A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT designating posttraumatic stress injury awareness day in north carolina.
Whereas, all citizens of the United States possess the basic human right to the preservation of personal dignity; and
Whereas, all citizens of the United States deserve the investment of every possible resource to ensure their lasting physical, mental, and emotional well‑being; and
Whereas, the diagnosis known as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was initially formulated in 1980 by the American Psychiatric Association to more accurately assess and assist veterans who had endured severe combat stress in Vietnam; and
Whereas, combat stress is an invisible wound which has historically been unjustly portrayed as a mental illness caused by a preexisting flaw of character or ability, and that the word "disorder" carries a stigma which perpetuates this misconception; and
Whereas, it has been shown through electromagnetic imaging that these invisible wounds can cause physical changes to the brain which more accurately describe an injury than a disorder; and
Whereas, referring to invisible wounds as a disorder can discourage the injured from seeking proper and timely medical treatment; and
Whereas, referring to invisible wounds as posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) is less stigmatizing and viewed as more honorable, and this designation can favorably influence those affected and encourage them to seek treatment without fear of retribution or shame; and
Whereas, PTSI can occur following exposure to extremely traumatic events other than combat such as interpersonal violence, life‑threatening accidents, and natural disasters; and
Whereas, PTSI‑satisfying criteria A through H of the diagnosis for PTSD in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual deserves disability compensation equal to that allowed for PTSD under the law; and
Whereas, timely and appropriate treatment of PTSI can diminish complications and avert suicides; and
Whereas, all citizens suffering PTSIs deserve our compassion and consideration, those brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have received these wounds in operational action against an enemy of the United States further deserve our clear and obvious recognition; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 103 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 103‑15.  Posttraumatic stress injury awareness.
June 27 of each year is designated as Posttraumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day in North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.