HJ425: Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day.


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 425
Designating June 27, in 2016 and in each succeeding year, as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day in Virginia.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 2016
Agreed to by the Senate, March 11, 2016

 

WHEREAS, the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, who proudly serve the United States and risk their lives to protect the freedom all Americans hold dear, deserve the investment of every possible resource to ensure their lasting physical, mental, and emotional well-being; and

WHEREAS, post-traumatic stress injury occurs after a person has experienced a traumatic event and can result not only from the stress of combat, but also from rape, sexual assault, battery, torture, confinement, child abuse, car accidents, train wrecks, plane crashes, bombings, and natural disasters; and

WHEREAS, post-traumatic stress has historically been viewed as a mental illness caused by a preexisting flaw in an individual’s brain or character; the term post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, carries a stigma that perpetuates this misconception; and

WHEREAS, the stigma created by referring to post-traumatic stress injury as a disorder or mental illness discourages those suffering from post-traumatic stress from seeking proper and timely medical treatment; and

WHEREAS, removing the stigma of post-traumatic stress can favorably influence the lives of those affected by the condition and encourage them to seek help without fear of retribution or shame; proper and timely treatment can decrease suicide rates related to post-traumatic stress; and

WHEREAS, all citizens suffering from post-traumatic stress injury deserve recognition and support, and those who have been wounded in service to the nation have earned special honor and respect; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate June 27, in 2016 and in each succeeding year, as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to Major General Timothy P. Williams, Adjutant General of Virginia, so that members of the Virginia National Guard and veterans in the Commonwealth may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this day on the General Assembly’s website.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 425

Offered March 3, 2016
Designating June 27, in 2016 and in each succeeding year, as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day in Virginia.
Patron-- Dudenhefer

Referred to Committee on Rules

WHEREAS, the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, who proudly serve the United States and risk their lives to protect the freedom all Americans hold dear, deserve the investment of every possible resource to ensure their lasting physical, mental, and emotional well-being; and

WHEREAS, post-traumatic stress injury occurs after a person has experienced a traumatic event and can result not only from the stress of combat, but also from rape, sexual assault, battery, torture, confinement, child abuse, car accidents, train wrecks, plane crashes, bombings, and natural disasters; and

WHEREAS, post-traumatic stress has historically been viewed as a mental illness caused by a preexisting flaw in an individual’s brain or character; the term post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, carries a stigma that perpetuates this misconception; and

WHEREAS, the stigma created by referring to post-traumatic stress injury as a disorder or mental illness discourages those suffering from post-traumatic stress from seeking proper and timely medical treatment; and

WHEREAS, removing the stigma of post-traumatic stress can favorably influence the lives of those affected by the condition and encourage them to seek help without fear of retribution or shame; proper and timely treatment can decrease suicide rates related to post-traumatic stress; and

WHEREAS, all citizens suffering from post-traumatic stress injury deserve recognition and support, and those who have been wounded in service to the nation have earned special honor and respect; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate June 27, in 2016 and in each succeeding year, as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to Major General Timothy P. Williams, Adjutant General of Virginia, so that members of the Virginia National Guard and veterans in the Commonwealth may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this day on the General Assembly’s website.