Senate Resolution No. 1862

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 6, 2017, as Alcohol Screening Day in the State
of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Alcohol Screening Day

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 Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 6, 2017, as
Alcohol Screening Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Alcohol Screening Day; and

WHEREAS, Sponsored by Screening For Mental Health, National Alcohol
Screening Day (NASD) was established in 1999 by the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) to raise awareness about alcohol misuse and referrals to
treatment for individuals with alcohol problems through outreach,
education and screening programs; and

WHEREAS, NASD is held each year on the Thursday of the first full
week in April; thousands of colleges, community-based organizations, and
military installations offer anonymous and confidential screenings
online or in-person at public events; and

WHEREAS, Throughout this day, the people who visit the screening
centers are dealt with on a case by case basis; they are asked to
complete a written self-assessment about their alcohol use, and health
care professionals at the centers then tailor advice to that individual;
and

WHEREAS, On the first screening day in 1999, 50,000 people visited
the 1,500 screening centers throughout the United States for advice; a
higher than expected number of college students attended; and

WHEREAS, Alcohol abuse can be high in college students, who, whilst
typically not dependent on alcohol, abuse it by frequently drinking
large volumes; excessive, often rapid, consumption of alcohol is also
known as binge drinking; and

WHEREAS, In a follow up study of Alcohol Screening Day, it was found
that 44% of college students interviewed had consumed over four
alcoholic drinks in a drinking session, on one or more occasions within
30 days; and

WHEREAS, Alcohol abuse can lead to many recognized health problems
which can include anxiety, depression or sexual problems; where alcohol
abuse occurs over a longer period of time, there is increased risk of
developing certain cancers, liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure and
heart problems; and

WHEREAS, It is essential that there be greater public awareness of
the benefits of alcohol screening, and all New Yorkers are urged to seek
professional help if they are struggling with alcohol abuse; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 6, 2017, Alcohol
Screening Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Alcohol Screening Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.