LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 10, 2016, as Mental Health Day in the State of New
York, in conjunction with the observance of World Mental Health 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 October 10, 2016, as Mental
Health Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of World Mental Health Day; and
WHEREAS, World Mental Health Day was observed for the first time in
1992 and continues to be the official day of commemoration every year;
it was started as an annual activity of the World Federation for Mental
Health by the then Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter; and
WHEREAS, World Mental Health Day has become the largest and most wide-
ly promoted education and advocacy program of the World Federation for
Mental Health; and
WHEREAS, Every year, about 42.5 million American adults suffer from
some mental illness, enduring conditions such as depression, bipolar
disorder or schizophrenia; these conditions lead to physical harm or
even death; and
WHEREAS, In New York, one in five people have a mental health disorder
with 8% of the population suffering from symptoms of depression; and
WHEREAS, The objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise aware-
ness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in
support of mental health; and
WHEREAS, The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working
on mental health issues to talk about their work and what needs to be
done to make mental healthcare a reality for people worldwide; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 10, 2016, as
Mental Health Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of World Mental Health 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.