Skip to main content

Bishop Supports PTSD Treatment Initiatives

November 10, 2011

Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) delivered remarks at Phoebe Putney Hospital in Albany, Georgia. In his remarks, Congressman Bishop praised Phoebe’s administration, faculty and staff for the hospital’s efforts in researching new treatments and technologies to assist local service members suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD). Below is the text of Congressman Bishop’s remarks:

“Good morning. I would like to thank Phoebe Putney Hospital’s administration, faculty and staff for their outstanding efforts in researching promising treatments designed to help our brave Veterans who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorders.

“Three years ago, in my role as a senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was able to successfully obtain 1.6 million dollars in funding for Phoebe’s medical researchers to develop more advanced treatment techniques for sufferers of PTSD.

“I obtained funding for this project as a way to re-confirm our nation’s commitment to our brave service men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to defend our freedoms and safeguard our homeland.

“As we celebrate Veterans Day this week, it is important that we remember our commitment to our troops extends not only to maintaining adequate salary and benefit levels for our nation’s military, but also keeping our promise to help those Veterans and military retirees in need of assistance once they return home.

“This occasion provides us with an excellent opportunity to honor and help those Veterans who have served honorably in our nation’s Armed Services.

“Many men and women from Southwest Georgia serving overseas right now will continue to require care for PTSD-related injuries long after their return home.

“The ability to treat these injuries locally not only will ease their transition to civilian life, but also allow them to recover faster and more completely.

“I commend Phoebe Putney Hospital for exploring new treatments and technologies that seek to improve the health and wellbeing of our nation’s beloved heroes.

“Currently, we are all too aware of the ongoing threats against our great nation. Today, more than ever, we must remain vigilant in the defense of our people both here and abroad. We can only do that through a steadfast, sustained commitment to our men and women in uniform.

“Renowned educator and theologian Benjamin Elijah Mays once said, ‘Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done.’ I believe it is important for us all to remember that our brave troops honorably defend our freedoms and without them it would never be done.

“In closing, I would like to once again salute Phoebe for their efforts on behalf of our Veterans. They are to be commended for their research efforts and the benefits that they will bestow on our brave service members, Veterans and military retirees.”