Tester works to raise awareness for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Senator’s resolution designates June as PTSD Awareness Month

(U.S. Senate) – Senator Jon Tester’s resolution to raise awareness and begin eliminating the stigma associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has passed the Senate unanimously.

Tester, Montana’s only member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced a resolution to designate Saturday, June 27, 2015 as National PTSD Awareness Day and June 2015 as National PTSD Awareness Month. Tester’s resolution will help garner further attention for PTSD treatment for the over 7.7 million Americans who are living with this mental health condition.

“PTSD impacts veterans and families across Montana and it’s important that folks are aware of the symptoms and treatments available to them,” Tester said. “Designating June as PTSD Awareness Month will help eliminate the stigma associated with it and help folks better identify resources that can help.”

Tester’s resolution also supports an advisory commission that will review the VA, Defense Department, and other agencies for best practices in treating patients with PTSD.

Since October 2001, more than 350,000 of the 1.2 million veterans who deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan have accessed the VA for PTSD treatment. Additionally, over 615,000 veterans have been diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder since 2001.

Tester’s resolution is available HERE.