as a mental illness caused by a pre-existing 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, child abuse, car accidents, train wrecks, plane
crashes, bombings 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 designate June 27, 2016, as "Post-
Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day" and the month of June
2016 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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