Franklin Town Council Passes Resolution Proclaiming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day

A video of this segment will be added here tomorrow



Rick Norton of Chapter #994 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, presented information on a new program to assist those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through an alternative to medical treatment. The solution involves the person suffering from PTSD writing their story, then reading it. The program has been presented at Camp Lejeune and in Asheville. The North Carolina Arts Council is sponsoring the program and has published poems and stories in a book called “Brothers Like these” [Amazon]

A local reading from the book by veterans will take place in the Franklin High School Fine Arts Building at 6:00 om on Saturday, October 27, 2018.

Rick Norton told the town council they're looking not only for participants from the Vietnam War, but all other wars, and people from the public to go through the program. As examples, he mentioned that men and women who suffer from domestic violence and the tragic loss of a loved one could participate in the program in Macon County. The local program is cosponsored by the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter #994, VFW Post #7339, and American Legion Post #108.

Norton said that “...hopefully that we can open some doors that will give some people some opportunities to get some healing and some relief from PTSD.” He said that there is nothing wrong with having PTSD, what is wrong is having and not getting treatment for it.

He asked the council to pass the resolution to raise awareness in the hope that people could come forward and get treatment.

The Mayor read the resolution into the record and the council voted 6-0 in favor of the resolution.

VOTING FOR Collins, Culpepper, Mashburn, McRae, McMahan, Kimsey
VOTING AGAINST None

Copy of the Resolution
(any errors in transcription by Macon Media are unintentional)

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The veterans of the United States Armed Forces have, and continue, to risk their lives to protect our national interest around the world and deserve the fullest resources of our nation to ensure their physical, emotional and mental health; and

WHEREAS, stress can occur after experiencing a severely traumatic event such as: combat, sexual assault, child abuse, high Impact collision, natural disasters and terrorism, leading to injuries characterized as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); and

WHEREAS, PTSD is a complex and serious disorder affecting veterans from every American conflict;

WHEREAS, The United States Department of Veterans Affairs reported In 2012 that nationally, there are than 500,000 veterans with primary or secondary diagnosis of PTSD, received treatment at Veterans Administration Medical Centers and Clinics; and

WHEREAS, PTSD significantly increases the risk of depression, suicide, drug and alcohol-related disorders and death, and

WHEREAS, the suicide rate of veterans is presently 20 a day where a high percentage do not engage with any treatment and are isolated from any support network; and

WHEREAS, There has been scientific research that has made significant advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD, although many challenges remain; and

WHEREAS, the designation of October 27, 2018, as Macon County, North Carolina, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day will increase community consciousness, reduce any stigma, and help promote proper treatment of those veterans suffering the invisible wounds of war diagnosed with PTSD and

WHEREAS, all citizens of Macon County are encouraged to take cognizance of this day and participate fittingly In its observance; and

WHEREAS, this day is sponsored and supported by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 994, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7339, and the American Legion Post 108; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Town of Franklin, do hereby proclaim October 27th, 2018, to be: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day.

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Published at 7:45 am on October 02, 2018