U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) this week introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution that would raise national awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) injuries.
“According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), between 12-30 percent of all veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime,” Rep. Katko said. “By raising awareness of PTSD and reducing the stigma associated with seeking support for mental health disorders, our measure aims to encourage more service members and veterans to pursue treatment.”
Rep. Katko on June 15 signed on as an original cosponsor of House Resolution 1006 with sponsor U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) and more than a dozen other original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), to designate June 2020 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month, and June 27, 2020 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day.
A companion resolution, Senate Resolution 618, also was introduced on June 15 in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).
“Congressman Katko’s efforts to designate June as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month will strengthen the understanding of post-traumatic stress and hopefully lead to more resources for the many Veterans who experience it,” said Alexander Behm, executive director at Clear Path for Veterans. “Taking care of the men and women who serve our country should be our utmost priority and Clear Path stands ready and willing to help by providing programs and services, alongside the efforts of Congressman Katko.”