Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman CLEOPATRA G. TUCKER
District 28 (Essex)
Assemblyman GORDON M. JOHNSON
District 37 (Bergen)
Assemblyman JAMEL C. HOLLEY
District 20 (Union)
Assemblywoman JOANN DOWNEY
District 11 (Monmouth)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Rumpf, Assemblywoman Gove, Assemblymen Howarth, Houghtaling, Assemblywoman Phoebus, Assemblyman Space and Assemblywoman Mosquera
SYNOPSIS
Designates June 27 of each year as “Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day.”
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating June 27 of each year as “Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day.”
Whereas, Post-traumatic stress can occur after a person experiences trauma including, but not limited to the stress of combat, rape, sexual assault, child abuse, bombings, accidents and natural disasters, and affects over approximately 8,500,000 adults in the United States annually; and
Whereas, Post-traumatic stress is associated with chemical changes in the body’s hormonal system and autonomic nervous system, and is characterized by symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, avoidance, hypervigilance, anxiety, and depression; and
Whereas, The brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, who proudly serve the nation and risk their lives to protect our freedom, deserve the investment of every possible resource to ensure their lasting physical, mental, and emotional well-being; and
Whereas, Combat-related post-traumatic stress among our men and women in the Armed Forces is significantly pronounced, given that they are often exposed to highly traumatic events for weeks, months, and even years; and
Whereas, Between 10 and 30 percent of service members will develop post-traumatic stress within a year of leaving combat, while others may not develop symptoms until years later; and
Whereas, Despite its treatability, many cases of post-traumatic stress remain undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of awareness of this condition and the persistent stigma associated with mental health conditions; and
Whereas, Historically, post-traumatic stress was viewed as a mental illness caused by a preexisting flaw of character, ability, or both, and the term “post-traumatic stress disorder” or “PTSD” carries a stigma that further perpetuates this misconception; and
Whereas, Raising awareness of this condition is necessary to remove the stigma and to encourage those suffering to seek proper and timely treatment that may save their lives; and
Whereas, All citizens suffering from post-traumatic stress injury deserve our consideration, and those who are affected by post-traumatic stress injury from wounds received while protecting our freedom, deserve our respect and special honor; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. June 27 of each year is designated as “Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day” in the State of New Jersey to bring awareness to those suffering from post-traumatic stress injury and to encourage people to reach out to their fellow citizens to provide support and remove the stigma associated with this injury.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe “Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day” with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates June 27 of each year as “Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day” in order to bring awareness to those who suffer from post-traumatic stress and to help remove the stigma associated with it. Post-traumatic stress affects approximately 8,500,000 adults in the United States annually, and is more pronounced among the men and women who served in the Armed Services of the United States. Post-traumatic stress is associated with chemical changes in the body’s hormonal system and autonomic nervous system, and is characterized by symptoms including flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, and anxiety. Although treatable, those who suffer with post-traumatic stress may not seek treatment due to a lack of knowledge about this injury or from the fear of being stigmatized.
The joint resolution also respectfully requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.