100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Mark Ferri, veteran and Vance County Animal Shelter volunteer, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss June’s designation as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month.

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s website, PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other violent personal assault.

Ferri discussed the stigma of mental health disorders and the importance of seeking treatment and support.

Citing studies that show interacting with animals is soothing to those with PTSD, Ferri encouraged listeners to participate in dog walks at the Vance County Animal Shelter. Dogs may be walked in one of the shelter’s fenced-in pastures.

Hours of operation for the Vance County Animal Shelter, located at 1243 Brodie Rd in Henderson, are Monday: 12:30 – 4:30 p.m., Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friday: Closed, Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Sunday: Closed.

To hear Ferri’s interview in its entirety, click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.