Proclaim June 2024 to be PTSD Awareness Month
Whereas, the City of Portland proudly recognizes June 2024 as National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, dedicating our efforts to enhancing education, increasing awareness, and reducing the stigma associated with PTSD;
Whereas, PTSD can develop from experiencing or witnessing a range of traumatic events, such as military combat, abuse, terrorism, accidents, and natural disasters, impacting the body's hormonal and autonomic nervous systems and manifesting symptoms like flashbacks, insomnia, anxiety, and disturbances in relationships; and
Whereas, approximately 8 million adults in the United States, including members of our own community and City employees, are affected by PTSD annually, which can sometimes present with confusing and unrecognized symptoms linked to past trauma; and
Whereas, the manifestation of trauma varies greatly and can be shaped by one’s identity, developmental stage, life experiences, and cultural, familial, and social environments; and
Whereas, it is crucial to promote PTSD awareness to eliminate stigma and to support those affected in seeking timely and effective treatment, as understanding, compassion, and inclusivity are vital for their care and recovery; and
Whereas, the City is committed to implementing trauma-informed practices across our policies and processes to create safe, welcoming environments that support those experiencing trauma; and
Whereas, we are dedicated to educating our staff about PTSD and trauma-informed care, encouraging the use of resources, personal strengths, and community support to foster resilience and aid recovery; and
Whereas, recovery from PTSD is achievable with persistence and appropriate support, highlighting the resilience of those affected, who can lead fulfilling lives despite severe adversities; and
Whereas, we all must prioritize our mental health and wellness, and utilize the City or community resources available for holistic self-care, embodying the spirit of unity and compassion as expressed by Nelson Mandela: “Our human compassion binds us the one to the other—not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim June 2024 to be
PTSD Awareness Month
In Portland and encourage all Portlanders to observe and engage in this important awareness campaign.