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Since 2001, the Department of Defense has cared for over 30,000 beneficiaries with some level of limb loss, including over 1,700 service members with deployment-related amputations. Of that number, over 400 service members have returned to duty thanks to advancements in military research and a holistic approach to patient care.

In 2009, DOD and Department of Veterans Affairs established the Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence to mitigate, treat, and rehabilitate traumatic extremity injuries and amputations. Since then, EACE continues to facilitate the most advanced care for amputation in the United States. The establishment of three DOD Advanced Rehabilitation Centers – co-located with military hospitals in San Diego, California; San Antonio, Texas; and Bethesda, Maryland – allows for eligible DOD and VA beneficiaries to receive state-of-the-art treatment and care from teams of multidisciplinary providers dedicated to achieving a meaningful quality of life for their patients following amputation or limb dysfunction. 

During April, health care providers are encouraged to learn about limb loss diagnosis and treatment protocols. Service members, veterans, and family members with limb loss are prompted to discover tools and resources available.

Suggested Social Media Message: April is Limb Loss Awareness Month. The Defense Health Agency recognizes and honors the over 30,000 beneficiaries with some level of limb loss for whom we’ve had the privilege to provide care. Visit https://health.mil/EACE. #LimbLossAwareness #LLAM #Amputee #AmputationCare

Suggested Social Media Message: Are you a health care provider and have a patient with some level of limb loss or dysfunction? DHA’s Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence translates the most advanced research into functional information for you and your patient.  Learn more: https://health.mil/EACE. #LimbLossAwareness #LLAM #Amputee #AmputationCare

Suggested Social Media Message: The Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence is dedicated to holistic care of DOD beneficiaries with all levels of limb loss. Learn more: https://health.mil/EACE #LimbLossAwareness #LLAM #Amputee #AmputationCare

Suggested Social Media Message: #DYK? DOD’s three Advanced Rehabilitation Centers are open to eligible DOD and VA beneficiaries of all ages. Each ARC supports patients with dedicated multidisciplinary teams of medical experts to support life after amputation. Learn more: https://health.mil/EACE #LimbLossAwareness #LLAM #Amputee #AmputationCare

Suggested Social Media Message: #KnowledgeCheck - Osseointegration is the process of attaching prostheses directly to the skeleton and is uniquely suited for combat-related amputations. Learn more: https://health.mil/News/Articles/2021/09/14/9_11_Medical-Advances_Listicle #LimbLossAwareness #LLAM #Amputee #AmputationCare

Suggested social media message: “How do you want me to take another step when I only have one foot?” Learn how U.S. Air Force wounded warrior Scott Palomino and others go beyond their amputations to live a full life. #LimbLossAwareness #LLAM #AmputationCare #Amputee