UCLA Operation Mend

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UCLA Operation Mend

Operation Mend provides advanced surgical and medical treatment for post-9/11 era service members

Operation Mend was established in 2007 as a partnership between UCLA Health and the United States military. The program is available at absolutely no cost to the veterans or service member. Operation Mend was envisioned by Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Board and Executive Committee member Ronald A. Katz after a visit to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), a leading burn and rehabilitation cente

r in San Antonio, Texas, where he and his wife Maddie provided a lead gift to build a new 42-unit Fisher House. This visit inspired the Katz family to secure a commitment from UCLA to partner with BAMC on Operation Mend. “I think it is the private sector’s duty to stand up … and do something extra to help,” said Katz. “I asked UCLA Health if there was a way that we could offer our services and give these kids and their families not only the best the Army has to offer, but the best the country has to offer.” The program is open to members from all service branches. All medical care, travel and accommodations are provided AT NO COST to Operation Mend participants and their families.

07/26/2026

Thirty-six years ago today, on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush. The legislation was the result of decades of advocacy by people with disabilities and allies who fought for equal rights, access, and opportunity.

On National Disability Independence Day, we recognize the lasting impact of the ADA and reaffirm the importance of creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

At UCLA Operation Mend, we’re honored to serve post-9/11 Veterans and their Caregivers through world-class medical and psychological care at no cost to eligible participants. As we reflect on the ADA’s legacy, we also recognize that healing, accessibility, and independence go hand in hand.

Learn more about our services at uclahealth.org/programs/operationmend

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Image Descriptions

Slide 1:
The graphic recognizes National Disability Independence Day and explains that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990, established landmark civil rights protections for millions of Americans with disabilities. The lower portion features a historic photo of President George H.W. Bush signing the ADA.

Slide 2:
The graphic explains that the ADA helps remove barriers to participation in employment, transportation, public services, and other public spaces while recognizing the strength and resilience of people living with visible and invisible disabilities, including many Veterans and service members. The bottom of the graphic features two photos: one of a wheelchair user, and another of a U.S. Army service member during what appears to be a counseling or support session.

07/25/2026

At Operation Mend, we believe healing extends beyond medical care. For many Veterans, the next chapter includes rebuilding confidence, finding purpose, and navigating the transition to civilian life.

This , we’re grateful for organizations like ACP (American Corporate Partners) that help make that transition possible through career mentorship and professional guidance.

Together, we can help ensure those who have served have the support and opportunities to thrive long after their military service ends.

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Image Descriptions

Slide 1:
The graphic promotes National Hire a Veteran Day. It highlights the importance of believing in Veterans' potential and supporting their journey toward healing, purpose, and future careers. The lower half features a smiling U.S. Army service member in uniform.

Slide 2:
The graphic highlights American Corporate Partners (ACP), a nonprofit that connects post-9/11 Veterans and active-duty service members with volunteer mentors to support their transition into civilian careers. A highlighted callout emphasizes ACP's focus on mentorship and professional guidance.

Slide 3:
The graphic outlines ways for employers, professionals, and Veterans or active-duty service members to get involved through ACP. The bottom of the graphic features two photos: one of a smiling professional walking outdoors and another of two people engaged in a conversation.

07/15/2026

Thank you Singer Equipment Company for your generous donation to our Teaching Kitchen. 💙

Your support helps create a welcoming space where Warriors and their Caregivers can prepare healthy meals together, build practical skills, and share meaningful conversations around the table.

Learn more about the comprehensive care and services Operation Mend provides to Veterans, service members, and their families at https://www.uclahealth.org/programs/operationmend.

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Video Description:

Dr. Harris from the Operation Mend team appears in a selfie-style video, thanking Singer Equipment Company for donating a large collection of supplies to the Operation Mend Teaching Kitchen. She explains that the donation has helped create a welcoming space where Warriors and their Caregivers can prepare healthy, nourishing meals together. Dr. Harris shares that she met representatives from Singer Equipment Company at a fundraising event in New York after giving a talk about the Teaching Kitchen and the role shared meal preparation and community meals play in the program. The video transitions to footage of Dr. Harris chopping an onion in the Teaching Kitchen before returning to selfie mode as she explains that Singer Equipment Company was inspired by Operation Mend's mission. The video then cuts to a sped-up timelapse of Madison unboxing the donated supplies, followed by close-up shots panning across cutting boards, knives, bowls, dishes, and other kitchen equipment while Dr. Harris describes the items. The video ends with Dr. Harris returning to selfie mode to thank Singer Equipment Company for its generous support.

07/08/2026

Behind every Operation Mend patient is a team of dedicated professionals. This Month, we're recognizing Allyson as our .

Thank you, Allyson, for the care, compassion, and support you provide to Veterans and their families every day.

Image Description:

A graphic features a portrait of Allyson smiling at the camera while wearing a black jacket. The graphic includes a quote about her gratitude for working alongside Veterans and their families and her admiration for their resilience. The UCLA Health Operation Mend logo and Allyson's name and title appear at the bottom of the graphic.

07/04/2026

This Fourth of July, celebrate with a recipe that's simple, colorful, and full of nourishing ingredients.

This black bean and corn dip combines beans, corn, bell pepper, avocado, olive oil, and fresh lime for a dish that's packed with fiber, nutrients, and brain-healthy fats. It's an easy reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

From all of us at Operation Mend, we wish you a safe, healthy, and happy Fourth of July!

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Video Description:
A member of the Operation Mend team demonstrates how to make a black bean and corn dip. Throughout the video, she rinses canned beans and combines white beans, black beans, corn, bell pepper, avocado, olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. She then stirs everything together and serves the dip with blue corn chips. She tastes the finished dish and shares that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or expensive before wishing viewers a safe and happy Fourth of July.

06/27/2026

PTSD doesn’t follow a single timeline. Recognizing how PTSD shows up is part of seeking care, and it’s never too late to start.

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Image Descriptions

Slide 1: Graphic with a blue gradient background features the headline “PTSD Awareness Day.” Supporting text reads: “Understanding PTSD means understanding that it doesn’t follow a predictable timeline.” The UCLA Health Operation Mend logo appears in the lower left corner.

Slide 2: Graphic with a blue gradient background explains that PTSD symptoms can begin immediately after a traumatic experience or emerge months or even years later. Additional text notes that life transitions such as retirement, loss, or changes in daily routine can bring past experiences back to the surface, resulting in the onset of new symptoms. The UCLA Health Operation Mend logo appears in the lower left corner.

Slide 3: Graphic with a blue gradient background outlines several forms of PTSD care and support. Closing text reads: “Seeking care is a meaningful first step, and it’s never too late to begin.” The UCLA Health Operation Mend logo appears in the lower left corner.

06/24/2026

Meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. 👨‍🍳

Starting with a short, but versatile grocery list, and focusing on ingredients that store well, can go a long way in making meals easier, more consistent, and more manageable day to day.

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Image Descriptions

Slide 1: The graphic encourages simple meal prep with the headline, “Looking to meal prep for the week but not sure where to start? Start simple.” A grocery list is divided into pantry staples and perishable items, with estimated costs listed. Images of canned tuna, fresh spinach, and eggs appear along the bottom of the slide.

Slide 2: The graphic explains how a small grocery purchase can support multiple meals throughout the week. The slide notes that a carton of eggs, canned tuna, and spinach can help save time, effort, and cost. A checklist suggests preparing hard-boiled eggs and sautéed spinach with olive oil, salt, and pepper at the start of the week. A photo of sliced hard-boiled eggs on a bed of spinach appears on the right side of the slide.

Slide 3: The graphic highlights two simple meal ideas made from the prepared ingredients. A photo shows hands holding a knife and fork over a bowl of tuna and hard-boiled egg salad. Text lists breakfast as hard-boiled eggs with sautéed spinach and lunch as tuna egg salad served over greens, dressed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, with optional mustard, lemon, or mayo. A note at the bottom explains that fresh spinach can be frozen before it spoils and cooked later.

06/14/2026

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag. 🇺🇸

This year, we’re reflecting on the story of Mary Pickersgill, who led a group of women in hand stitching a flag that required more than 350,000 stitches to complete in just six weeks.

Behind the American flag are the stories not only of these women, but of the Veterans and active duty service members who have dedicated their lives to our country.

At Operation Mend, we’re honored to support Warriors and their Caregivers as they navigate the lasting impacts of service.

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Image Descriptions

1: A Flag Day graphic shares the story of Mary Pickersgill, the flag maker commissioned to sew the enormous American flag that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.” A small American flag is pictured below the text.

2: A Flag Day graphic highlights the scale of the flag created by Mary Pickersgill and the women who helped sew it, noting the project involved more than 350,000 hand stitches completed in six weeks. An American flag is shown below the text.

3: A photograph from the Operation Mend Veterans Day Parade shows attendees gathered around a military vehicle, holding small American flags and greeting one another. The UCLA Health Operation Mend logo appears in the lower left corner.

4: A group photograph from the Operation Mend Veterans Day Parade shows participants and supporters holding signs and a large “Operation Mend: Healing the Wounds of War” banner during the parade. The UCLA Health Operation Mend logo appears in the lower left corner.

06/10/2026

PTSD can impact how Veterans navigate daily life, including at work. When those experiences are shaped by stigma, it can make it harder for Veterans to ask for support.

At Operation Mend, Veterans receive specialized PTSD treatment that addresses the effects of trauma while building the tools to navigate life with greater confidence.

Learn more at uclahealth.org/programs/operationmend

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Image Descriptions

1: A blue PTSD Awareness Month graphic shares that PTSD can affect how Veterans navigate daily life and workplace experiences. The UCLA Health Operation Mend logo appears at the bottom.

2: A blue informational graphic outlines several ways PTSD symptoms may present in workplace settings, including challenges with trust, communication, focus, and high-stress environments. The graphic also notes that stigma can cause trauma responses to be misunderstood as behavioral or performance issues.

3: A blue graphic highlights the importance of accessing PTSD care and explains that Operation Mend provides specialized treatment and support for Veterans and their Caregivers. The UCLA Health Operation Mend logo appears at the bottom.

06/03/2026

This month, we’re proud to recognize Madison Harris as our .

As an Occupational Therapist, Madison plays an important role in supporting Veterans and Warriors throughout their recovery journeys, helping foster strength, independence, and connection every step of the way. 🇺🇸💙

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Image Description:

A blue Operation Mend graphic features Occupational Therapist Madison Harris alongside a quote about helping Warriors reconnect with confidence, community, and meaningful daily life through exercise and nutrition. Madison is shown in the bottom right of the graphic wearing a black top. The UCLA Health Operation Mend logo, along with her name and credentials appear at the bottom left of the graphic.

Address

924 Westwood Boulevard, Ste 400
Los Angeles, CA
90095

Telephone

+13102672110

Website

https://www.uclahealth.org/operationmend

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