Senate Resolution No. 638 BY: Senator THOMAS MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 2023, 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 2023, 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 2023, 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.