The passage and signing into law of the PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) Act is a welcome measure in support of veterans who for years have been exposed to toxic substances due to the practice of burn pits. The Act will enhance that care by adding 31 new health clinics and eliminating the roadblocks and pitfalls that Veterans have previously encountered when seeking treatment for the problems caused by burn pits, especially headaches.

The National Headache Foundation (NHF) joined with other headache organizations and Veterans’ groups to support the passage of the legislation. To further support the military community, NHF also launched Operation Brainstorm™ on June 5, 2022, providing education and support to the military community and to draw attention to the prevalence of migraine and headache amongst those that have served our country.

NHF’s Operation Brainstorm™ will be a multi-faceted health resource initiative for veterans and active-duty military beginning in Phase 1 with the following programs:

  • A series of community listening forums that will bring veterans together to learn about headache and migraine. These forums will provide opportunities to: ask questions of headache experts; share stories and experiences with others who best understand their unique situation, and outline ways that their care journey may be improved.
  • Primary care provider training via the National Headache Foundation’s Primary Care Migraine (PCM) educational program. PCM is available to healthcare providers throughout the VA medical system.
  • Production and distribution of patient-focused migraine care kits.

The National Headache Foundation is partnering with Biohaven Pharmaceuticals on this program. “Given the prevalence of migraine among veterans and active-duty military, there is an unmet need to share more information and elevate the level of discussion about the disease.” According to the Executive Director. “Through this program, we hope to reach and support veteran and military patients and physicians.”

More about Operation Brainstorm can be found at https://headaches.org/operationbrainstorm/