LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 7, 2016, as Alcohol Screening Day in the State of New
York, in conjunction with the observance of National Alcohol Screening
Day

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
days that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that affect the
lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 7, 2016, as Alcohol
Screening Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the obser-
vance of National Alcohol Screening Day; and
WHEREAS, Sponsored by Screening For Mental Health, National Alcohol
Screening Day (NASD) was established in 1999 by the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) to raise awareness about alcohol misuse and referrals to
treatment for individuals with alcohol problems through outreach, educa-
tion and screening programs; and
WHEREAS, NASD is held each year on the Thursday of the first full week
in April; thousands of colleges, community-based organizations, and
military installations offer anonymous and confidential screenings
online or in-person at public events; and
WHEREAS, Throughout this day, the people who visit the screening
centers are dealt with on a case by case basis; they are asked to
complete a written self-assessment about their alcohol use, and health
care professionals at the centers then tailor advice to that individual;
and
WHEREAS, On the first screening day in 1999, 50,000 people visited the
1,500 screening centers throughout the United States for advice; a high-
er than expected number of college students attended; and
WHEREAS, Alcohol abuse can be high in college students, who, whilst
typically not dependent on alcohol, abuse it by frequently drinking
large volumes; excessive, often rapid, consumption of alcohol is also
known as binge drinking; and
WHEREAS, In a follow up study of Alcohol Screening Day, it was found
that 44% of college students interviewed had consumed over four alcohol-
ic drinks in a drinking session, on one or more occasions within 30
days; and
WHEREAS, Alcohol abuse can lead to many recognized health problems
which can include anxiety, depression or sexual problems; where alcohol
abuse occurs over a longer period of time, there is increased risk of
developing certain cancers, liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure and
heart problems; and
WHEREAS, It is essential that there be greater public awareness of the
benefits of alcohol screening, and all New Yorkers are urged to seek
professional help if they are struggling with alcohol abuse; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 7, 2016, Alcohol
Screening Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the obser-
vance of National Alcohol Screening Day; 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.