Assembly Resolution No. 766

BY: M. of A. Jean-Pierre

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
February 13, 2020, as Self-Love Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of 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 Thursday, February 13,
2020 as Self-Love Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Self-Love Day; and

WHEREAS, Mental illness is one of the leading causes of disabilities
in the United States, affecting one out of every four families, and
impacting both persons with the illness and those persons who care for
and love the persons afflicted; and

WHEREAS, Untreated serious mental illness costs Americans
approximately $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year; and

WHEREAS, Although mental illness impacts all people, African
Americans receive less care and poorer quality of care, and often lack
access to culturally competent care, thereby resulting in mental health
care disparities; and

WHEREAS, The introductory principle declared in the Constitution of
the World Health Organization states that "health is a state of complete
physical, mental and social well-being"; and

WHEREAS, All New Yorkers are entitled to receive the highest
attainable quality of health care, including mental health care, without
discrimination; and

WHEREAS, Self-Love Day is meant to show the importance of self-worth
and mental health; it is extremely important our youth understand the
importance of self-worth in order to help combat the mental health
crisis; and

WHEREAS, Each year, Self-Love Day shall occur one day prior to
Valentine's Day to ensure individuals recognize their self-worth; and

WHEREAS, The rise in suicide, particularly among our youth, is very
alarming; it is imperative that there be greater awareness of serious
mental health conditions, and more must be done to increase activity at
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 February 13th, 2020, as
Self-Love Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York, and Danni Desgravier, Founder and CEO, I'm Proud of You Sis.