Heinrich Cosponsors Bipartisan Resolution Designating June Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, cosponsored a bipartisan resolution designating June 2017 as National Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) Awareness Month, and designating June 27 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day to raise awareness about challenges facing servicemembers, veterans, and others who experience post-traumatic stress, and to eliminate the stigma sometimes associated with it. The resolution seeks to combat stigma by removing the word “disorder” from the title, emphasizing that post-traumatic stress is a common, treatable injury.

“There are far too many men and women in uniform and veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress and other behavioral health conditions without the support they need,” said Senator Heinrich. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this resolution to destigmatize and raise awareness about the challenges facing New Mexico’s servicemembers and veterans. We must be unwavering in our commitment to our men and women in uniform who deserve more than just words of gratitude for their sacrifice when they return home. We owe our veterans the quality care and benefits that they have earned.”

Post-traumatic stress resulting from combat and other stressors—including sexual assault, battery, natural disasters, and more—impacts about 8 million adults in the U.S. annually, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  

The resolution was introduced by U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.).  

A copy of the resolution is available here.