RESEARCH

The goal of Project Enlist is to serve as a catalyst for critical research on traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. TBI due to improvised explosive devices (IED) and other military service-related causes is a significant problem for our active military and veteran community. However, the scientific understanding of TBI and related disorders is in its infancy, and we lack accurate diagnostic tests for living patients and effective treatments. Service members diagnosed with TBI deserve our attention and support. Brain bank research is an essential step in developing effective treatments for TBI, CTE and PTSD so we can protect and support the heroes who courageously fight for our nation.

CLF Project Enlist is recruiting and conducting outreach to the military and veteran communities to encourage signing up for the US Department of Veterans Affairs-Boston University-Concussion Legacy Foundation (VA-BU-CLF) Brain Bank Research Registry. The VA's Dr. Ann McKee, director of the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank, is a leader in the new VA PTSD Brain Bank, and is bringing her expertise to lead this research effort. 

1. Click here to pledge to donate your brain and join the Clinical Research Registry. If you sign up for the Clinical Research Registry, we will keep you informed of clinical studies you may be eligible for.
2. Click here to review actively recruiting studies that you may be eligible for. By signing up, you can play an active role in helping scientists find treatments for the effects of brain trauma.

Nicole Condrey lost her husband, U.S. Navy Special Warfare veteran Ron Condrey, to suicide in September 2018 after a three-year battle with depression, anger, and impulsiveness. After his death, Nicole donated Ron's brain to the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank as part of Project Enlist. Nicole, now Mayor of Middletown, OH, opened up about her loss and why she believes in Project Enlist in this American Legion feature article.

Imminent brain donation: If a veteran has passed away and the family is interested in brain donation, please instruct them to call the 24-hour VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank emergency brain donation pager at 617.992.0615.

Brain donation has proven to be an effective accelerator of research on CTE among athletes over the last decade. By showing how CTE has affected hundreds of athletes across multiple sports, we have inspired the scientific community to invest in CTE research. We're learning that CTE isn't just affecting athletes, but is showing up in our nation's heroes. Stories of veterans returning home with brain injuries, like Sgt. Kevin Ash, and symptoms of depression, memory loss, and bouts of rage are all too common. We know these changes are symptoms of CTE, but need to know more. Brain donation allows us to gain a better understanding of the unique effects of military brain trauma exposure.

If you are a military servicemember or veteran suffering from the effects of brain trauma, know this: traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) don't control your future. YOU are still in control of your brain health. There are strategies, tactics, and treatments that can help you feel better today and lower your risk of problems in the future. Operation Brain Health is our library of brain health resources designed for members of the military community and others affected by brain trauma, and their caregivers and loved ones.

View Operation Brain Health.

Our Program Partners help power Project Enlist through networking, events and communications. With their help, we are creating a culture of brain donation within the military community, while also providing a service to veterans through positive brain health messaging.

Click here to learn more about becoming a Project Enlist Program Partner.

Project Enlist is powered in part by Wounded Warrior Project® to honor and empower post-9/11 injured service members, veterans, and their families.