MINOT, N.D. – At the North Dakota American Legion Convention tonight, U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp thanked our state’s veterans and highlighted the need to support those suffering from post-traumatic stress.

Heitkamp used the opportunity to continue her efforts to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress and helping those veterans with brain injuries due to their service. Earlier this week, the Senate unanimously passed her bipartisan resolution to designate June 2014 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. Moving forward, Heitkamp wants to lead a conversation about how best to talk about this topic – and explore whether this challenge should be referred to as post-traumatic stress or PTSD.

“Post-traumatic stress is an injury that most people can’t see by looking at our veterans. But it is real, and every day it takes an incredible toll on millions of our veterans,” said Heitkamp. “We need to work together, all Americans, to raise awareness about this issue, and help those who are suffering get back on their feet. We sent these brave men and women to war and we owe it to them to be there as they go through their recovery.” 

“We also need to talk about this in the correct manner – in a way that helps our veterans and servicemembers rather than in way that could hurt. Many feel that it is time to stop referring to PTSD as a disorder – as somehow there is some weakness inside you. There is absolutely no weakness from anyone with post-traumatic stress.  In fact, it shows strength to come forward and seek out help. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this critical issue.”

Heitkamp’s resolution aims to raise awareness about the challenges many veterans with post-traumatic stress face, and reduce the stigma associated with it to help encourage more employers to hire these veterans and help them transition. Since 2001, more than half of all veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars treated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have been diagnosed with at least one mental health condition, and more than one-third with post-traumatic stress.

Since joining the Senate, Heitkamp has been a vocal leader in raising awareness about post-traumatic stress and has worked to improve treatment and understanding of mental health injuries across the nation. Heitkamp’s resolution supports efforts by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Defense, and the medical community to educate servicemembers, veterans, their families, and the general public about causes, symptoms, and treatment for post-traumatic stress. This was the second straight year that Heitkamp guided this resolution through the Senate.

Earlier this month, Heitkamp hosted a Native American Veterans Summit in Bismarck to connect Native veterans with the resources, support, and benefits they earned. She brought together top Administration officials, including the U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewel, Native veterans, community leaders, and VA and Indian Health Service officials to engage in an open dialogue about the challenges veterans face and what can be done to correct them. Discussions about the challenges of post-traumatic stress were a significant part of the Summit as both veterans and advocates talked about their experiences. Last year, to better understand the unique issues facing North Dakota veterans, Heitkamp toured the state and held roundtables in six cities to hear directly from veterans about the obstacles they face.

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