06/29/2016
MESSAGE FROM THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR HEALTH
June 27, 2016
Today is National PTSD Awareness Day
Following a traumatic event, most people have painful memories. For many victims of trauma, the effects of the event fade over time. But for others, the memories and feelings don't go away.
This is the plight that so many of our Veterans find themselves in. They will be struggling — most likely for the rest of their lives — with trauma they experienced while serving their country overseas or here at home. Some are still coping with trauma they experienced not in the midst of combat, but years ago when they were little children.
And the lives of so many of our Veterans have been permanently altered by the military sexual trauma they experienced while wearing the uniform.
It’s estimated that as many as 20 percent of our Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans suffer from PTSD or depression. And for Veterans who served during the Vietnam War era, the estimates are even higher.
Today, national PTSD Awareness Day, is a time for all of to reflect on the pain so many of our Veterans were subjected to, a deep and terrible pain that many of them still carry around inside.
The damage trauma inflicts on the mind and spirt cannot be underestimated, and it is our responsibility here at VA — as well as our privilege — to do everything we can to ensure these Veterans receive the care they need, and the compassion and understanding they long for.
I am proud that all of us here at VA have rededicated ourselves to providing that care in as timely a manner as possible. There is much work yet to be done when it comes to improving access, but it is a goal I know you, our employees, will achieve. Not just because you are competent professionals, but because you are compassionate, caring professionals.
DAVID J. SHULKIN, M.D.
