibility, the patient will then be referred for initial consultation with Dr. Bond in-office.
Candidates will complete an initial consultation with Dr. Bond in-office where a spouse/significant other will accompany the patient. A baseline history and physical will be performed and medical candidacy for treatment will be determined. If the candidate consents the procedure will then be scheduled, and a consult letter will be sent to the referring provider for continuity of care. -
Triple Block Procedure
Candidates will either do in-office without anesthesia or in a controlled ambulatory surgery center setting with anesthesia/conscious sedation. Location options will be discussed and decided upon with the patient and spouse/significant other during the initial consultation with Dr. Bond. After the procedure is performed, the patient consents to a follow post-procedural protocol including recommended meditations, supplements, and counseling/treatment programs.
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Post-Procedure (standard requirements)
Week 2: Initial post-procedural interview performed by clinical therapist with symptomatic review and updated PCL-M performed, scored, and documented for measurable results. Additional behavioral health treatment planning and recommendations given per practitioner clinical judgement which could include additional treatment outside of standard post-procedure requirements.
Week 4: One month post follow up with clinical therapist with symptomatic review and updated PCL-M performed, scored, and documented for measurable results.
Week 8: Two-month post follow up with clinical therapist with symptomatic review and updated PCL-M performed, scored, and documented for measurable results.
Six Months Post Procedure: Six-month post follow up with Dr. Bond with symptomatic review and updated PCL-M performed, scored, and documented for measurable results.
Twelve Months Post Procedure: One year follow up with Dr. Bond for medical assessment and review and clinical therapist for symptomatic review, updated PCL-M and identification of need for continued treatment.
SGB
The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) injection involves a commonly used anesthesia that is injected into nerves above the neck, right above the collarbone. It serves to “soothe” or “reset” the sympathetic nervous system, which is shown to be overactive in individuals with PTSD, resulting in relief in a matter of minutes.
The SGB injection is an outpatient procedure that takes roughly twenty (20) minutes.
The Stella group in Chicago, IL has demonstrated an 80% improvement rate for patients with symptoms of PTSD with an 85% success rate specifically for combat/warfare experience. Their data is the result of a sample of 327 patients treated between December 2016 and February 2020 with data reviewed by the International Review Board (IRB).
Efficacy and Results Measurement
According to the National Center for PTSD, a minimum of a five (5) point reduction in the PCL-M score demonstrates a patient’s response to treatment.
Additionally, a ten (10) point reduction is the minimum threshold for determining whether the improvement is clinically meaningful.
The goal of the AVA Heal program is to demonstrate a ten (10) point or greater reduction in PCL-M scores to demonstrate efficacy of treatment in veterans with PTSD.