Bill Text: MI HR0184 | 2013-2014 | 97th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare June 2013 as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-1)
Status: (Passed) 2013-06-18 - Adopted [HR0184 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2013-HR0184-Enrolled.html
Reps. Slavens, Barnett, Brown, Cavanagh, Darany, Durhal, Faris, Geiss, Hovey-Wright, Howrylak, Roberts, Singh, Talabi and Tlaib offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 184.
A resolution to declare June 2013 as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Throughout our nation’s history, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces have preserved our freedom, protected our security, and upheld our democratic values; from the battles of the American Revolution through the crucible of two world wars to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan today, our men and women in uniform have stood proudly in defense of the United States and the cause of liberty; and
Whereas, The federal Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that as many as 95 percent of veterans returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan have some form of PTSD; and
Whereas, The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in members of the military is rising, exposing hundreds of thousands of soldiers to traumatic life-threatening events; and
Whereas, Many cases of PTSD remain unreported, undiagnosed, and untreated due to a lack of awareness about PTSD and the persistent stigma associated with mental health conditions; and
Whereas, Symptoms include nightmares, feeling numb, having difficulty experiencing love or closeness with others, feeling jittery or overly alert, having difficulty sleeping, experiencing anger or irritability, having difficulty concentrating, substance problems, and having feelings of despair or hopelessness; and
Whereas, Although the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have made significant advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and the symptoms of PTSD, many challenges remain; and
Whereas, According to the National Institute for Mental Health, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened; and
Whereas, Eight percent of the U.S. population at large will be affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in their lifetime; and
Whereas, The establishment of a National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month will raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigma associated with PTSD, and help ensure that those suffering from the invisible wounds of war receive proper treatment; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare June 2013 as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
