Working for Illinois Caucus

PLAINFIELD, IL — A Plainfield state representative and former village trustee helped pass a bill to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Democrat Harry Benton’s House Bill 4928 aims to promote greater recognition of the effects that PTSD has on people, according to a Thursday news release. The bill is moving through the Illinois House of Representatives to have the state recognize June 27 as National PTSD Awareness Day.

"Anyone can experience a traumatic life event," Benton said in a statement. "What’s important is that after traumatic events we are struggling to cope with, we can count on care and support from our family and community. Part of making sure people across Illinois dealing with PTSD are supported is increasing awareness and understanding of this condition, which I’m hopeful this bill will play a part in doing."

Although anyone who experiences or was near a traumatic event can develop the disorder, certain groups of people, including veterans, experience PTSD at a higher rate.

About 6 out of every 100 people, or 6 percent of the United States’ population, will have PTSD at any given time, and about 13 million Americans had the condition in 2020, according to data from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

"People across this state, from veterans, to first responders, to assault victims struggle with PTSD," Benton said. "This condition not only affects those who live with it, but also their friends, family and other caretakers, and it can be really stressful and overwhelming for them too. That’s why it’s so important for us to acknowledge the people battling this condition, and to take steps to help ensure they are all seen."