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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Marion County inviting community to ‘National Teal Out Day’ event

Marion County is inviting the community to participate in a walk/run event to help raise awareness of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

On Monday, June 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., all participants are encouraged to wear teal during the 2.2-mile ‘National Teal Out Day’ walk/run event which will take place at the McPherson Governmental Campus Wellness Trail located at 601 SE 25th Avenue in Ocala.

The 2.2-mile distance is to honor the 22 veterans per day who take their lives due to PTSD, according to a press release from Marion County.

The event will also include food trucks and water stations, along with resources and opportunities to get the conversation started for anyone who is suffering from PTSD.

Marion County has partnered with three local nonprofits to raise awareness and funds via the sale of teal shirts for ‘National Teal Out Day’ on June 27. The shirts can be purchased by clicking here, and they will remain on sale through the end of the month for $22. All proceeds will benefit the Marion County Fire Rescue Benevolence Fund, the Fire Rescue Support Fund, and the Emilio Rivera Foundation.

In 2014, the United States Senate designated the month of June as PTSD Awareness Month to raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigmas associated with PTSD, and to encourage those suffering from these invisible wounds to ask for and receive proper treatment.

PTSD can occur after a person experiences trauma, which can include the stress of combat, abuse, violence, assault, and putting one’s life on the line as a first responder. Each year in the United States, PTSD affects approximately 8 million adults.

Marion County has highlighted resources available to anyone affected by PTSD via social media and other means throughout the month of June. Marion County government urges all residents to support anyone in their lives who may be suffering from PTSD and to remove the stigma associated with this disorder.