Assembly Resolution No. 1578

BY: M. of A. Rules (Rosenthal)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 5, 2026, as Meningitis Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official observances which raise awareness of serious public health
issues affecting individuals, families, and communities throughout this
State and nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 5, 2026, as
Meningitis Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with World
Meningitis Day; and

WHEREAS, World Meningitis Day is observed annually on October 5th to
increase public understanding of meningitis prevention, symptoms,
treatment, and the importance of immunization; and

WHEREAS, Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes, known as
the meninges, surrounding the brain and spinal cord and may be caused by
viral or bacterial infections; while viral meningitis is often mild,
bacterial meningitis is a serious and potentially fatal disease which
can progress rapidly within hours; and

WHEREAS, Adolescents and young adults remain among the populations
at greatest risk for meningococcal disease, and outbreaks have occurred
on college campuses and in community settings across the Nation; and

WHEREAS, Even among survivors of bacterial meningitis, many
individuals experience long-term complications, including hearing loss,
neurological damage, epilepsy, paralysis, limb loss, and organ damage,
underscoring the devastating impact of this illness; and

WHEREAS, Vaccination against meningococcal disease has proven to be
an effective public health measure, saving lives and reducing the
incidence of severe complications associated with bacterial meningitis;
and

WHEREAS, Public education and awareness regarding meningitis
symptoms, prevention, and immunization are essential to reducing the
spread of the disease and protecting the health and well-being of
residents throughout this State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 5, 2026, as
Meningitis Day in the State of New York, and to encourage all citizens
to learn more about meningitis prevention through immunization and
public health education; 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.