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Health & Fitness

Kifowit Supports Legislation Assuring Proper Treatment of Veterans

AURORA, Ill. – In response to the growing number of veterans who are returning from service with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other serious mental illnesses, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, helped pass legislation recently, enhancing the training police officers receive to both understand and handle specific veteran issues.

 

“It is the sworn duty of every police officer to protect and serve – and now we can be assured that they’re most effectively helping those who fought to protect our freedom,” Kifowit said. “In light of the rising awareness of the prevalence of PTSD, I believe that it is imperative that police officers be able to distinguish and properly handle these cases.”

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Kifowit’s Senate Bill 3225 gives the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Board the ability to train police officers and local government agencies on how to properly respond to the needs and actions of both recently returning veterans and those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a traumatic brain injury. Officers would be educated how to interact with veterans in various situations ranging from routine traffic stops to mentally ill veterans posing a public threat.

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“PTSD symptoms can often be misdiagnosed as drug or alcohol issues – causing our distinguished veterans to be treated with suspicion instead of as heroes,” Kifowit said. “By effectively training our officers to recognize and deal with these cases, we can work towards creating an environment that benefits veterans experiencing mental illness.”

 

For any questions or concerns about state-related issues, please contact Kifowit’s constituent service office, located at1677 Montgomery Rd. Ste. 116, Aurora, IL, by phone at 630-585-1308 or by email at stephanie.kifowit@att.net

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