LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Long Island/Queens NAMI chapters
upon the occasion of celebrating their 5th Annual NAMI Walks for the
Mind of America at Jones Beach

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Long
Island/Queens NAMI chapters upon the occasion of celebrating their 5th
Annual NAMI Walks for the Mind of America at Jones Beach; this auspi-
cious occasion will be celebrated on Sunday, May 17, 2009, at Jones
Beach East Boardwalk; and
WHEREAS, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the
nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to
improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental
illness; founded in 1979, NAMI has affiliates in every state and in more
than 1,100 local communities across the country; and
WHEREAS, Members of NAMI are families, friends, and people living with
mental illnesses such as major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disor-
der, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic
stress disorder and borderline personality disorder; and
WHEREAS, NAMI recognizes that the key concepts of recovery, resiliency
and support are essential to improving the wellness and quality of life
of all persons affected by mental illness; it believes that mental
illnesses should not be an obstacle to a full and meaningful life for
persons who live with them, and advocates at all levels to ensure that
all persons affected by mental illness receive the services that they
need and deserve, in a timely fashion; and
WHEREAS, NAMI Walks for the Mind of America is an awareness raising
program of NAMI; launched in 2003 with 12 pilot sites, the program has
grown to include over 75 sites located in 43 states; walkers are encour-
aged to reach out to family, friends, co-workers, and business associ-
ates to raise support for their participation in the walk; and
WHEREAS, The Queens/Nassau chapter of NAMI (formerly AMI/PATH) was
founded in 1980 by three families with a mentally ill family member;
under the inspired leadership of its President, Janet Susin, it has
grown to be the second largest of more than seventy NAMI chapters in New
York State; it is a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the
lives of people with severe mental illness and their families; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious 5th Annual NAMI Walks for the Mind of America
at Jones Beach presents a unique opportunity for this Legislative Body
to recognize and pay tribute to Long Island/Queens NAMI chapters; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments, which serve to bring
people together for such constructive and beneficial purposes, are
brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Long Island/Queens NAMI chapters upon the occasion of cele-
brating their 5th Annual NAMI Walks for the Mind of America at Jones
Beach; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Janet Susin, President, NAMI Queens/Nassau, 1981 Marcus
Avenue, Lake Success, New York 11042.