Assembly Resolution No. 507

BY: M. of A. Abinanti

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
Sunday, June 9, 2019, as Break The Hold Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
mental health issues 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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Sunday, June 9, 2019,
as Break The Hold Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Brian Thomas Halloran was a popular, athletic 19-year old
who was on scholarship his freshman year at the University of South
Carolina; and

WHEREAS, On January 23, 2018, this beloved son, brother, friend,
teammate, and member of the tight-knit community of Pleasantville, New
York, lost his life to depression by suicide; and

WHEREAS, Every year, approximately 42.5 million American adults
suffer from some mental illness, enduring conditions such as depression,
bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; these conditions lead to physical
harm or even death; and

WHEREAS, In New York, one in five people have a mental health
disorder with 8% of the population suffering from symptoms of
depression; and

WHEREAS, In their devastation, Brian Thomas Halloran's family formed
the Break The Hold Foundation, or BTH Foundation, also representing
Brian's initials, as an outpouring of grief and love following their
overwhelming loss; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, under the umbrella of the Westchester
Mental Health Association, this vital organization has helped countless
individuals by promoting youth emotional wellness, resilience and
suicide prevention, as well as providing educational tools in school
districts; and

WHEREAS, In June of 2018, the BTH Foundation held its first annual
Into the Light Walk, which drew more than 1,000 participants at 4:00 am
to symbolize hope; the walk was three miles and ended as the sun rose;
and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of serious
mental health issues, 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 Sunday, June 9, 2019,
as Break The Hold Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.