Senate Bill S1464A

                                BILL NUMBER:S1464A

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to
creating a public education initiative designed to eliminate stigma
and misinformation about mental illness and chemical dependence among
military service members; and providing for the repeal of such
provisions upon expiration thereof

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:  Creates a public education
initiative designed to eliminate stigma and misinformation about
mental illness and chemical dependence among military service members.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section one amends section 7.09 of the Mental Hygiene law by requiring
the commissioner of the office of mental health the commissioner of
the office of mental health, in conjunction with the commissioner of
the office of alcoholism and substance abuse services and director of
the division of veterans' affairs to create a public education
initiative designed to eliminate stigma and misinformation about
mental illness and chemical dependence among service members,
veterans, and their families, improve their understanding of mental
and substance use disorders and the existence of effective treatment,
and provide information regarding available resources and how to
access them.

              

Section two provides the effective date and expiration date of June
30, 2016.

JUSTIFICATION:  Through their service, many military personnel in New
York were exposed to or have experienced trauma, placing many of them
in high risk categories of triggering underlying conditions, such as
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse problems or
other mental health issues. According to the Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans of America, at least one in three Iraq veterans and one in
nine Afghanistan veterans will face a mental health issue like
depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

According to the United States substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration, "the impact of military reality on individual
mental health is complicated further by the pronounced stigma
associated with mental illness within military communities.  Service
members frequently cite fear of personal embarrassment, fear of
disappointing comrades fear of losing the opportunity for career
advancement, and fear of dishonorable discharge as motivations to hide
the symptoms of mental illness from colleagues, friends and family.
This silence and the attitudes and perceptions perpetuating it pose a
significant challenge to those charged with making sure that the
United States fighting force is improving itself and taking care of
its own members."

Left untreated, combat-related mental health issues can and does
destroy the lives of veterans and their families. Untreated combat
related mental health issues can manifest itself through substance
abuse, the criminal justice system, and suicide. These brave Americans
have laid their lives on the line in service to their country. Until
stigma is addressed and the reality of the mental health needs of


military veterans is fully recognized, our returning troops and
veterans from wars past will continue to suffer.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:  2011-12: S.4760/A.1070A - Passed the
Assembly; died in Finance.  2010-11: S.8062/A.11054 - Referred to
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

FISCAL IMPLICATION: Not yet determined.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  This act shall take effect immediately.