Senate Resolution No. 2136

BY: Senator BRISPORT

RECOGNIZING Second Chance Month in the State of
New York, and recognizing the profound mental health
impacts of incarceration on individuals, families,
and communities

WHEREAS, The State of New York is committed to promoting the health
and well-being of all its residents; and

WHEREAS, Mental health is an essential component of overall health,
affecting individuals' ability to lead fulfilling lives, maintain
relationships, and contribute to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Second Chance Month has been observed each April since 2017
to bring awareness to the multitude of barriers formerly incarcerated
individuals face during the process of reentry, especially those related
to mental health; and

WHEREAS, Incarceration has been shown to have severe and lasting
psychological effects, including increased rates of depression, anxiety,
post-traumatic stress, and other mental health challenges; and

WHEREAS, Isolation, exposure to violence, family separation,
uncertainty, and restricted access to adequate healthcare can exacerbate
existing mental health conditions and contribute to new ones; and

WHEREAS, Solitary confinement and prolonged isolation in particular
have been widely documented to cause significant psychological harm; and

WHEREAS, The mental health impacts of incarceration extend beyond
those directly incarcerated, affecting families, children, and
communities, and contributing to cycles of trauma and instability; and

WHEREAS, Formerly incarcerated individuals often face significant
barriers to accessing mental health care upon reentry, including stigma,
lack of insurance coverage, and limited continuity of care; and

WHEREAS, Addressing the mental health consequences of incarceration
is essential to advancing public health, reducing recidivism, and
promoting successful reintegration; and

WHEREAS, New York State has an ongoing responsibility to ensure
humane conditions of confinement, expand access to mental health
services, and invest in alternatives to incarceration that prioritize
treatment and support; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize the significant mental health trauma associated with
incarceration and calls for increased awareness, research, and policy
responses to address these harms, so that New York State can truly
embody the spirit of Second Chance Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Silent Cry, Inc.