Pennycuick, PA Senate Urge Congress to Pass the TREAT PTSD Act

HARRISBURG - The state Senate today adopted a measure sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) urging Congress to provide lifesaving therapy to Americans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Senate Resolution 311 calls on Congress to pass the Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act, also known as the TREAT PTSD Act.

The TREAT PTSD Act would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense to provide veterans suffering from PTSD with access to a lifesaving therapy known as stellate ganglion block (SGB). SGB works by applying an injection into the bundle of nerves that send signals of fight or flight to the body. The treatment relieves feelings of stress quickly for those with PTSD and provides them with a renewed chance to heal. This procedure has been used for nearly 100 years for pain conditions, including shingles and phantom limb pain.

"Our veterans who suffer from trauma deserve the best available care," said Pennycuick, a U.S. Army combat veteran. "The battle isn't over for them. Congress must approve the TREAT PTSD Act to provide this critical therapy and send the message that we're not leaving any of our fighting men and women behind."

The federal legislation, H.R. 3023, is now before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Health.

WATCH: Sen. Pennycuick urges action on the TREAT PTSD Act.

CONTACT: Matt Szuchyt (717) 787-3110