PRINTER'S NO. 4006
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
922
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY BARRAR, SAINATO, BOBACK, BROOKS, BURNS, COX,
T. DAVIS, DELLOSO, HENNESSEY, HILL-EVANS, JAMES, KAUFFMAN,
KINSEY, KORTZ, LONGIETTI, McNEILL, MILLARD, MURT, PICKETT,
POLINCHOCK, READSHAW, ROZZI, RYAN, SCHLOSSBERG, SCHMITT,
SONNEY, THOMAS, YOUNGBLOOD AND MACKENZIE, JUNE 23, 2020
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS, JUNE 23, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Designating June 27, 2020, as "Post-Traumatic Stress Injury
Awareness Day" and the month of June 2020 as "Post-Traumatic
Stress Injury Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, United States citizens have the basic human right to
the preservation of personal dignity; and
WHEREAS, United States citizens deserve the investment of
every possible resource to ensure their lasting physical, mental
and emotional well-being; and
WHEREAS, We owe trauma-exposed individuals and their families
appropriate medical and supportive care and the greatest degree
of compassion to sustain their dignity and our shared humanity;
and
WHEREAS, We have a role in the recovery of Holocaust
survivors and other persons in the aftermath of violent,
traumatic or life-threatening events; and
WHEREAS, We must direct our unified efforts to the complex
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invisible wounds military personnel carry during wars and
postwar periods; and
WHEREAS, These invisible wounds, incurred from experiencing
or witnessing traumatic events, were once characterized as a
sign of weakness; and
WHEREAS, Stigma and self-stigma still surround post-traumatic
stress injury; and
WHEREAS, Timely and appropriate treatment can reduce
complications and suicidal behaviors; and
WHEREAS, Certain individuals may seek assistance under the
Americans with Disabilities Act; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association (APA)
formulated post-traumatic stress disorder criteria; and
WHEREAS, The APA published its findings in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition; and
WHEREAS, Separately, brain scans show that traumatic stress
causes neurological damage consistent with injury; and
WHEREAS, Public health officials and mental health
professionals are using the term "post-traumatic stress injury"
to describe the biological, psychological and social effects of
persistent traumatic stress; and
WHEREAS, Bertram Brown, MD, MPH, Rear Admiral (Retired)
United States Public Health Service, has stated that the "stigma
of 'disorder' as contrasted with the clarity of 'injury' will
serve not only the military but impact our whole society"; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth's health care community is now
experiencing extreme and unprecedented daily emotional trauma
due to the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate June
27, 2020, as "Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day" and
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the month of June 2020 as "Post-Traumatic Stress Injury
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives request the
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Department of
Health, the Department of Human Services and county Mental
Health and Developmental Services to continue their work on
behalf of individuals and families with trauma histories; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to
the Governor and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
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