Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Mental Health Awareness Month in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1462

BY: M. of A. Rules (Simon)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        May 2026, as Mental Health Awareness  Month  in  the
        State of New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
importance of Mental Health Awareness Month and  to  reaffirm  New  York
State's  commitment  to  ensuring  that  every  individual has access to
compassionate, equitable, and effective mental health care; and

  WHEREAS, Mental health is an essential part of  overall  health  and
well-being,  affecting  individuals of every age, race, gender, culture,
and socioeconomic background; and

  WHEREAS, Millions of Americans experience mental  health  conditions
each  year,  many  of  whom  continue  to  face  stigma, discrimination,
barriers to care, and inadequate access to services; and

  WHEREAS, Early intervention, community-based care, peer support, and
access to culturally competent mental health services  are  critical  to
improving outcomes and helping individuals lead healthy and happy lives;
and

  WHEREAS, New York State is home to countless dedicated mental health
professionals,   peer   advocates,   family   members,   and   nonprofit
organizations who work  tirelessly  every  day  to  support  individuals
struggling with mental health; and

  WHEREAS,  These  organizations  provide  lifesaving services, crisis
intervention, housing  support,  counseling,  education,  and  resources
while  fighting  to  ensure  that mental health care is treated with the
same urgency and compassion as physical health care; and

  WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an  opportunity  to
elevate  public understanding, reduce stigma surrounding mental illness,
honor those with  lived  experience,  and  recognize  the  extraordinary
efforts   of  advocates  and  providers  across  New  York  State;  now,
therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Mental Health
Awareness 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of  New
York.