Senate Resolution No. 1570

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 10, 2024, as Mental Health Day in the State
of New York

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
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 10, 2024, 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
widely promoted education and advocacy program of the World Federation
for Mental Health; and

WHEREAS, Every year, approximately 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
awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize
efforts in support of mental health; the day provides an opportunity for
all stake-holders 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 10, 2024, as
Mental Health Day 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.