LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim June 13-19, 2009, as Mental Health Anti-Stigma Week in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's
thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily func-
tioning; and
WHEREAS, This specific week will bring a higher level of consciousness
and sensitivity to individuals diagnosed and affected by mental
illnesses; increased awareness will originate within K-12 classrooms
throughout New York State; and
WHEREAS, Teachers are to teach an interactive lesson on mental health
and anti-stigma that students can apply immediately to their social and
interpersonal relationships; and
WHEREAS, New York ranks second overall in state expenditures per capi-
ta ($176.00) behind the District of Columbia; in 2007, 168,538 New York-
ers were served by the State Department of Mental Health; the breakdown
includes: 16,440 children aged (5-12); 15,000 children aged (13-17);
4,274 adults aged (18-20); 25,882 adults aged (21-34); 25,546 adults
aged (35-44); and 64,342 adults aged (45-64); and
WHEREAS, Schizophrenia, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders made up
over 71% of total mental health diagnoses in 2007; across the country,
an estimated 44 million Americans experience a mental disorder in any
given year; and
WHEREAS, About 10 percent of all Americans will have a mental illness
sometime in their lives, and about 40 percent will be affected when a
friend or family member develops a mental illness; the third leading
cause of death among teens and adolescents is suicide which is most
often linked to depression, a prevalent mental illness; and
WHEREAS, The vast majority of people with mental illness are nonvio-
lent; several types include: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety
disorders, ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Schi-
zophrenia, Eating Disorders, and Borderline Personality Disorder; and
WHEREAS, The term stigma refers to negative attitudes and beliefs that
motivate the general public to fear, reject, avoid, and discriminate
against others; a stigma can result in inadequate insurance coverage for
mental health services and can prevent people from gaining access for
the necessary mental health services; and
WHEREAS, Addressing the complex mental health needs of society today
is fundamental to the future of this great Empire State; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim June 13-19, 2009, as
Mental Health Anti-Stigma 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.