Donated Computers Assist Veterans With "Scholastic Therapy"

WINCHESTER, Calif., June 21, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For veterans wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan, long hospital stays accompanied by months of physical, occupational or other forms of rehabilitation are often necessary for recovery.

"You can only do so much therapy each day," said Nick, a soldier from Ohio who recuperated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center following injury from the blast of an improvised explosive device.

"It was the afternoon boredom that bothered me the most, because I wanted to do everything I could to heal and get on with my life. I discovered I could take classes while still in the hospital, then found out about an organization called Help Hospitalized Veterans that donates Internet-ready computers to wounded veterans," Nick said.

Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) provides free therapeutic arts and crafts kits to VA and military hospitals worldwide, with over 27 million kits delivered since 1971.  The computer program is part of HHV's Special Projects Division and is one of several other HHV programs and sponsorships.

"I received a brand new computer from HHV, and it allows me to maximize my rehabilitation time.  It's like scholastic therapy," Nick said.

Even for the most severely injured veterans, some of whom are homebound due to military service related physical or mental disabilities, a computer can bring a whole new world into their lives.

"HHV has donated thousands of computers to veterans, and for those without the use of their hands, voice-activated software is also provided," said Mike Lynch, president and CEO of the organization.

"Many veterans from previous wars may not have survived the types of injuries occurring today, but the ability to more quickly evacuate those injured on the battlefield combined with modern medicine has saved countless lives," Lynch added.

"And while some of these veterans may have suffered devastating physical injuries, often their minds are completely intact.  Giving these heroes Internet-ready computers can open doors to many helpful things, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs' website—va.gov—which provides information on valuable resources available to veterans," Lynch added.

For more information about HHV visit hhv.org or call toll-free (888) 567-VETS.