OCALA, FL (352today.com) – In 2014, the United States Senate designated the month of June as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month to highlight issues related to what’s known as the “invisible wound.”
This includes reducing the stigmas attached to PTSD and encouraging those with the condition to get help and receive proper treatment.
PTSD is a condition arising from experiencing trauma like the stress of combat, abuse, violence, assault. It’s estimated that eight million adults in the U.S. suffer from PTSD every year.
First responders are especially at high risk from regularly putting their lives on the line.
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To bring attention to the condition, Marion County will host a 2.2-mile PTSD walk/run event on Thursday, June 27, at 8:00 a.m. at the McPherson Governmental Campus Wellness Trail which is located at 601 SE 25th Ave. in Ocala.
Marion County says the 2.2-mile distance reflects the 22 veterans every day who take their lives due to PTSD.
First responders from the Marion County Fire Rescue team, Ocala Fire Rescue, Ocala Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office will participate.
The walk/run will be led by World War II veteran Howard Mautner, who recently became a centenarian. Howard joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 at age 18, serving overseas in Europe as an air traffic controller.
This event will have food trucks and water stations, along with more than 30 vendors providing resources for those who are seeking help.
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Marion County is selling teal-colored shirts and tumblers for “National Teal Out” Day.
Proceeds from the sales will benefit three local nonprofits:
The teal shirts will be available through the end of the month for $22 and can be purchased online.