Assembly Resolution No. 368

BY: M. of A. Gunther

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2017, 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 2017, 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 (MHM) began in 1949, to raise awareness
of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all; and

WHEREAS, Mental illness is common, yet many never get help; 18.5
percent of adults (nearly 1 in 5) will have a mental illness in any
given year, yet only 41 percent of people with a mental illness use
mental health services in any given year; furthermore, for those who
ultimately do get help, the average delay in getting treatment is 10
years from the first onset of symptoms; and

WHEREAS, The first signs and symptoms of mental health problems,
some of which develop to the point of becoming diagnosable mental
illness begin on average, at about 14 years of age; and

WHEREAS, Untreated mental illness has serious consequences; this is
a serious problem because unrecognized, untreated and late treated
mental illness elevates the risk of mental health crises such as suicide
and self-injury, diminishes prospects for recovery and contributes to
substance abuse and other damaging negative coping behaviors; and

WHEREAS, 1 in 12 high school students have attempted suicide;
suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24, and also
the second leading cause of death for college-age youth and ages 12-18;
and

WHEREAS, More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from
cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia,
influenza, and chronic lung disease combined; and

WHEREAS, Many adults miss or dismiss these early signs and symptoms
and young people are even less likely to recognize or understand what is
happening to them; and even when there is some recognition that a young
person is struggling, stigma often causes people to ignore, dismiss or
rationalize a child's true need for help; the result is often as tragic
as it is unnecessary; 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 of 2017, as Mental
Health Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.