A resolution to declare June 27, 2025, as National PTSD Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 46 co-sponsors

Declares June 27, 2025 as National PTSD Awareness Day in Michigan to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage treatment, without creating legal obligations or funding.

adopted

Main purpose

HR 137 is a ceremonial (non‑binding) resolution that designates June 27, 2025, as National PTSD Awareness Day in Michigan. Its purpose is to raise public awareness about Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), reduce stigma, encourage affected residents to seek help, and honor the resilience of veterans, first responders, survivors of trauma, and others living with PTSD.

Key provisions

Declares June 27, 2025, as National PTSD Awareness Day in the State of Michigan.

Recognizes PTSD as a psychiatric disorder that may follow exposure to traumatic events (war, natural disasters, serious accidents, assaults, abuse, etc.).

Highlights common PTSD symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts) and states that PTSD is treatable with appropriate mental‑health care.

Notes that the U.S. Senate designated June 27 to honor Army Staff Sergeant Joe Biel, who died by suicide after struggling with PTSD following service in Iraq.

Encourages Michigan residents to (1) learn more about PTSD, (2) show compassion for those affected, and (3) seek or help others obtain professional assistance.

Calls attention to veterans, first responders, survivors of trauma, and mental‑health service providers.

Who is affected

Direct legal effect: none. As a resolution, HR 137 does not create new rights, duties, or funding.

Practical/awareness effects: persons living with PTSD (including veterans, first responders, survivors of abuse), their families, mental‑health providers, community organizations, and the general public may benefit from increased public awareness, outreach, and destigmatization efforts prompted by the designation.

Procedural / timeline notes

Classification: House resolution (ceremonial).

Introduced: September 2, 2025 (filed).

Sponsored/introduced in Michigan House by Representative Denise Mentzer (with numerous co‑sponsors listed in the resolution).

Legislative actions recorded include suspension of rules, placement on the Congratulatory & Memorial Resolutions calendar, laying before the House, and adoption. Status: Adopted.

Because it is a resolution rather than a statute, no executive signature or codification is required for its effect as an official legislative declaration.

Impact and limitations

Impact: Primarily symbolic and informational—aimed at promoting public education, reducing stigma, and encouraging treatment-seeking behavior. May prompt outreach by state agencies, veterans’ groups, health providers, and community organizations.

Limitations: No budgetary appropriation, program mandate, or regulatory change accompanies the resolution. Any follow‑up programs would require separate legislative or administrative action and funding.

Bill