Senate Resolution No. 64

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Linda Rosenberg upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Leila Salmon
Advocate of the Year Award by the Mental Health
Association in New York State, Inc. to be celebrated
on October 27, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who provide vital mental health services to
individuals and their families, and in doing so, enhance the health and
welfare of the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Linda Rosenberg, MSW, upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Leila Salmon Advocate of the Year Award by the Mental Health
Association in New York State, Inc. to be celebrated at its Annual
Awards Dinner "The Time for Change is Now" on Thursday, October 27,
2016; and

WHEREAS, Linda Rosenberg is receiving this auspicious award in
recognition of being an advocate whose dedication and leadership has
made an impact on the availability, accessibility, and/or delivery of
mental health services nationally on behalf of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Linda Rosenberg is a national expert in the financing and
delivery of mental health and substance services; under her leadership,
the National Council for Behavioral Health has become our nation's most
effective advocate for behavioral health prevention, early intervention,
science-based treatment, and recovery; and

WHEREAS, Harnessing the voices of the 10 million adults, children,
and families served by the National Council's 2,500 member
organizations, Linda Rosenberg was instrumental in securing the passage
of the federal parity law, expanding integrated behavioral and primary
care services, introducing Mental Health First Aid in the United States,
and building an array of organizational, clinical and workforce
improvement initiatives; and

WHEREAS, The National Council's strong support of the Mental Health
Excellence Act will result in the first comprehensive effort to
establish community accountability for the health of people with serious
mental illnesses and addictions, the consistent utilization of
evidence-based practices, and the standardized measurement of outcomes;
and

WHEREAS, Linda Rosenberg was Senior Deputy Commissioner of the New
York State Office of Mental Health prior to joining the National
Council; she has over 30 years experience in designing and operating
hospitals, community and housing programs, and implemented New York's
first Mental Health Court; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional woman serves on an array of boards of
directors and is a member of the Executive Committee of the National
Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention; and

WHEREAS, Individuals such as Linda Rosenberg, who bring greater
awareness to mental health issues, and assist people with mental
illnesses in their quest for dignity and independence, are a great
benefit to the health and welfare of all citizens; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Linda Rosenberg, MSW, upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Leila Salmon Advocate of the Year Award by the Mental
Health Association in New York State, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Linda Rosenberg.