UCLA Operation Mend

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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 center 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.

10/23/2026

This , we’re recognizing the ways disabilities can affect Veterans’ experience at work, including challenges that may not always be visible.

Veterans bring skills, experience, and expertise shaped by their service into civilian workplaces. Accessibility helps remove barriers, making it possible for all Veterans to participate fully, pursue new opportunities, and build meaningful careers.

At Operation Mend, we provide comprehensive care for Veterans and service members living with both visible and invisible wounds of war, helping them heal and move forward in their lives and careers. Learn more about our services at uclahealth.org/programs/operationmend.

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Image Descriptions

Slide 1:
The graphic is set on a light gray background. At the top of the graphic, small dark gray text in all caps reads “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” Below it, large text explains the work environment can be difficult to navigate for Veterans living with PTSD, TBI, and other service-related disabilities. On the bottom half of the graphic is a photo of a man in a gray T-shirt with a brace on his arm. He sits in a chair and leans forward to pet an army dog. Service members in camouflage uniforms can be seen in the background. Three angled stripes in light, medium, and dark blue run along the bottom edge of the graphic.

Slide 2:

The graphic is set on a light gray background. At the top of the graphic, small gray text in all caps reads “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” Below it, text says that visible and invisible wounds of war can affect concentration, communication, memory, and mobility, and clarifies that conditions may change over time, which can then affect the support or accommodations Veterans need at work. Three photos run along the bottom, separated by arrow-shaped dividers. In the first photo, a man with a prosthetic leg stands on a running track holding a water bottle. In the second, a man kneels to talk with a person in a wheelchair in front of a rusted tank. In the third, two women sit and talk in a room.

Slide 3:

The graphic is set on a light gray background. At the top of the graphic, small gray text in all caps reads “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” Below it, two paragraphs of text explain that a disability does not reduce the skills and experiences Veterans bring to work. The text says military service builds resilience, teamwork, discipline, and adaptability, and that removing barriers and providing accommodations helps Veterans contribute to their full potential. Three angled stripes in muted blue and gray run along the bottom edge of the graphic.

10/10/2026

On , we recognize the many ways military service, injury, and the experience of living with a diagnosis can affect a Veteran’s mental health.

At Operation Mend, understanding the impact is part of providing care that addresses the whole person and supports Veterans throughout the recovery process. 💙

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Image Descriptions

Slide 1:
A navy-outlined box sits on a light blue-gray background that has a fine dot pattern. The headline "World Mental Health Day" appears in large navy capital letters, followed by a short paragraph explaining that Veterans' mental health can be shaped by traumatic experiences during service, by injuries or conditions resulting from service, and by adjusting to life after diagnosis. Below the text, a photo shows a doctor in a white coat reviewing a clipboard with a patient.

Slide 2:
A navy-outlined box with a pale blue band across its top edge sits on a light blue-gray background with a fine dot pattern. Inside the box outline, navy text notes that a diagnosis can change how someone sees themselves and their future, with the phrase "significant impact on mental health" in bold. The text adds that this impact can reach beyond the condition to affect identity, outlook, and everyday life. Below the text, an overhead photo shows sheets of blue-tinted brain scans spread across a table.

Slide 3:
A navy-outlined box sits on a light blue-gray background with a fine dot pattern. Navy text at the top states that understanding the full impact of injury is an important part of Veteran care. Two medium-blue boxes with white text follow. The first explains that Operation Mend addresses the physical and psychological wounds of war, recognizing that recovery requires support across many parts of a Veteran's life. The second describes how the multidisciplinary team brings together surgical and psychological care to meet the complex needs that can follow an injury. Below, a photo shows a smiling woman in navy scrubs walking along a wooded path beside a smiling man with a prosthetic leg.

10/06/2026

At Operation Mend, we recognize the important role Caregivers play in a Warrior’s recovery.

That’s why our comprehensive approach includes support for both Warriors and the people standing alongside them. By supporting Caregivers as part of the process, we help families navigate treatment and recovery together. 💙

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

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Image Descriptions

Slide 1:
A blue background fills the top half of the graphic. Large white text at the top explains that injuries sustained during military service change not only day-to-day life but family life, too. Smaller white text below notes that physical and psychological injuries can affect relationships, communication, routines, and responsibilities. Dark blue italic text, highlighted in light blue, explains that the people closest to you may step into the role of Caregiver, taking on unique demands and support throughout treatment and recovery. The bottom half of the graphic shows a family from behind; a man, woman, and two children stand with their arms around one another, facing tall windows in a bright room.

Slide 2:
A blue background fills the top half of the graphic. Large white text at the top is addressed to Veterans and explains that supporting them means supporting the people around them, too. Dark blue italic text, highlighted in light blue, explains that Operation Mend’s comprehensive approach recognizes that recovery involves the entire family. Smaller white text below describes how including Caregivers in Veterans’ care helps the family as a whole to navigate the changes that come with injury, strengthen communication, and move forward together. The bottom half of the graphic shows a photo of a smiling young girl hugging her father from behind as he grins up at her, while a smiling woman (the girl’s mother) sits beside them on a couch.

09/21/2026

There isn’t a single path to recovery from PTSD, and healing can take different forms. The right care helps Veterans understand their experience, build new tools, strengthen connections, and find a way forward.

At Operation Mend, our two-week post-traumatic stress intensive treatment program brings together clinical care and a broader network of support to help Warriors work toward healing with the tools and resources they need to continue that progress beyond the program.

Learn more today: uclahealth.org/programs/operationmend

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Image Descriptions

Slide 1:
A headline on a textured blue background reads "PTSD doesn't look the same for everyone, and neither does the path to recovery." Text below explains that, for Veterans, the effects of trauma can continue long after their service has ended, and the personal impact of PTSD can vary based on their experiences, circumstances, and support systems. Near the bottom right, a thin light blue line begins at a small round endpoint and continues off the edge of the slide.

Slide 2:
A headline on a textured blue background reads "That's why recovery from PTSD isn't one-size-fits-all..." Text below notes that recovery can involve different forms of treatment, skill-building, connection, and support depending on individual needs, and that finding the right approach can take time and may change across the course of recovery. Near the bottom, a thin light blue line enters from the left and closes at a small round endpoint, and a second line begins at another endpoint and continues off the right edge of the slide.

Slide 3:
A headline on a textured blue background reads "...and PTSD recovery needs to account for the whole person." Text below shares that UCLA Health Operation Mend's two-week post-traumatic stress intensive treatment program takes a comprehensive approach to recovery, recognizing the ways emotional and social well-being intersect with Warriors' experience of PTSD. Near the bottom left, a thin light blue line enters from the edge and closes at a small round endpoint.

09/17/2026

Today, the Operation Mend family remembers and mourns the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Timothy Miller.

Dr. Miller devoted so much of his life to those who served our country, helping build Operation Mend into a place where wounded Veterans could find expert care, hope, and healing. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Distinguished Citizen Award in recognition of the courage, selfless service, and unwavering dedication that defined his life and work.

His impact lives on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and working by his side. We will miss his wisdom, his kindness, his humor, and the care he brought to everything he did.

Thank you, Dr. Miller, for all you gave to Operation Mend and to the people we serve. We carry your legacy with us.

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Image Description:

Small blue text at the top of a pale blue graphic reads "In Memoriam" with "Dr. Timothy Miller" in larger dark blue text below it. A black-and-white photo shows Dr. Miller smiling, wearing a suit and tie, and looking off to his right. Below the photo, Dr. Miller is quoted, describing Operation Mend as the most satisfying effort of his career and the most important accomplishment he ever made.

09/15/2026

The events of 9/11 changed countless lives, and for many first responders, the effects did not end when the immediate crisis passed.

At Operation Mend, our work with post-9/11 Veterans and service members has shown us that injuries are not always apparent from the outside, and that psychological wounds can be just as real and lasting as physical ones.

That understanding is a reminder that recognition and remembrance are not reserved for any single day, but carried forward throughout the year. We honor the 9/11 first responders and all those who serve by remembering the sacrifices they have made and the challenges they may carry long after their service has ended.

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Image Descriptions

Slide 1:
Large white bold text in the upper left reads "The Aftermath of 9/11" on a blue background. Smaller white text below describes how those who responded in the hours after the attacks faced unimaginable challenges as they worked to rescue, treat, protect, and care for others, and notes that, for many of them, the physical and psychological effects would continue long after the day. A vertical photo along the right side shows two beams of light rising into the night sky above illuminated buildings in lower Manhattan.

Slide 2:
A vertical photo along the left side shows a woman seated on a park bench, facing the Manhattan skyline. To the right, white text on a blue background reads "Not every wound is visible." Smaller white text below explains that some first responders faced physical injuries while others experienced trauma that is harder to recognize, including PTSD and other psychological effects that can continue to affect daily life long after the immediate crisis.

Slide 3:
White text fills the upper portion of a blue background and reads "At Operation Mend, we recognize the weight of both visible and invisible wounds and honor these first responders." Smaller white text below notes that their service is remembered for their actions that day, for the lasting impact of what they experienced, and for the legacy of service they inspired for generations to come.

09/11/2026

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we remember the lives lost and the courage and compassion demonstrated in the days and weeks that followed. We remember the first responders and medical professionals who cared for the injured, the public servants and volunteers who supported their communities, and the service members and Veterans who dedicated their lives to our country.

To remember is to keep these stories alive. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum offers a meaningful place to do just that, with online programs and resources to help us learn and reflect from wherever we call home. Explore their 25th anniversary resources and carry this remembrance into your own community: 911memorial.org/marking-25th-anniversary.

As an organization dedicated to caring for post-9/11 Veterans and their families, we carry that commitment to remembrance and service with us every day. 🇺🇸💙

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Image Descriptions

Slide 1:
Gold and white text on a dark blue background reads "Patriot Day." White text to its right acknowledges the 25th anniversary of 9/11, honoring the thousands of lives lost and reflecting on the courage, compassion, and service demonstrated, qualities that are highlighted in gold italics. A photo above the text shows service members in uniform standing in formation.

Slide 2:
White text fills the lower half of the dark blue graphic, recognizing the first responders, medical professionals, and countless other compassionate Americans who stepped up in the aftermath of 9/11. The closing lines shift to gold italics, describing how they cared for the injured, protected our communities, and helped our nation begin a healing process. A photo above shows three soldiers in camouflage uniforms at dusk, one of them carrying an American flag.

Slide 3:
White text across the lower half of the dark blue graphic reflects on the lasting impact of that day, with the middle lines set in gold italics to emphasize those who stepped up in its aftermath alongside the Veterans and active duty service members who have continued this legacy of service to our country. A photo above captures the Operation Mend 2025 visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York, where a woman holds a child close as they look out over the reflecting pool, with a single white rose placed atop the engraved names that line the pool's edge.

08/26/2026

On Women’s Equality Day, we recognize the progress made toward equality while acknowledging the barriers that still exist.

Women Veterans continue to face unique challenges in accessing the care and resources they need. At UCLA Health Operation Mend, we understand that equitable access to specialized, comprehensive care is essential to supporting every Warrior and their journey toward healing.

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Image Description:

The graphic features a dark blue background with illustrated women's face profiles drawn in different shades. A large bold "53%" is shown in yellow-gold with a soft glow effect. White text underneath states that this percentage of women Warriors reported delaying or putting off needed care for physical injuries or health concerns. A thin horizontal yellow-gold line divides this section from the closing text below. Italicized text states that of the women surveyed, more than half reported receiving care from non-VA providers because of easier access, more convenient appointments, and overall quality of care. The final line of text is white and italicized and reads "2022 Annual Warrior Survey, Wounded Warrior Project."

08/19/2026

Healing looks different for every Warrior.

At UCLA Health Operation Mend, our integrated multidisciplinary team provides specialized care that addresses the visible and invisible impacts of military service. From post-traumatic stress and brain health treatment to complex surgical care and comprehensive support, we're committed to helping Veterans and their families on their path to healing.

Swipe to learn about four key areas of care offered through Operation Mend and visit uclahealth.org/programs/operationmend for more information.

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Image Descriptions

Slide 1:
A blue-tinted photo shows two people sitting across from each other. Text reads "4 life-changing areas of treatment at UCLA Health Operation Mend," with a white arrow pointing right.

Slide 2:
A photo shows two people talking in what looks like a therapy session. The heading "Post-Traumatic Stress Treatment" appears below, followed by a description of Operation Mend's two-week intensive program.

Slide 3:
A glowing illustration shows a translucent brain with colorful light trails running through it. The heading "Brain Health Treatment" appears below, followed by a description of the traumatic brain injury program.

Slide 4:
A photo shows a surgeon in scrubs and a mask working under bright surgical lights. The heading "Specialized Surgical Care" appears below, followed by a description of Operation Mend's multidisciplinary surgical care and a list of specialty areas.

Slide 5:
A photo shows two people shaking hands, with others visible in the background. The heading "Comprehensive Support for Warriors and Families" appears below, followed by a description of the transitional support Operation Mend offers.

08/07/2026

On Purple Heart Day, we honor the Warriors who have been awarded the Purple Heart, one of our nation’s oldest and most distinguished military honors.

A testament to strength, resilience, and enduring commitment, the Purple Heart recognizes those wounded or killed in service to our country. At UCLA Health Operation Mend, we honor the Warriors who carry this distinction and remain committed to caring for those who dedicate their lives to our nation.

📸: Official U.S. Military Photos

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Slide 1:
A purple Operation Mend graphic for Purple Heart Day features the UCLA Health Operation Mend logo centered at the top, with bold yellow outlined text reading "Purple Heart Day." Below, a photo shows a folded American flag with a Purple Heart medal pinned to it. White and italic text at the bottom reads "August 7: Honoring Legacies of Service and Sacrifice."

Slide 2:
A faded photo of an American flag covers the background, with a purple overlay tinting the image. A close-up photo of a Purple Heart medal is shown at the top of the image, and the UCLA Health Operation Mend logo appears to the left. White and italic text reads "A symbol with over 240 years of history." The text below explains that the Purple Heart traces its origins to August 7, 1782, when General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit, one of the first U.S. military awards designed to recognize the bravery and dedication of enlisted Service Members and noncommissioned officers. The source is credited to the U.S. Army Center of Military History.

Slide 3:
A purple graphic continues the history of the Purple Heart, explaining that after falling out of use following the Revolutionary War, the Badge of Military Merit was revived in 1932 and redesigned as the Purple Heart. The text notes that today, the medal is awarded to Service Members who have been wounded or killed while serving, standing as a symbol of the courage and sacrifice of those who have borne the visible and invisible impacts of military service. The source is credited to the U.S. Army Center of Military History. Below the text, a photo shows three service members in uniform. Their backs are to the camera, and they are saluting a group of flag bearers standing at attention in the blurred background.

Slide 4:
A faded photo of an American flag on a flagpole covers the entire background of this graphic, with a purple overlay tinting the image. A close-up photo of a Purple Heart medal hangs at the top of the image, and the UCLA Health Operation Mend logo appears to the left. White and italic text reads "Preserving the stories behind the medal." The text below explains that the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is working to compile a comprehensive roster to preserve the stories and services of those who have received this distinguished medal.

Address

924 Westwood Boulevard, Ste 400
Los Angeles, CA
90095

Telephone

+13102672110

Website

https://www.uclahealth.org/operationmend

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