Bill Text: NJ AJR91 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Chaptered

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Bill Title: Designates June 27 of each year as "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day." *

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 10-6)

Status: (Passed) 2017-06-09 - Approved P.L.2017, JR-7 [AJR91 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2016-AJR91-Chaptered.html

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§§1,2 -

C.36:2-295 to

36:2-296

 

P.L.2017, Joint Resolution No. 7, approved June 9, 2017

Assembly Joint Resolution No. 91 (First Reprint)

 

 

A Joint Resolution designating June 27 of each year as "Post-Traumatic Stress ¹[Injury] Disorder¹ Awareness Day."

 

Whereas, Post-traumatic stress can occur after a person experiences trauma including, but not limited to the stress of combat, rape, sexual assault, child abuse, bombings, accidents and natural disasters, and affects over approximately 8,500,000 adults in the United States annually; and

Whereas, Post-traumatic stress is associated with chemical changes in the body's hormonal system and autonomic nervous system, and is characterized by symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, avoidance, hypervigilance, anxiety, and depression; 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 post-traumatic 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 percent of service members will develop post-traumatic stress within a year of leaving combat, while others may not develop symptoms until years later; and

Whereas, Despite its treatability, many cases of post-traumatic stress remain undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of awareness of this condition and the persistent stigma associated with mental health conditions; and

Whereas, Historically, post-traumatic stress was viewed as a mental illness caused by a preexisting flaw of character, ability, or both, and the term "post-traumatic stress disorder" or "PTSD" carries a stigma that further perpetuates this misconception; 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 post-traumatic stress ¹[injury] disorder¹ deserve our consideration, and those who are affected by post-traumatic stress ¹[injury] disorder¹ from wounds received while protecting our freedom, deserve our respect and special honor; now, therefore,

 

     Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.    June 27 of each year is designated as "Post-Traumatic Stress ¹[Injury] Disorder¹ Awareness Day" in the State of New Jersey to bring awareness to those suffering from post-traumatic stress ¹[injury] disorder¹ and to encourage people to reach out to their fellow citizens to provide support and remove the stigma associated with this ¹[injury] disorder¹.

 

     2.    The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe "Post-Traumatic Stress ¹[Injury] Disorder¹ Awareness Day" with appropriate activities and programs.

 

     3.    This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

 

 

                                

 

     Designates June 27 of each year as "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day."