Study Calls for Vietnam Vet Amputees

The Department of Defense (DoD) has funded a partnership between Indiana University, Bloomington, and Ohio State University, Columbus, to create the Indiana-Ohio Center for Traumatic Amputation Rehabilitation Research. The program is trying to locate Vietnam veteran amputees in hopes of gaining a better understanding of the needs of these veterans. "The objective is to study the health, psychosocial, and rehabilitation needs of veterans with amputations to help determine the needs of Vietnam veterans and to help aid in the rehabilitation and adjustment of traumatic amputees from present and future conflicts," the researchers noted.

The center is currently establishing a database of Vietnam veterans who have had amputations. The researchers are asking for interested Vietnam veterans to register by filling out an online questionnaire or to obtain a hard-copy version through the mail. Participant confidentiality will be strongly protected. The study currently has about 200 Vietnam vets enrolled.

With endorsements from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans, former Army Surgeon General Lt. General Quinn Becker, MD, (Retired), and most recently, The Vietnam Veterans of America, the center hopes to reach as many Vietnam amputees as possible.

For more information or to register, contact: Chad McMahon, 614.247.7205; chadmcmahon@osumc.edu; visit www.vietnamwaramputee.org