FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 28, 2014 Campaign to Raise PTSD Awareness WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT—In observance of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD invites the public to participate in its “#PTSD Awareness: June 2014” campaign to help more Veterans, their families, and community members understand what PTSD is and know that there are PTSD treatments that can help improve and save lives. This campaign encourages everyone to “learn, connect, and share” to raise PTSD awareness. People can “learn” how PTSD treatment can help, “connect” by reaching out to someone, and “share” what they learn by spreading the word. “Greater understanding and awareness of PTSD can help Veterans and others recognize symptoms, and seek and obtain needed care,” said the Center’s Acting Executive Director, Dr. Paula Schnurr. “It can also reduce stigma and overcome negative stereotypes that make people try to hide the problem and avoid getting the help they need.” This year’s PTSD awareness campaign focuses on online materials and communications as well as networking with collaborators who share similar goals with the Center. Promotions will include postings on PTSD.va.gov and other VA websites, using e-bulletins via GovDelivery, stories in Inside Veterans Health and the use of social media. Many VA locations and PTSD specialty programs around the country will be voluntarily displaying PTSD Awareness Month flyers, holding lectures and staffing tables providing educational information. TV and radio PSAs of Veterans sharing that “I have PTSD” are available for airing as well as copy and graphics files for public use to help spread the word. For more information on PTSD and ways to raise awareness of this mental health problem during June and throughout the year, professionals and members of the public can visit the National Center for PTSD website, ptsd.va.gov/about/PTSD-awareness/. This site offers resources such as: • PTSD Coach Online and the award-winning PTSD Coach mobile app, which provide symptom-management strategies. The app is always with you when you need it. • Continuing Education opportunities for providers, including PTSD 101 Courses, on the best practices in PTSD treatment (CEs/CMEs offered). • AboutFace: An online video gallery of Veterans talking about PTSD and how treatment can turn your life around. • For continued involvement, please subscribe to the PTSD Monthly Update. Stay up to date on new information about PTSD and trauma year round. June 27th has also been designated as PTSD Awareness Day. National Center for PTSD experts are available for media interviews on PTSD Awareness Month as well as on PTSD, trauma and related topics. About the National Center for PTSD The National Center for PTSD is the center of excellence for research and education on the prevention, understanding, and treatment of PTSD. Although a VA center, its seven divisions across the country provide expertise on all types of trauma - from natural disasters, terrorism, violence and abuse, to combat exposure. Although the Center provides no direct clinical care, its purpose is to improve the well-being and understanding of individuals who have experienced traumatic events, with a focus on American Veterans. The Center conducts cutting edge research and applies the findings to advance the science of traumatic stress and promote its understanding. Contact: George Decker, Public Affairs Communications Specialist, 295-9363, ext. 6956, [email protected]
Posted on: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 13:26:32 +0000
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