Today,
Friday June 27 has been designated as National PTSD Day. It is appropriate that my good friend, Josh
Rizzo, has chosen this day to launch a new social network to offer support to
anyone dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Please
read the press release below to learn details, and then join me in spreading the
word within the warrior community and beyond to the general public. Increased awareness is the beginning point of
winning this battle against the effects of PTSD.
PTSD United, INC. launches
completely free and anonymous social network for anyone dealing with Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder
PTSD United, INC. has launched a completely free and
anonymous online social network where people can connect with others living
with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), twenty-four hours a day, seven days
a week. PTSD United is dedicated to providing resources and support for
anyone dealing with PTSD, as well as their friends and family, and educating
and increasing awareness among the general public.
PTSD United is
currently accepting beta testers at www.PTSDUnited.org. The non-profit organization is also in the process of forming
strategic partnerships with cooperating charities, professional medical
organizations, and corporations that would like an opportunity to serve their
communities.
Executive Director and Army Veteran, Josh
Rizzo explains
the impetus behind the idea: “Transitioning
into civilian life after combat, I noticed there was an epidemic in our society
that extended beyond my fellow soldiers to law enforcement personnel,
firefighters, first responders, victims of physical, mental, emotional, and
sexual abuse, victims of accidents and tragedies, and people suffering from
disease and illness, to name a few. I also noticed a stigma associated with the
condition, which I still personally deal with. We formed PTSD United to help
people realize that they are not alone and that there are resources out there
for them.”
“The number of people in the U.S. affected by PSTD is
staggering,” Rizzo continues, “But possibly the most critical group affected by
PTSD are the families and friends of those suffering – not knowing how to help
or what’s going on with their loved ones.”
Approximately 7-8% of the U.S. population (24 million)
will experience some form of PTSD. [Department of Veteran Affairs] http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/how-common-is-ptsd.asp
One of every six American women (26 million) has been the
victim of rape or attempted rape. [RAINN] http://www.rainn.org/get-information/statistics/sexual-assault-victims
Rizzo likens the Internet social networks of today to the
church basements of decades past, where support groups like Alcoholics
Anonymous began. “However, PTSD United is unique in that it is the only fully
functional online social network that is completely free of charge and provides
all members full anonymity,” he says.
Dr. ErinKate Stair, a member of the Board of Directors at
PTSD United says: “As a medical field professional, I see the drastic need for
an online resource like this and am thrilled PTSD United is going to be
answering the call.”
The intent of the organization is perhaps best summarized
by its Process: Connect, Learn, Heal, Grow, and Inspire. “Our goal,” Rizzo
says, “Is to reduce the stigma of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and ensure
that PTSD, and, more importantly, the population suffering from it, are given
the appropriate attention and support they deserve.”
Learn more and join the
community at www.PTSDUnited.org.
Josh Rizzo is a West Point 2002 graduate and
Army Veteran. He can be reached at:
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