as a mental illness caused by a preexisting flaw in the
individual's brain or character, and the term carries a stigma
that perpetuates this misconception; and
WHEREAS, Post-traumatic stress injury occurs after a person
has experienced a trauma and can result from not only the stress
of combat but also rape, sexual assault, battery, torture,
confinement or child abuse or a car accident, train wreck, plane
crash, bombing or natural disaster; and
WHEREAS, Post-traumatic stress is a very common injury to the
brain that is treatable and repairable; and
WHEREAS, Referring to post-traumatic stress injury as a
disorder 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; and
WHEREAS, All citizens suffering from post-traumatic stress
injury deserve recognition, while those who have received these
wounds in service to our nation further deserve our respect and
special honor; therefore it be
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize June 27, 2017, as "Post-
Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day" and the month of June
2017 as "Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate commend the Adjutant General and
the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for working to
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