Assembly Resolution No. 2211

BY: M. of A. Rules (Brown K)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 2024, as Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness
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 families in the State of New
York; 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 April 2024, as
Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, A co-occurring disorder, also known as dual diagnosis, is
the condition of having a mental illness and a comorbid substance use
disorder; and

WHEREAS, According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration's 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health,
approximately 21,500,000 adults in the United States have a co-occurring
disorder; and

WHEREAS, People with mental illness are more likely to experience a
substance use disorder than those not affected by a mental illness; and

WHEREAS, No specific combinations of mental and substance use
disorders are defined uniquely as co-occurring disorders; and

WHEREAS, The presence of two or more disorders can complicate
diagnosis and treatment; and

WHEREAS, Integrating both screening and treatment for mental and
substance use disorders leads to a better quality of care and health
outcomes for those living with co-occurring disorders by treating the
whole person; and

WHEREAS, Increased awareness leads to earlier detection and can
ultimately save lives as timing is critical; and

WHEREAS, Early detection and integrated treatment can together
improve outcomes and quality of life for people with co-occurring
disorders; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, 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 April 2024, as
Co-Occurring Disorders 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.