Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest medical center and a Newsweek ranked world’s best hospital for the last six years, today shared an update on its partnership with Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) to provide quality mental healthcare to individuals impacted by the war. Since the initiation of the project in February, Sheba has treated close to 1,300 patients in six locations across Israel.
The program made possible due to FIDF’s generous donation of $24 million, marks a significant collaboration between the hospital, FIDF, Ministry Of Defense (MOD), Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization (ZDVO), and the IDF. Under the partnership, Sheba has treated IDF veterans, reservists, members of non-military security forces, and their loved ones for mental health trauma and psychological challenges resulting from the war. The hospital has also expanded its geographic reach, by renovating and modernizing multiple Beit HaLochem centers in Be’er Sheva, Haifa, Nahariya, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, to bring treatment closer to patients. All locations are expected to be fully operational by March 2025.
"Our country faces a significant challenge in addressing the mental trauma caused by the war, and the way we tackle this issue now will shape our nation's future for years to come," said Dr. Shachar Shapira, Head of ‘Returning to Life – the National Center for Mental Trauma’ at Sheba Medical Center. "Our work is vital - not only do we provide care directly to patients, but we also reach their families and communities, amplifying our impact exponentially to build resilience on a national scale. Thanks to the FIDF leadership and its donors, we are delivering essential care across the North, South, and Center of the country, helping people reclaim their lives and move forward."
To support the influx of patients and provide high quality care in all locations, Sheba hired additional therapists - psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, and art therapists. All new staff were trained by Sheba experts in mental trauma treatment, using the latest studied techniques and therapies.
Patients treated by the center, either in Sheba or in one of the ZDVO warrior houses benefit from a one-stop-shop and multidisciplinary approach, including a range of treatments such as Prolonged Exposure therapy, neurofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and cognitive processing therapy. Sheba also provides telehealth services, enabling veterans who experience traumatic episodes abroad to access care quickly. Additionally, the center is using "LIV", a new mental health AI solution developed by Sheba in collaboration with Microsoft and KPMG, to improve PTSD diagnosis and treatment
In 2025, Sheba will continue expanding its efforts, aiming to treat 3,700 patients. Under these plans, the ‘Returning to Life’ Center will be fully integrated into Sheba’s rehabilitation hospital, providing holistic physical and mental treatment for veterans injured during the war.
Caroline Haïat
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