'Freedom Isn't Free' Signs Promote PTSD Awareness For Veterans

CHICAGO – In recognition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, 19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea’s Operation Help A Hero campaign returns throughout the month of June, and will benefit Rush University Medical Center’s Road Home Program.

“Freedom Isn’t Free” lawn signs are now available for purchase for $20. Snapback trucker hats are also available for purchase for $25. Online purchases for lawn signs and hats may be made by visiting the 19th Ward website. All proceeds will benefit the veteran’s mental health services at Road Home. Monetary donations are also being accepted at Rush Hospital Help A Hero.

Multiple pick-up dates for lawn signs and trucker hats will be offered at multiple locations across the city. Dates and times will be announced next week.

“Now more than ever before, our communities must come together and support our veterans,” O’Shea said. “Too many families are silently carrying the invisible wounds of war. We must do all that we can to help those in need. I hope the entire city will come together to not only fight the mental health stigma that exists, but to also support the Road Home Program by purchasing a lawn sign or trucker hat. The Road Home Program does amazing work every day for those who have served and protected our country. Their impact is felt not only by our veterans, but their families, as well.”

Additionally, local restaurant breweries Horse Thief Hollow and Open Outcry will both offer specialized brews for the month, aptly named “Home of the Free” (Open Outcry) and “Because of the Brave” (Horse Thief Hollow). Both restaurants will donate $1 of each sale of their specialty brews to the Road Home Program.

The Road Home Program seeks to help veterans – regardless of their discharge status - and their families address the invisible wounds of war and military service through outreach and community education, evidence-based mental health services, and research. Since Road Home’s inception in 2014, thousands of veterans, service members, and their families have received mental health treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and more. Many of the veterans and family members who come to Road Home are not eligible for VA services.

This Help A Hero effort is a partnership between the 19th Ward Youth & Community Foundation and the Road Home Program at Rush University.

For more information on the Help A Hero campaign, please visit the 19th Ward.

For more information visit the Road Home Program at Rush University.