Assembly Resolution No. 1462

BY: M. of A. Rules (Simon)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2026, as Mental Health Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
importance of Mental Health Awareness Month and to reaffirm New York
State's commitment to ensuring that every individual has access to
compassionate, equitable, and effective mental health care; and

WHEREAS, Mental health is an essential part of overall health and
well-being, affecting individuals of every age, race, gender, culture,
and socioeconomic background; and

WHEREAS, Millions of Americans experience mental health conditions
each year, many of whom continue to face stigma, discrimination,
barriers to care, and inadequate access to services; and

WHEREAS, Early intervention, community-based care, peer support, and
access to culturally competent mental health services are critical to
improving outcomes and helping individuals lead healthy and happy lives;
and

WHEREAS, New York State is home to countless dedicated mental health
professionals, peer advocates, family members, and nonprofit
organizations who work tirelessly every day to support individuals
struggling with mental health; and

WHEREAS, These organizations provide lifesaving services, crisis
intervention, housing support, counseling, education, and resources
while fighting to ensure that mental health care is treated with the
same urgency and compassion as physical health care; and

WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to
elevate public understanding, reduce stigma surrounding mental illness,
honor those with lived experience, and recognize the extraordinary
efforts of advocates and providers across New York State; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Mental Health
Awareness 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.