LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mr. Michael B. Friedman upon the occa-
sion of his retirement

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed resi-
dents of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mr.
Michael B. Friedman upon the occasion of his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Michael B. Friedman is Director of The Center for Policy,
Advocacy, and Education of The Mental Health Association of New York
City; he is also the founder and Chairperson of The Geriatric Mental
Health Alliance of New York, an advocacy and education organization
dedicated to the improvement of geriatric mental health policy and prac-
tice; he is the co-founder and facilitator of the Veterans Mental Health
Coalition of New York City; in addition, he teaches courses on health
policy and social advocacy at Columbia University School of Social Work
as well as a course on mental health policy at Columbia's School of
Public Health; and
WHEREAS, In a career which has spanned 40 years, Mr. Friedman has
served as Director of Network Development for The Department of Psychia-
try of New York Presbyterian Hospital, Director of Operations of The
Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, and Program Director,
The Bridge, Inc; and
WHEREAS, In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Michael Friedman taught
philosophy at a number of colleges in the New York City area; extremely
active in the community over the years, he has been working with numer-
ous advisory and advocacy groups at the local, state, and federal
levels, he is a Past President of the Coalition of Behavioral Health
Agencies, was Chairman of the Hudson River Planning Advisory Committee
of the Office of Mental Health, was Vice-Chairman of the New York City
Public Child Fatality Review Committee, and served on The National
Institute of Mental Health Services Research Planning Panel to name a
few; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Michael Friedman is a member of the New York State
Interagency Geriatric Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Planning
Council, The NY Connects State Long-term Care Advisory Council, The New
York State Adult Home Reform Coalition, The Campaign for Mental Health
Housing Reform, The Mental Health Committee of the New York State Child
Action Network, and other advocacy and advisory groups; in addition, he
served on the Health Policy Advisory Committee to the Spitzer Transition
Team; and
WHEREAS, Michael Friedman has spoken at many professional conferences
and published numerous articles and opinion essays; his topics have
included mental health policy and finance, child mental health, geria-
tric mental health, advocacy, family support, managed care, psychiatric
rehabilitation, child welfare, family violence, stigma, and political
philosophy; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Friedman earned his Bachelor's degree from Columbia
College, a Master's degree in Philosophy from Columbia University, and a
Master's degree in Social Work from the Hunter College School of Social
Work; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Michael Friedman's distinguished
record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative
Body; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, leadership, and commitment as that demonstrated by
Michael Friedman over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mr. Michael B. Friedman upon the occasion of his retirement; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mr. Michael B. Friedman.