HJNO Mar/Apr 2024

40 MAR / APR 2024  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS   Healthcare Briefs Each appointment will last 60 to 90 minutes, with breaks included. Various tasks will assess the infant's attention to objects and faces, including their parent, as well as their interactive play. Caregivers will also be asked to complete questionnaires. Families who complete all three visits will receive a $100 compensation in the form of an electronic gift card, or $30 per visit. Additionally, a small gift will be provided to each participat- ing family at the conclusion of the study. Mar- kant ensures that families who take part will be kept informed of the study's findings, allowing them to witness firsthand the impact of their contributions. The study will take place at the Tulane Learn- ing and Brain Development Lab, located at 200 Broadway St., Suite 213, in uptown New Orleans. Free parking is available on site, and transpor- tation assistance can be arranged for families in need. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please visit the Tulane Learning and Brain Development Lab website for further details. This research is made possible by fund- ing from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development under award No. R01HD108325. NewOrleans VA Using Virtual Reality to treat PTSD The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System has adopted a new tool to treat a wide range of mental and physical health conditions. The healthcare system has begun using virtual reality (VR) therapy to treat conditions that have traditionally required medications and intensive inpatient therapies. For conditions such as anxiety and depres- sion, VR therapy allows patients to confront and manage their traumas in a safe and controlled environment. By immersing patients in realistic scenarios, VR helps desensitize them to the trig- gers that cause anxiety, providing a path towards recovery and an improved quality of life. VR has also shown potential in treating physical ailments, such as those that result in chronic pain or loss of motor skills. Patients can participate in rehabilitative activities designed to improve their symptoms while reducing reliance on costly specialized equipment. "Virtual Reality therapy is a transformative tool that empowers Veterans on their journey to recov- ery,” said Scott Mackey, MD, chief of virtual and integrated care at SLVHCS. “It's an exciting addi- tion to our comprehensive healthcare services, and we are committed to making it accessible to as many veterans as possible." At a recent event in New Orleans, SLVHCS demonstrated VR technology to more than 100 veterans and healthcare providers who came to learn about its potential benefits. Attendees also heard from veterans who had benefitted from the treatments. "VR therapy has been a game-changer for me,” said one veteran who did not wish to be identified due to privacy concerns. “It's like taking a journey back to my peaceful place whenever I need it. It's not just therapy — it’s a lifeline." As the first healthcare system in the region to offer VR therapy, VA is currently working to iden- tify patients who would benefit from the treat- ment. Interested veterans can speak with their VA healthcare provider to learn more. For more information about the new veterans medical center, clinic locations, and other services available to veterans in southeast Louisiana, visit www.neworleans.va.gov . Ascension DePaul Foundation Hosts Keeping Our Promises Gala April 13 Ascension DePaul Foundation New Orleans (formerly Daughters of Charity Foundation of New Orleans) will host its 10th Annual Keeping Our Promises Gala on April 13 at The Higgins Hotel, 1000 Magazine Street, in New Orleans. The patron party begins at 7 p.m. followed by the gala at 8 p.m. Proceeds will be used to eradi- cate health disparities locally by providing access to high-quality healthcare to all members of the community. This year’s gala will honor the 190th Anniversary of the Daughters of Charity and their work in New Orleans. Roderic and Toya Teamer serve as co- chairs of the gala committee. Patron party tickets cost $175, and gala tickets cost $100. The gala will include live entertainment, a silent auction, and food and drinks. For spon- sorship and ticket information, contact Charles The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System has begun using virtual reality (VR) therapy to treat conditions that have traditionally required medications and intensive inpatient therapies.