Donated Computers Assist Veterans with "Scholastic Therapy"

WINCHESTER, Calif., Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For veterans wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan, long hospital stays accompanied by months of physical, occupational or other forms of rehabilitation are often necessary for recovery.

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"You can only do so much therapy each day," said Nick, a soldier from Ohio who recuperated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center following injury from the blast of an improvised explosive device.

"It was the afternoon boredom that bothered me the most, because I wanted to do everything I could to heal and get on with my life.  I discovered I could take classes while still in the hospital, then found out about an organization called Help Hospitalized Veterans that donates Internet-ready computers to wounded veterans," Nick said.

The computer program is part of Help Hospitalized Veterans' (HHV) Special Projects Division and is just one of many of the HHV's programs and sponsorships.  The organization's primary purpose is to provide therapeutic arts and crafts kits to veterans receiving medical care.  Over 28 million kits have been delivered since 1971. 

"I received a brand new computer from HHV, and it allows me to maximize my rehabilitation time.  It's like scholastic therapy," Nick said.

Even for the most severely injured veterans, some of whom are homebound due to military service related physical or mental disabilities, a computer can bring a whole new world into their lives.

"HHV has donated thousands of computers to veterans, and for those without the use of their hands, voice-activated software is also provided," said Mike Lynch, president and CEO of the organization.

"Many veterans from previous wars may not have survived the types of injuries occurring today, but the ability to more quickly evacuate those injured on the battlefield combined with modern medicine has saved countless lives," Lynch said.  "And while some of these veterans may have suffered devastating physical injuries, often their minds are completely intact.  Giving these heroes Internet-ready computers can produce countless paths leading to a more fulfilled and rewarding life," added Lynch.

www.hhv.org

Contact:
Frank Cimorelli
928-771-2071
[email protected]

SOURCE Help Hospitalized Veterans