TMS therapy program expands outreach to veterans and first responders

The Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation initiative — a mental health treatment program designed for military veterans and for all first responders — continues to gain momentum.

Veteran Dirk Harkins appeared before the Harrison County commissioners Oct. 29 to provide an update on the program’s progress, following his presentation last month. This time, he was joined by Ron Shumard of Operation Zero and one of the organization’s Mobile Health Units, which are used to deliver TMS therapy to individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Last month, we’ve had some serious traction with Operation Veteran Payback and these mobile units throughout the state,” Harkins said.

He told commissioners that outreach efforts are expanding through contact with several Ohio legislators, resulting in increased awareness of the Operation Veteran Payback program and more than $20,000 raised in the past month.

“So, we’re ready to get the mobile unit out there because we can actually start helping veterans and first responders right now,” Harkins said.

He also discussed legislation currently under consideration, explaining that under existing rules, a program must first be state-funded before it can qualify to bid for contracts. Harkins suggested the commissioners consider advocating for language changes that would allow multiple companies to participate.

“There’s room for four of them, and it’s not a contest,” Harkins said. “But it is a race to get to these guys and gals who are sitting on the edge of the bed wondering what their next move might be.”

Shumard, who also spoke at the meeting, shared his personal experience with TMS treatment, calling it “life-saving.” He said he received the therapy in 2022 after struggling with suicidal thoughts and was introduced to the program by Harkins.

“I was one of those veterans sitting on the edge of my bed with a piece of iron in my mouth,” Shumard said. “Dirk talked me into the program, and I volunteered. Since then, I went to college, trained as a magnetic stimulation technician and became a trainer.”

Over the past 30 months, Shumard said he has helped open 24 clinics across the United States, including mobile treatment units.

He told commissioners that TMS data presented to state legislatures shows an 85% success rate and an 81% remission rate for opioid dependency. The group is focusing efforts on Appalachia because of its high suicide rate but is committed to serving “anybody and everybody,” Shumard said.

“God put me in this place, and I will do this for the rest of my life,” he told the board.