Marion County is inviting the local community to show their support and wear teal during the second annual Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Walk/Run event on Tuesday, June 27.
PTSD can occur after a person experiences trauma including, but not limited to, the stress of combat, abuse, violence, assault, and putting one’s life on the line as a first responder. Approximately 8 million adults in the United States are affected by PTSD each year.
In 2014, the U.S. Senate designated the month of June as PTSD Awareness Month to raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD. In addition, the month-long awareness campaign aims to reduce the stigmas associated with PTSD while encouraging those suffering from these invisible wounds to seek proper treatment.
During National Teal Out Day on Tuesday, June 27, Marion County residents are encouraged to wear teal while participating in a 2.2-mile walk/run at the McPherson Governmental Campus Wellness Trail located at 601 SE 25th Avenue in Ocala. The event begins at 8:30 a.m., and the 2.2-mile distance is to honor the 22 veterans per day who take their lives due to PTSD.
The event will have food trucks and water stations, along with resources for anyone suffering from PTSD.
The walk/run will be led by Tom “Bull” Hill, a retired firefighter known for walking the entire length of Florida in honor of his fallen firefighter friends. He will be directly followed by the Marion County Fire Rescue team, many of whom will be in full gear in support of the cause.
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. Residents can click here to purchase a shirt for $22, and the shirts will remain on sale through the end of the month. All proceeds will benefit the Marion County Fire Rescue Support Fund, Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, and the Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation.
Marion County is urging all citizens to bring awareness to those suffering from PTSD and to encourage people to reach out to their fellow citizens to provide support and remove the stigma associated with this disorder.