Senate Resolution No. 246

BY: Senator FERNANDEZ

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
January 2025 as Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months set aside to increase awareness of serious health issues
which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2025 as Substance Use Disorder
Treatment Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, In January of 2025, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA) will launch this new focus on awareness
of substance use disorder; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, the United States Congress established the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to
render information, services, and research more accessible; and

WHEREAS, SAMHSA serves to support individuals who are contemplating
or actively seeking assistance for their substance use; and

WHEREAS, The organization also assists practitioners who are
treating or considering treating individuals with substance use
disorders; friends, family members, and other loved ones can also find
help while supporting people they know with substance use conditions;
and

WHEREAS, By raising awareness of the availability and accessibility
of treatment services and medications to treat substance use disorders,
SAMHSA endeavors to eliminate any stigma related to such treatment; and

WHEREAS, Encouragement for those individuals who suffer from
substance use disorders while participating in treatment and recovery is
provided by SAMHSA; and

WHEREAS, The promotion of screening, intervention, and treatment of
substance use disorders by healthcare providers is an integral focal
point for SAMHSA; and

WHEREAS, Because of numerous programs and organizations, including
SAMHSA, in the United States, no individuals who struggle with substance
use disorders need to feel alone and hopeless; there are answers and
assistance for anyone in need; and

WHEREAS, Organizations, like SAMHSA, and other groups are vital to
the overall health and well-being of the citizens of this State and
Nation; they serve to provide necessary assistance to those who find
themselves in need of help to conquer substance use disorders; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2025 as Substance
Use Disorder Treatment Month in the State of New York; and be it further

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