BILL NUMBER:S8062

TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to creating a public
education initiative designed to eliminate stigma and misinformation
about mental illness and chemical dependence among military service
members; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration
thereof

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Creates a public education initiative designed to eliminate stigma and
misinformation about mental illness and chemical dependence among mili-
tary service members.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends section 7.09 of the Mental Hygiene law by requiring
the commissioner of the office of mental health the commissioner of the
office of mental health, in conjunction with the commissioner of the
office of alcoholism and substance abuse services and director of the
division of veterans' affairs to create a public education initiative
designed to eliminate stigma and misinformation about mental illness and
chemical dependence among service members, veterans, and their families,
improve their understanding of mental and substance use disorders and
the existence of effective · treatment, and provide information regard-
ing available resources and how to access them.

              

Section two provides the effective date,

JUSTIFICATION:
Through their service, many military personnel in New York were exposed
to or have experienced trauma, placing many of them in high risk catego-
ries of triggering underlying conditions, such as Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse problems or other mental health issues.
According to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, at least one
in three Iraq veterans and one in nine Afghanistan veterans will face a
mental health issue like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

According to the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration, "the impact of military reality on individual
mental health is complicated further by the pronounced stigma associated
with mental illness within military communities.  Service members
frequently cite fear of personal embarrassment, fear of disappointing
comrades, fear of losing the opportunity for career advancement, and
fear of dishonorable discharge as motivations to hide the symptoms of
mental illness from colleagues, friends and family. This silence and the
attitudes and perceptions perpetuating it pose a significant challenge
to those charged with making sure that the United States' fighting force
is improving it$elf and taking care of its own members."

Left untreated, combat-related mental health issues can and does destroy
the lives of veterans and their families. Untreated combat related

mental health issues can manifest itself through substance abuse, the
criminal justice system, and suicide. These brave Americans have laid
their lives on the line in service to their country. Until stigma is
addressed and the reality of the mental health needs of military veter-
ans is fully recognized, our returning troops and veterans from wars
past will continue to suffer.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATION:
Not yet determined.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.