The most common causes of chronic pain in veterans are musculoskeletal injuries, traumatic brain injuries and the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  PTSD, a mental health condition often linked to traumatic experiences, can amplify the experience of pain and complicate its management. Many veterans with PTSD also experience chronic pain, and the two conditions can exacerbate each other, creating a cycle of suffering.  

Ketamine has emerged as a potential treatment option for veterans experiencing chronic pain, depression, and PTSD, especially for those who have not responded to traditional therapies. Promising findings have concluded that Micro-dose Ketamine Therapy, demonstrates potent analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, acting on different pathways than traditional pain medications like opioids. This makes it a potential alternative, especially for veterans struggling with opioid resistance or intolerance. In 2023, approximately 288,820 veterans were prescribed opioids by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with 14,733 veterans receiving high-dose opioid therapy.

Bayer Foundation Initiative for Veterans:  Our goal is to support ongoing clinical research and treatment of veterans using Micro-dose Ketamine Therapy.  Currently the VA Administration does not approve the use of Ketamine due to the lack of extensive clinical efficacy data.  Therefore, the Bayer Foundation will seek to fund clinical studies on the use of Micro-dose Ketamine Therapy for Veterans suffering from chronic pain or are currently under opiate therapy. 

Plan

1. Initiate fundraising targeting small donors (veteran's groups, friends & families) as well as large Corporate, individual Sponsors and the Department of Defense.

2. Establish mutually supportive relationships with major clinics that specialize in ketamine therapy.

3. Establish a review board of experts to review and approve candidates.

4. Once a minimum of $250,000 is raised, requests will be made to veteran associations for candidates.