Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Title
Recognizing June as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month.
Body
WHEREAS, National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month is recognized each June as a time to raise awareness about PTSD and the impacts it has on the individuals living with it, as well as their family and community members; and,
WHEREAS, National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month additionally seeks to reduce the stigma around treatment for PTSD, provide support for survivors, and encourage people to pursue treatment; and,
WHEREAS, June was first designated as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month in 2014 after four years of National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day taking place on June 27; and,
WHEREAS, according to the National Institutes of Health, PTSD is a mental condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, such as combat, natural disasters, car accidents, gun violence, child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, or sexual assault; and,
WHEREAS, children can develop PTSD from experiencing bullying, sexual and physical abuse, neglect, witnessing intimate partner violence, witnessing community violence, and more; and,
WHEREAS, symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, uncontrollable thoughts about the event, emotional flashbacks, and avoidance of distressing memories, among others; and,
WHEREAS, there are currently about 12 million people in the United States living with PTSD; and,
WHEREAS, it is estimated that 6% of the total United States population will have PTSD at some point during their lifetime and in any given year 5% of the adult population will have PTSD; and,
WHEREAS, PTSD is a treatable condition and has a range of effective therapies and other interventions; and,
WHEREAS, early detection and intervention is important, especially for children, and can help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life of those experiencing PTSD; and,
WHEREAS, there are a number of organizations that work to provide treatment and other care for those suffering from PTSD throughout Madison and Dane County, such as agency members of the Dane County Child Abuse Coordinated Community Response and the Dane County Children Youth & Families Consortium, and more;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Madison Common Council recognize June as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month in the City of Madison.