FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2019
PTSD Awareness Day Passes 3rd Reading and Receives Royal Assent
QUEEN’S PARK – Local MPP Will Bouma’s Private Members Bill titled PTSD Awareness Day Act, passed Third Reading and received Royal Assent today. The act proclaims June 27th in Ontario as PTSD Awareness Day annually and helps deal with the stigma attached to PTSD and PTSI (post-traumatic stress injury).
“Today is a great day for every Ontarian who’s ever suffered from trauma.” Bouma stated. “Ensuring that those most affected; women who have faced sexual violence, emergency first responders, and our brave men and women in uniform; can know that they can reach out and seek support.”
Bouma’s PMB passed First Reading on July 31st, 2018 and Second Reading on August 2nd, 2018 with unanimous support of the House. The Private Members Bill was included in the governments first Budget; Bill 100, Protecting What Matters Most. The Budget passed Third Reading and received Royal Assent today.
“This is a very important issue, which is slowly getting the recognition it deserves. This topic is dear to our hearts as an organization. CMHA Brant Haldimand-Norfolk continues to provide educational events and support for those living with work-related PTSD and secondary trauma. We see the toll PTSD takes on those living with it, and how it impacts the family as a whole. An event such as this will draw much-needed attention to the very real condition of Port Traumatic Stress Disorder. We fully endorse this initiative as an organization.” Lil Petrella, Team Lead, Mental Health Promotion and Education, Chairperson, PTSD Symposium Planning Committee of Brant, Haldimand-Norfolk
Several organizations have started planning events for Ontario’s first PTSD Awareness Day on June 27th. Bouma plans on attending these events annually in support for all who suffer from PTSD.
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For more information, contact MPP Will Bouma at 519-759-0361 or will.bouma@pc.ola.org