State of New Mexico
House of Representatives
Ben Lujan, Speaker of the House
Ken Martinez, House Majority Leader
Sheryl Williams Stapleton, House Majority Whip

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: Bailey Sachs 505-261-2419
Feb. 18, 2010                                                                                   

Rep. Cote Works to Raise Awareness for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Santa Fe, NM – Today the Senate passed House Joint Memorial 12, which asks the Governor to declare April 28, 2010, “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day” in New Mexico. HJM 12 was introduced by Rep. Nathan Cote (D-Las Cruces) and has also passed the House by unanimous vote.

Rep. Cote says, “April 28th provides veterans, healthcare providers and others to prepare awareness projects and publicity in regards to PTSD. Our population suffering from PTSD continues to grow because of the nature of the illness. Those inflicted may go underground and not seek treatment or may find themselves in trouble with the law. Let’s all learn to recognize the nature of this illness.”
                             
HJM 12 recognizes those military personnel who make significant sacrifices to protect the nation’s freedom, and whom are affected by the deep and unseen wound which manifests itself through posttraumatic stress disorder. The memorial also acknowledges President Obama’s commitment to reducing the number of troops in Iraq to 50,000 by August 2010, increasing the need to be prepared to treat New Mexico’s returning servicemen and women. It also includes veterans who were involved in other wars and conflicts as well; many from the Vietnam conflict.