2024 Senate Resolution 135

Whereas, The brave men and women of the United States (U.S.) Armed Forces risk their lives to protect the freedom of our nation and deserve an unwavering commitment of resources to ensure their lasting physical, mental, and emotional well-being; and

Whereas, It is estimated that more than 2.5 million U.S. service members have deployed around the world since the events of September 11, 2001; and

Whereas, Thousands of service members have deployed multiple times to combat zones, placing them at high risk of post-traumatic stress; and

Whereas, Approximately 200,000 U.S. military personnel leave the service each year, and thousands of them are from Michigan, with their military service exposing many of them to traumatic life-threatening events; and

Whereas, Post-traumatic stress significantly increases the risk of depression, suicide, and drug or alcohol-related disorders and deaths; and

Whereas, Thousands of Michigan corrections professionals, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders also face high incidence rates of post-traumatic stress as they face extreme danger protecting the public; and

Whereas, While significant advancements have been made by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other entities to diagnose, prevent, and treat PTSI, many challenges remain; and

Whereas, The establishment of a Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day in Michigan raises public awareness about issues related to PTSI; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate June 27, 2024, as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Awareness Day; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and other state departments to continue working to educate service members, veterans, the families of service members and veterans, and the public about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of PTSI; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor.