LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2016, as Mental Health Awareness Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help increase
awareness of serious health conditions that affect the lives of citizens
of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2016, as Mental Health
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Approximately one in five adults in the United States (43.8
million or 18.5%) experiences mental illness in a given year; and
WHEREAS, Approximately one in 25 adults in the United States (10
million or 4.2%) experiences a serious mental illness in a given year
that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life
activities; and
WHEREAS, Approximately one in five youth aged 13-18 (21.4%) experi-
ences a severe mental disorder at some point during their life; for
children aged 8-15, the estimate is 13%; and
WHEREAS, 1.1% of adults in the United States live with schizophrenia;
and
WHEREAS, 2.6% of adults in the United States live with bipolar disor-
der; and
WHEREAS, 6.9% of adults in the United States (16 million) had at least
one major depressive episode in the past year; and
WHEREAS, 18.1% of adults in the United States experienced an anxiety
disorder such as posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder and specific phobias; and
WHEREAS, Among the 20.2 million adults in the United States who expe-
rienced a substance use disorder (50.5%-10.2 million adults) had a
co-occurring mental illness; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2016, as Mental
Health Awareness 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.