LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2012, as Mental Health Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in participating in
events designed to raise awareness of serious health issues; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2012, as Mental Health Month in
the State of New York, in conjunction with Mental Health America's "May
is Mental Health Month"; and
WHEREAS, Mental Health Month began in 1949, to raise awareness of
mental health conditions and mental wellness for all; and
WHEREAS, This year, Mental Health America will address two important
issues through two themes: DO MORE FOR 1 IN 4 is a call to action to
help the 1 in 4 American adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable
mental health condition, and the fact that they can go on to live full
and productive lives; and
WHEREAS, The second theme, HEALING TRAUMA'S INVISIBLE WOUNDS, focuses
on the impact of traumatic events on individuals and communities,
centering around asking the person-based question: What happened to
you?; and
WHEREAS, Mental health is critical for our well-being and vitality, as
well as that of our families, communities and businesses; and
WHEREAS, The World Health Organization found that mental illnesses
rank first in terms of causing disability in the United States, and,
collectively, are the most prevalent health problems in America today;
they are more common than cancer, lung and heart disease combined; and
WHEREAS, Approximately one in 10 children has a serious mental health
disorder that, if untreated, can lead to school failure, physical
illness, substance abuse and even suicide; and
WHEREAS, Mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and
anxiety disorders are real, common and treatable illnesses; and
WHEREAS, The United States Surgeon General has found that a range of
mental health treatments of documented efficacy exists for most mental
disorders; and
WHEREAS, In a given year, 22 to 23 percent of the United States popu-
lation experiences a mental disorder; half of those individuals do not
receive any sort of treatment; and
WHEREAS, The number one reason cited for not seeking services is the
stigma associated with mental illness; only 42 percent of Americans
believe that a person with a mental illness can be successful in socie-
ty; and
WHEREAS, People with mental illnesses can and do recover; over 80
percent of individuals with depression who receive treatment recover and
live productively in society; and
WHEREAS, New York residents, government agencies, public and private
institutions, businesses and schools are committed to increasing aware-
ness and understanding of mental illness and the need for appropriate
and accessible services for all people with mental illnesses; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2012, as Mental
Health Month 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.