House Engrossed

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-second Legislature Second Regular Session 2016

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2018

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

proclaiming June 27, 2016 as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day in Arizona.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, the brave men and women of the armed forces of the United States who proudly serve our 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, for many of our veterans the challenges of serving in combat do not stop when they return home; and

Whereas, the diagnosis now known as post-traumatic stress disorder was first defined to commonly and more accurately understand and treat veterans who had endured severe traumatic combat stress; and

Whereas, combat operational stress has historically been viewed as a mental illness caused by a preexisting flaw of character or ability, and the term "post-traumatic stress disorder" carries a stigma that perpetuates this misconception; and

      Whereas, post-traumatic stress can occur not only after a traumatic event experienced in combat, but also after rape, sexual assault, battery, torture, confinement, child abuse, car accidents, train wrecks, plane crashes, bombings or natural disasters; and

Whereas, post-traumatic stress is a very common injury to the brain that is treatable and repairable; and

Whereas, referring to the complications resulting from post-traumatic stress as disorders perpetuates the stigma of and bias against mental illness, and the stigma discourages those suffering from post-traumatic stress from seeking proper and timely medical treatment; and

Whereas, making the condition less stigmatizing and more honorable can favorably influence those affected and encourage them to seek help without fear of retribution or shame; and

Whereas, proper and timely treatment can diminish suicide rates that are attributable to post-traumatic stress; and

Whereas, all citizens suffering from post-traumatic stress injury deserve our consideration, and those who have received these wounds in service to our nation further deserve our greatest respect and recognition.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

      That the Members of the Legislature proclaim June 27, 2016 as Post‑Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day in Arizona.

 

 

 

 

PASSED BY THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 16, 2016.

 

PASSED BY THE SENATE MAY 7, 2016.

 

FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 9, 2016.