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SoldierStrong Donates Its First StrongMind Virtual Reality System to Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Operation Hat Trick HatA unique arrangement between Syracuse University, the Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center and two national nonprofits has resulted in the donation today of a groundbreaking virtual reality system to treat veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress.

The donation was made during an event took place at the VA’s Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic, 620 Erie Blvd West. It comes from SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing advanced medical technologies to help injured veterans lead full lives. Its StrongMind initiative has made an initial commitment to donate virtual reality hardware and software to 10 VA medical centers across the country as part of its focus on reducing post-traumatic stress, which is considered one of the leading causes of veteran suicides. The Syracuse donation is the first in the series.

Operation Hat Trick is funding the donation to the Syracuse VA. The Veterans Health Administration’s Innovative Ecosystem will assist in the facilitation and deployment of the equipment, and coordinate training efforts for the equipment and software.

Rachel Duffy, Syracuse University’s director of trademark licensing, said the relationship with Operation Hat Trick dates back to 2013 and has helped the Hampton, N.H., organization fulfill its mission of generating awareness and support for the recovery of wounded service members and veterans through the sale of OHT branded merchandise and products.

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