West Montgomery Times

June is National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. As a U.S. Army combat veteran, Pennsylvania Senator Tracy Pennycuick has seen first-hand the effects of PTSD on troops, veterans, and their families.

Approximately 12 million people in the United States currently suffer from PTSD. This mental health condition can develop after experiencing or witnessing life-threatening events such as combat, natural disasters, car accidents, or sexual assault. It can affect individuals of any age.

Senator Pennycuick served in the Army for 26 years with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea, the UK, and other locations. Reflecting on her service as a First Lieutenant during Desert Storm, she noted that she was fortunate to return home safely.

"For soldiers, sailors and airmen who are struggling there are many options for treating PTSD and even though treatments work, most people who have PTSD don’t get the help they need," Pennycuick stated.

As a state senator, addressing PTSD among veterans and first responders is a top priority for Pennycuick. She introduced SR 46 to establish the Task Force on Women Veterans’ Health Care in the Commonwealth. The General Assembly unanimously passed this resolution. The task force aims to study health issues facing women veterans and make recommendations to both the Governor and General Assembly.

"I believe this resolution will pave the way for our state to apply for and receive additional federal resources to address this and other issues affecting our veterans," she said.

Pennycuick has also urged Congress to pass the Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for PTSD Act (TREAT PTSD). This bill mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide stellate ganglion block (SGB) therapy to veterans diagnosed with PTSD. SGB therapy is an outpatient procedure that may relieve symptoms under medical supervision.

Additionally, Pennycuick supports increased funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline aimed at assisting veterans and emergency responders during critical times.

For those seeking assistance, various resources are available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

- **PTSD Treatment Programs:** All VA Medical Centers offer treatment programs with specialized services available at numerous locations.

- **Care for Women Veterans:** Many VA Medical Centers provide mental health programs tailored specifically for women veterans.

- **Vet Centers:** These community-based centers offer counseling and support services facilitated by fellow veterans.

- **VA Benefits and Claims:** Despite its complexity, eligible individuals are encouraged to apply for VA benefits.

In Berks County: [Berks County Veteran Services](https://www.berkspa.gov/departments/veterans-affairs)

In Montgomery County: [Montgomery County Veteran Services](https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/266/Veteran-Services)

"Everyone with PTSD needs to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life," Pennycuick emphasized. "Help spread the word that effective PTSD treatments are available."

Pennsylvania Senator Tracy Pennycuick represents the 24th District which includes parts of Berks and Montgomery counties.

CONTACT: Lidia Di Fiore (215) 541-2388