Internationally-renowned facility for PTSD, traumatic brain injuries opens in Jacksonville

A facility known internationally for helping people with PTSD and traumatic brain Injuries is now open in Jacksonville.

The Eisenhower Center opened its doors in Jacksonville Friday afternoon after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new location in the Sandalwood area.

"It's a major deal for the fact that they're such a sincere, heartfelt program and they have specialist for every aspect," Vincent Hernandez said.

The 29-year-old Marine Corps veteran said he spent time at an Eisenhower Center in Michigan after he suffered a traumatic brain injury during a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

He said the facility also helped treat his PTSD.

"This is the first place you should check out, even if you don't necessarily believe you have a brain injury. They can point you to the right directions you can find the help that you may need," Hernandez said.

A doctor from the After the Impact program spoke about the struggles veterans face after deployment.

"You don't have the camaraderie of those people around you," Dr. Rich Jadick said. "You don't have your best friends. You don't have people who understand you, and look to cope with."

Cox Media Group