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VA Sunshine Healthcare Network

 

Virtual PTSD Awareness Walk/Run/Bike Challenge

PTSD Awareness Event Banner

The VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), which includes all VA health care facilities in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, is hosting a special virtual PTSD Awareness Month event on June 18 at 9:00 a.m. The event will include a short kickoff presentation starting at 9:00 a.m. provided by the network's lead PTSD experts. The presentation will include basic information about PTSD, signs and symptoms, and VA resources available to assist Veterans and their loved ones.

Following the presentation, at approximately 9:45 a.m., attendees will be asked to participate in a 30-minute walk/run/bike challenge. Those interested in participating will be asked to complete the physical activity of their choice and then post pictures of themselves on social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) using the hashtag #NotAllWoundsAreVisible.

Connect to the event on June 18 at 9:00 a.m. here: https://bit.ly/3vtBBXh. 

Whether you are a Veteran or family member, VA employee, volunteer, service officer, local or state leader, or just a concerned citizen, VA encourages your participation. Often, it is a family member, friend, or contact who can bridge the gap and connect Veterans to important resources that can change their lives in a positive way.


About PTSD

PTSD is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault.

Due to the duties and various environments Veterans are exposed to during their time in the military, PTSD prevalence can be high. It is estimated that about 30 percent of all Vietnam Veterans have or have experienced PTSD, followed by OIF/OEF/OND Veterans at 20 percent, and Gulf War Veterans at 12 percent.

If not treated, PTSD can negatively impact a Veteran’s overall health and wellbeing and trigger other mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, anger, substance misuse, and even suicide.

Because of this, VA makes it a public health priority to raise awareness of PTSD to let everyone know there is help available and treatments that work. You can learn more about PTSD, treatments available, and much more at www.ptsd.va.gov.
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