CFO Jimmy Patronis Issues Proclamation Recognizing National PTSD Awareness Day

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis issued a proclamation recognizing June 27, 2024 as National PTSD Awareness Day and is highlighting resources and aid available to first responders living with PTSD. Since 2017, CFO Patronis has been dedicated to serving Florida’s first responders and has supported efforts to expand PTSD benefits, including $10 million in the 2024 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget that will go directly toward aiding veterans and first responders.

To view the proclamation, click HERE.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Florida’s firefighters and first responders serve our state with the utmost dedication, compassion, and honor; and

WHEREAS, because of their heroic profession, they often respond to tragic events, but they lean on their rigorous training and selflessly work to save the lives of others and keep our communities safe; and

WHEREAS, first responders are generally considered to be at greater risk for full or partial Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than most other occupations because their duties routinely entail confrontation with traumatic stressors; and

WHEREAS, individuals with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended and can relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; and

WHEREAS, almost 13 million people in the United States suffer from PTSD with an estimated 5 out of every 100 adults in any given year; and

WHEREAS, firefighters alone are attempting suicide at a rate five times higher than the general population and first responders as a whole are attempting suicide at rate more than ten times higher than the general population; and

WHEREAS, Florida recognized the need for services and benefits for our first responders suffering from PTSD and implemented legislation in 2019 addressing this underserved population; and

WHEREAS, it is never too late to get treatment for PTSD with many more options available today than were available even a year ago; and

WHEREAS, National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day is intended to raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigma associated with PTSD, and help ensure that those suffering from the invisible wounds receive proper treatment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal of the State of Florida recognizes Thursday, June 27, 2024, as

NATIONAL POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AWARENESS DAY

and encourages those that are silently suffering to get the assistance they need to live a healthy and productive life.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal of the State of Florida has hereunto subscribed his name and has caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on the 27th day of June 2024.

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis  
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).