Senate Resolution No. 1622

BY: Senator THOMAS

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
July 2024, as Minority Mental Health Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
health 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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 2024, as Minority
Mental Health Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Minority Mental Health Month; and

WHEREAS, Mental illness affects one in five adults and one in 10
children in America, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA); and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, mental illness is a leading cause of
disability, yet nearly two-thirds of people with a diagnosable mental
illness do not seek treatment, and racial and ethnic groups in the
United States are even less likely to get help; and

WHEREAS, Minorities are less likely to receive diagnosis and
treatment for their mental illness, have less access to and availability
of mental health services, and often receive a poorer quality of mental
health care; and

WHEREAS, National Minority Mental Health Month has been instrumental
in raising awareness in communities throughout the country, and in
encouraging everyone to learn more about improving mental health and
illness; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 2024, as Minority
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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.