LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 13-19, 2016, as Patient Safety Awareness Week in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing official
weeks established to increase awareness of serious issues that affect
the lives of all New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 13-19, 2016, as Patient Safety Aware-
ness Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observation
of National Patient Safety Awareness Week; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Patient Safety Awareness Week is to promote
education and communication about patient safety, as well as partner-
ships between patients and healthcare providers to improve safety;
consumers and healthcare providers must work together to reduce the rate
of medical errors; and
WHEREAS, The theme for 2016 is "United in Safety"; everyone in the
health care process plays a role in delivering safe care and by uniting
together and sharing that common goal, we can make a difference in
patient safety; and
WHEREAS, Patient Safety Awareness Week is an annual education and
awareness campaign for health care safety led by the National Patient
Safety Foundation (NPSF); each year, health care organizations around
the globe take part in this auspicious event by prominently displaying
the NPSF campaign logo and promotional materials within their organiza-
tions, creating awareness in the community, and utilizing NPSF educa-
tional resources among hospital staff and patients; and
WHEREAS, From patients to care providers, from the front lines to the
executive suite, from the patient and family advocate to the corporate
solutions provider, everyone is united in the goal of keeping patients
and those who care for them free from harm; and
WHEREAS, The focus of the campaign is patient engagement and empha-
sizes the importance of the relationship between providers and patients
and their families; enhanced communication begins with an informed and
engaged patient and helps to lead to safer care; and
WHEREAS, Deaths resulting from medical errors occur each year,
accounting for more deaths than are caused by breast cancer, AIDS, and
auto accidents combined; and
WHEREAS, Continued improvement in patient safety is the responsibility
of everyone, and is attainable through maintaining open communication
between patients, doctors and other individuals and organizations
related to the medical field; and
WHEREAS, By recognizing Patient Safety Awareness Week, it is hoped
that more New Yorkers will become vigilant in ensuring that the rate of
medical errors will decrease; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 13-19, 2016, as
Patient Safety Awareness Week 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.