SJ0061 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0061 LRB103 40577 MST 73166 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur after a person experiences trauma, including, but not limited to, the stress of combat, abuse, accidents, and natural disasters and affects approximately eight million adults in the United States annually; 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 PTSD 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% of service members will develop PTSD within a year of leaving combat, while others may not develop symptoms until years later; and

WHEREAS, Despite its treatability, many cases of PTSD remain undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of awareness of this condition and the persistent stigma associated with mental health conditions; 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 PTSD deserve our consideration and those who are affected by PTSD from wounds received while protecting our freedom, deserve our respect and special honor; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we declare June 27, 2024 as Illinois PTSD Awareness Day to be observed throughout the State as a day of awareness and recognition of how post-traumatic stress disorder affects the lives of those impacted by it.