The NICoE is a privately-funded facility designed to treat service members with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and psychological health issues. The National Naval Medical Center, also known as the Bethesda Naval Hospital, is considered as the flagship of the United States Navy’s system of medical centers.
The $65 million NICoE, spread over 72,000 square feet, has been designed to provide military patients and veterans with mild to moderate head injuries, the best opportunity to regain their pre-injury abilities in a supportive and healing environment.
The center houses the most advanced imaging technologies, including a 3 Tesla MRI; 64-Slice PET/CT scanner; and an Elekta Neuromag magnetoencephalography (MEG) scanner under one roof. An array of physical, occupational and recreational therapy spaces and a large, open plan treatment room outfitted with training equipment have been included to promote balance, agility and aerobic conditioning.
A range of comprehensive support spaces to enable patients and their families to maximize their potential for recovery are also featured. The facility offers patients and family members, a place to relax between treatments and provides emotional and spiritual support. The NICoE has been designed to attain Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The Center was made possible through the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), a nonprofit organization which is donating the Center to the Department of Defense. Funded entirely by private donations, the facility will serve as a new global Center of Excellence in the specialized field of TBI, which has become the signature wound for soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
