HUNTSVILLE – A pivotal development in the care of trauma patients has taken place through the work of two Huntsville businesses.
WellStone, the largest mental health provider in North Alabama, has ordered several hundred Trauma Autoimmune Indicator tests from iXpressGenes, which helps enhance trauma screening.
The innovative, science-based tool allows for early intervention by detecting trauma-induced diseases before symptoms appear, thereby revolutionizing the detection, prevention, and treatment of PTSD and trauma-related diseases.
“Mental health treatment has traditionally been reactive, addressing symptoms only after they appear,” said WellStone CEO Jeremy Blair. “With TAI screening from iXG, we now have a proactive approach that enables us to identify biological markers of trauma before symptoms develop.
“This partnership marks a crucial step forward in improving patient outcomes and reducing long-term health risks.”
iXG, an associate company at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, has found that prolonged stress and trauma can lead to unique inflammation and autoimmune responses in the body.
With a simple blood test, iXG can identify specific genetic biomarkers that indicate the potential development of trauma-related diseases — including PTSD, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular conditions — before symptoms appear.
“The integration of our TAI test by WellStone marks a pivotal development in the field of trauma-informed care,” said CEO John Schmitt, an Army combat veteran. “Acknowledging that trauma has both psychological and physiological ramifications, WellStone is taking a proactive approach by prioritizing early identification and continuous monitoring of patients. This strategy enables the detection of chronic inflammation, which can precede trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, thereby facilitating timely interventions.
“By addressing these issues before they manifest as symptoms as well as giving clinicians an important tool to inform the effectivity of ongoing care, WellStone is not just reacting to trauma but is actively reshaping the landscape of trauma care.”
WellStone serves more than 12,000 clients annually across North Alabama, providing counseling, crisis care, and community-based support to children and adults.
By adopting iXG’s TAI screening, WellStone can offer earlier intervention, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance ongoing patient care, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to trauma-related care.
“This adoption signals significant market demand leading up to our commercial release — and we’re thrilled to meet that need and truly begin to support clinicians and improve people’s lives,” Schmitt said.
For more information on iXpressGenes and the TAI test, visit www.ixpressgenes.com.
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