Advancing Military Medicine with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation

As we celebrate National Nonprofit Day, it’s important to highlight the exceptional work being done by organizations that make a significant impact on our communities and beyond. One of those organizations, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), is a longstanding Montgomery County nonprofit dedicated to advancing military medicine. HJF’s mission serves not only military personnel but also veterans and civilians, showcasing the transformative power of scientific research and innovation.

Deeply Rooted in its Visionary Founder

HJF’s roots date back to 1983 when President Reagan signed congressional legislation authorizing the creation of the Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine. Shortly after, the foundation was renamed to honor the late Washington Senator Henry M. Jackson, who championed the legislation. Jackson, affectionately nicknamed “Scoop” by his sister during his childhood newspaper-selling days, left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit millions of service members, veterans and civilians more than four decades later.

A Legacy of Innovation and Dedication

HJF has been a beacon of support for military, medical, academic and government partners, providing crucial assistance for scientific programs that benefit armed forces members and civilians. Their research portfolio is vast, encompassing critical areas such as infectious diseases, cancer, trauma and rehabilitation, brain health and human performance. In recent years, HJF has been at the forefront of groundbreaking projects, including research on COVID-19 vaccines, wartime medical care in Ukraine, hemorrhage triage, prostate cancer care and post-deployment health.

Pioneering AI in Combat Casualty Care

One example of HJF’s significant impact on medical care is its collaborative involvement in developing an artificial intelligence (AI) application designed to save lives. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the APPRAISE-Hemorrhage Risk Index, a first-of-its-kind AI tool for hemorrhage triage of trauma casualties. Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield, and this innovative app equips first responders with the technology to assess and manage bleeding more effectively, potentially saving countless lives.

HJF is at the center of collaboration between military researchers, industry experts and academic institutions. This collaborative spirit has fostered numerous research and cooperative agreements, many of which are rooted in Montgomery County.

Key partners include the National Institutes of Health, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and several regional and national universities. These partnerships are essential for advancing medical research and translating military medical advancements into civilian healthcare solutions.

The county’s proximity to the nation’s capital, access to top-tier scientific and medical talent and a rich environment for research and innovation make Montgomery County, Maryland, an ideal location for HJF’s home office.

Get Involved and Support HJF

With more than 2,800 employees located around the world, HJF continues to push the boundaries of military medicine to ensure that the lessons learned and advancements made benefit both military and civilian populations. Learn more on how to get involved (https://www.hjf.org).