Assembly Resolution No. 2268

BY: M. of A. Rules (Eachus)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 24, 2024, as Schizophrenia Awareness Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help increase
awareness of serious health conditions 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 May 24, 2024, as
Schizophrenia Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction
with World Schizophrenia Day; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative to raise awareness of mental health
conditions that, absent early and effective intervention, are often
severely debilitating, impacting the individual, their families, and
loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition and also
one of the top 15 leading causes of disability worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Schizophrenia is characterized by persistent psychotic
symptoms such as auditory and/or visual hallucinations, delusional
thinking, dissociation from reality, and disorganized thoughts and
behavior; these symptoms typically emerge in adolescence or early
adulthood and can be persistent and disabling when left untreated,
interfering with a person's ability to engage in typical school, work,
and social activities; and

WHEREAS, Schizophrenia affects about 24 million people in the world
and over 217,000 people in the State of New York; the life expectancy of
those living with schizophrenia is reduced by 10-20 years compared to
the general population, often due to multiple chronic health conditions,
and approximately 5% of people living with schizophrenia die by suicide,
a rate that is far greater than the general population; and

WHEREAS, Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood and
stigmatized disorders, therefore, it is vital that New York continues to
be a leader in providing education and awareness, reducing the stigma
surrounding schizophrenia to create easier access to treatment for those
who need it; and

WHEREAS, The standard of care for mental health condition treatment
has been largely unchanged for over 60 years and many individuals
continue to suffer with unmet needs as a result; this is largely because
there has been a significant lack of treatment innovation for severe and
disabling mental health conditions; and

WHEREAS, One promising exception is the development of First Episode
Psychosis treatment protocols; however, the limited advancements in
serious mental health condition treatments hinder individuals from

accessing the care, medications, therapeutic treatment, and recovery
support services to be able to live a full and happy life; and

WHEREAS, The objective of Schizophrenia Awareness Day is to raise
awareness of serious mental health issues around the world and to
mobilize efforts in support of mental health; the day provides an
opportunity for all stakeholders 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 May 24, 2024, as
Schizophrenia Awareness 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.