Assembly Resolution No. 667

BY: M. of A. Simotas

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2017, as Borderline Personality Disorder
Awareness Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Since 2008, May has been nationally recognized as
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, According to the National Institute of Health, the
condition affects an estimated 5.9% of adults, approximately 14 million
Americans; and

WHEREAS, Despite its prevalence, borderline personality disorder is
still under-recognized, misunderstood, and highly stigmatized; and

WHEREAS, Borderline personality disorder is a serious psychological
condition marked by severe difficulty in regulating emotions; and

WHEREAS, Borderline personality disorder can cause individuals to
experience instability in self-image, behavior, and functioning and
struggle with volatile interpersonal relationships, impulsivity, chronic
feelings of emptiness, and intense fear of abandonment; and

WHEREAS, Individuals with borderline personality disorder who do not
receive treatment are more likely to develop additional chronic medical
conditions; and

WHEREAS, Borderline personality disorder is associated with high
rates of self-harm and suicidal thoughts and actions; and

WHEREAS, Although today there are several evidence-based treatments
available which can significantly reduce symptoms of borderline
personality disorder, issues of under-diagnosis, misperceptions, and
social stigma continue to delay and prevent recovery for many
individuals; and

WHEREAS, Greater education among family members, health care
professionals, and the general public is critical to eliminating
barriers to care and improving outcomes for patients with borderline
personality disorder; and

WHEREAS, New Yorkers living with borderline personality disorder
deserve compassion and support, and increasing awareness is key to
addressing this public health issue and enabling those affected to live
healthy, fulfilling lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2017, as Borderline
Personality Disorder 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.