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Photo Credit: Greenview Regional Fire-Rescue Services
By Shane Clausing
ptsd awareness month

Greenview Fire Rescue Services launch t-shirt campaign for PTSD Awareness Month

Jun 1, 2021 | 2:20 PM

Greenview Fire Rescue Services has launched a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) awareness campaign which will have them selling custom t-shirts in the month of June.

The campaign will take place as part of PTSD Awareness Month and is meant to raise public awareness about issues relating to PTSD and help reduce the stigma associated with it.

Regional Fire Chief with the MD of Greenview Fire Rescue Services Wayne Brown says he’s seen firsthand what PTSD can do to first responders, who dealing with traumatic situations regularly.

That’s why he says they launched the t-shirt campaign, as a way to raise money for The Heroes Project, a Grande Prairie organization that supports PTSD awareness and intervention.

“I thought this was a time where if we could help bring awareness to PTSD. I thought this would be a good project.”

Brown tells EverythingGP he got the idea for the t-shirt campaign by looking south of the border.

“I watch a lot of sports and the United States supports their military with an annual event where they wear camo. I thought this would be something that I’d like to do in support of PTSD.”

According to Brown, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more and more people are experiencing PTSD symptoms.

“The importance of PTSD awareness and intervention at this time can not be overemphasized. You do not need to be a soldier or a first responder to be exposed to situations that can cause PTSD,” said Brown.

“As the current COVID-19 pandemic ebbs and flows, PTSD numbers for our frontline workers are increasing, they are on the front lines every day, and it’s taking its toll. Our first responders are affected as well, with COVID adding an additional stressor when responding.”

The t-shirts will be sold online at the M.D. of Greenview’s website for $20, while youth shirts will cost $15.

by Shane Clausing