Navy Vice Adm. Raquel Bono, director of the Defense Health Agency, spoke on the final day of the 2016 Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Summit, Sept. 15, 2016. Researchers and clinicians from around the world gathered virtually and in person at the Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia, to discuss a variety of issues affecting psychological health and the treatment of TBIs.

Bono highlighted her agency’s role in the advancements in care, pointing out how this exactly fits with her three priorities, specifically, supporting the military services and optimizing operations. She said it’s important for DHA to find ways to tear down administrative barriers that keep the good work of the Military Health System from getting to patients who need it.

“We want to be more streamlined so we’re serving the entire enterprise,” said Bono. “We need to make sure your care is even more accessible to our patients.”