BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–It’s a startling number. Lifetime occurrence of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in combat veterans is estimated to be around 10 – 30%.
In the past year alone, the number of diagnosed cases in the military has jumped 50% – and that’s just diagnosed cases.
To raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder, the Columbia-based non-profit Project Josiah recently organized a PTSD River Challenge led by military combat veterans.
About 7 or 8 out of every 100 people (or 7-8% of the population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives. While it can happen to anyone, PTSD is a condition that affects many returning service men and women.
As part of the event, combat veterans paddled in kayaks and canoes from Columbia to the Charleston area over a 5-day period.
The PTSD River Challenge wrapped up at the BP Cooper River Rec Center in Huger where participants were greeted by supporting veterans organizations, community leaders and a representative of the Congressional Wounded Warrior Initiative.
Participants included approximately 25 paddlers and support crew, 35-40 motorcycle veterans and a variety of community and veteran leaders.
