LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim the week of May 25-29, 2009, as Co-occurring Disorder Week in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, In any given year, 2.5 million adults in the United States
struggle with co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness; and
WHEREAS, The data indicates that 60 to 80 percent of individuals in a
substance abuse facility have a co-occurring mental health disorder; and
WHEREAS, In addition, 40 to 60 percent of patients presenting in
mental health settings have been diagnosed with a co-occurring substance
abuse condition; and
WHEREAS, Among the many consequences of co-occurring disorders in our
society are: increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary
disease, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis; and
WHEREAS, Co-occurring disorders greatly contribute to the high cost of
healthcare due to high inpatient use and inability to adhere to treat-
ment; this disorder also creates an increased risk of suicide, crime
victimization, homelessness, incarceration and juvenile delinquency, in
addition to an estimated $100 billion in lost productivity; and
WHEREAS, Persons suffering from co-occurring disorders who receive
integrated treatment demonstrate considerable improvement in their abil-
ity to control their symptoms, sustain independent living, maintain
productive employment, relate and interact with non-substance abusers,
and enjoy vastly improved life satisfaction; and
WHEREAS, It is of great benefit to the State of New York to provide
integrated treatment to those affected by co-occurring disorders; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim the week of May
25-29, 2009, as Co-occurring Disorder Week in the State of New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.