LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2014 as Mental Health Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in participating in
events designed to raise awareness of serious health issues; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2014, as Mental Health Month in
the State of New York, in conjunction with Mental Health America's "May
is Mental Health Month"; and
WHEREAS, Mental Health Month began in 1949, to raise awareness of
mental health conditions and mental wellness for all; and
WHEREAS, This year, Mental Health America will address one important
issue through its theme: All Things Prevention; and
WHEREAS, Prevention is essential to living a full and productive life;
it is about keeping healthy as well as getting healthy; and
WHEREAS, Prevention involves a set of skills and strategies that
prevent the onset or shorten the duration of illness and promote recov-
ery and well-being; it is more than just the absence of disease, it
involves complete general, mental and social well-being and mental
health is an essential component of overall health and well-being; and
WHEREAS, The fact is our overall well-being is tied to the balance
that exists between our emotional, physical, spiritual and mental
health; whatever the situation, we are all at risk of stress given the
demands of daily life and the challenges it brings at home, at work and
in life; and
WHEREAS, Steps that build and maintain well-being and help us all
achieve wellness involve a balanced diet, regular exercise, enough
sleep, a sense of self-worth, development of coping skills that promote
resiliency, emotional awareness, and connections to family, friends and
community; and
WHEREAS, These steps should be complemented by taking stock of one's
well-being through regular mental health checkups and screenings; just
as people check blood pressure and get cancer screenings, it is a good
idea to take periodic reading of our emotional well-being; and
WHEREAS, Fully embracing the concept of prevention not only improves
health in the mind, body and spirit, but also maximizes one's potential
to lead a full and productive life; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
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 May 2014 as Mental
Health Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.