Creation

In 2007, Congress mandated that the Department of Defense (DoD) create a center to advance our nation’s understanding of the invisible wounds from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This center would respond to the growing needs of those with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological health (PH) concerns, and serve as a leader in TBI care and research throughout the MHS. Thus, the DoD created the NICoE. The NICoE opened its doors to patients in October 2010 and has been dedicated to providing excellent TBI and PH care, research, and education ever since.

Funding

The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), created by the Fisher family, led the fundraising effort for the NICoE by securing $65 million in donations from the American public. The IFHF has funded nine other centers, called Intrepid Spirit centers, which are located on major military bases throughout the country. The Intrepid Spirit centers operate using a NICoE-influenced care model with a focus on diagnosis and treatment. Click here for more information about the Intrepid Spirit centers.

The NICoE Formally Joins Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

In July 2015, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Bethesda TBI Service and the NICoE formally joined to establish a new NICoE Directorate to better serve patients and advance TBI and PH treatment, research, and education. The NICoE Directorate, now aligned under the WRNMMC, will continue to deliver patient-focused care while providing opportunities for expanded treatment options and advancements in research.