LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Institute for Family Health of New
Paltz, New York, upon the occasion of being designated as the recipient
of the Mike Adesso Memorial Award by the Mental Health Association in
Ulster County, Inc.

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 enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of individuals and
organizations that generously contribute to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Institute for Family Health of New Paltz, New York, upon the occasion of
being designated as the recipient of the Mike Adesso Memorial Award by
the Mental Health Association in Ulster County, Inc.; this auspicious
occasion will be celebrated at the Association's Annual Mental Health
Awards event, to be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Mental Health Association in Ulster County, Inc. (MHA)
was chartered as a not-for-profit organization in 1959 by a group of
physicians and concerned citizens in order to develop a coordinated
citizens' movement to promote mental health and to work toward the
improved care and treatment of persons with mental illness; it is a
United Way Agency, a Contract Agency of the Ulster County Community
Services Board, Ulster County Department of Social Services, and an
affiliate of the National and New York State Mental Health Associations;
and
WHEREAS, The mission of the MHA is to engage all people in optimal
mental health by providing innovative programs and services that heal,
prevent, educate and advocate; its vision is a responsible and respect-
ful society where the stigma of mental illness is eliminated; and
WHEREAS, To achieve its mission, the MHA sponsors a variety of educa-
tional, advocacy and service programs, including mental health educa-
tion, rehabilitation, residential services, family and youth support
services, and therapeutic foster care; and
WHEREAS, MHA is honoring the Institute for Family Health in New Paltz,
New York, with the presentation of its Mike Adesso Memorial Award for
the Institute's efforts in creating suicide safer communities by train-
ing over 200 staff in the Hudson Valley in suicide prevention in 2009;
and
WHEREAS, The Institute for Family Health in New Paltz, New York, has
as its mission the improvement of the quality and availability of family
practice services in response to the needs of medically underserved
populations; and
WHEREAS, In support of its mission, the Institute for Family Health:
develops and operates health facilities on a family practice model inte-
grating the work of a broad range of health professionals; trains health
professionals and other health care workers in the family practice model
of care; engages in health services research related to primary health
care delivery and primary care education; formulates health policy in
support of its direct patient care and educational goals; and promotes
the diversity of its workforce and provides an environment that encour-
ages personal and professional development for all; and
WHEREAS, In our rapidly evolving health care system, the Institute for
Family Health's leadership will help to insure that future generations
of needy New Yorkers have an opportunity to live longer, healthier
lives; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments 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
honor the Institute for Family Health of New Paltz, New York, upon the
occasion of being designated as the recipient of the Mike Adesso Memori-
al Award by the Mental Health Association in Ulster County, Inc.; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Institute for Family Health, 279 Main Street, New Paltz,
New York 12561.