Bill Text: CA SR50 | 2019-2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Relative to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-06-27 - Read. Adopted. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 1810.) [SR50 Detail]
Download: California-2019-SR50-Enrolled.html
|
Enrolled
July 01, 2019 |
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Passed
IN
Senate
June 27, 2019 |
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Amended
IN
Senate
June 25, 2019 |
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE—
2019–2020 REGULAR SESSION
Senate Resolution
No. 50
| Introduced by Senator McGuire (Coauthors: Senators Archuleta, Roth, and Umberg) |
June 13, 2019 |
Relative to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SR 50, McGuire.
Digest Key
Bill Text
WHEREAS, Throughout our nation’s history, the members of the United States Armed Forces have preserved our freedom, protected our security, and upheld our democratic values. From the battles of the American Revolution through the crucible of two world wars to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan today, our soldiers in uniform have stood proudly in defense of the United States and the cause of liberty; and
WHEREAS, The brave members of the United States Armed Forces, who proudly serve the United States, risk their lives to protect the freedom of the United States and deserve the investment of every reasonable resource to ensure their lasting physical, mental, and emotional well-being; and
WHEREAS, The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in members of the military is rising as soldiers return home after serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they have been exposed to traumatic, life-threatening events; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that as many as 23 percent of veterans returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan have some form of PTSD; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, feeling numb, having difficulty experiencing love or closeness with others, feeling jittery or overly alert, having difficulty sleeping, experiencing anger or irritability, having difficulty concentrating, substance problems, and having feelings of despair or hopelessness; and
WHEREAS, Although the United States Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have made significant advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and the symptoms of PTSD, many challenges remain; and
WHEREAS, According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened; and
WHEREAS, The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense should continue to work to educate service members, veterans, the families of service members and veterans, and the public about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of PTSD; and
WHEREAS, It is important to all citizens of the State of California that those who served our country in the military are aware of the symptoms of PTSD and are able to seek help; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate pause in its deliberations to proclaim June 27, 2019, as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day in the state, fully confident that such procedure mirrors our shared commitment to preserve, to ensure, and to yet effect that patrimony of freedom which is our American heritage; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
