CHARLOTTE — The U.S. Postal Service today issued the Healing PTSD semipostal stamp to help raise funds for those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  during a dedication event held at McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square in Charlotte, NC.

The stamp features a photographic illustration of a green plant sprouting from the ground, which is covered in fallen leaves. The image is intended to symbolize the PTSD healing process. Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamp with original art by Mark Laita.

“The Postal Service is honored to issue this semipostal stamp as a powerful symbol of the healing process, growth and hope for tens of millions of Americans who experience PTSD,” said David C. Williams, vice chairman, Board of Governors, U.S. Postal Service, who served as the dedicating official. “Today, with the issuance of this stamp, the nation renews its commitment to raise funds to help treat soldiers, veterans, first responders, health care providers and other individuals dealing with this condition.”

Joining Williams to dedicate the stamp were Koby J. Langley, senior vice president, American Red Cross; Chuck Denny, founder, American Veteran Foundation; Dan Miller, Wounded Warriors Project; Donald Tyson, president, Charlotte Chapter, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI);
Dr. Paula Schnurr, executive director, National Center for PTSD; and Maureen O’Boyle, news anchor, WBTV, Charlotte, NC, who served as emcee. Denny followed the discretionary semipostal program criteria for submitting the stamp suggestion.

News of the Healing PTSD semipostal stamp is being shared on social media using the hashtags #HealingPTSDStamp and #SemipostalStamps. Followers of the Postal Service’s Facebook page can view a recording of the ceremony at facebook.com/USPS.

Background

While post-traumatic disorders have long been a subject of study, PTSD was not officially added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a widely used reference guide published by the American Psychiatric Association, until the late 20th century.

The condition develops in some children and adults who have survived a traumatic event. Experiences such as a natural disaster, car accident, physical or sexual assault, abuse and combat, among others, can trigger PTSD.

The Healing PTSD semipostal stamp is being sold for 65 cents. The price includes the First-Class Mail single-piece postage rate in effect at the time of purchase plus an amount to fund PTSD research. By law, revenue from sales of the Healing PTSD semipostal stamp — minus the postage paid and the reimbursement of reasonable costs incurred by the Postal Service — will be distributed to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Semipostal Authorization Act, Pub. L. 106–253, grants the U.S. Postal Service discretionary authority to issue and sell semipostal stamps to advance such causes as it considers to be ‘‘in the national public interest and appropriate.’’ Under the program, the Postal Service intends to issue semipostal stamps during a 10-year period, with each stamp to be sold for no more than two years. The Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp, issued Nov. 30, 2017, was the first. The Healing PTSD semipostal stamp is the second. Additional discretionary semipostal stamps have not yet been determined.

Under the Act, the Postal Service will not consider proposals for future semipostals until May 20, 2023. The Federal Register notice outlining this program can be found at the following URL: www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-04-20/pdf/2016-09081.pdf.

Proposals will only be considered if they meet all submission requirements and selection criteria. Proposals may be submitted by mail to the following address:

Office of Stamp Services
Attn: Semipostal Discretionary Program
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300
Washington, DC 20260–3501

Suggestions may also be submitted in a single Adobe Acrobat (PDF) file sent by email to semipostal@usps.gov. Indicate in the Subject Line: Semipostal Discretionary Program.

Postal Products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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