Senate Resolution No. 246 BY: Senator FERNANDEZ MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2025 as Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize official months set aside to increase awareness of serious health issues which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2025 as Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, In January of 2025, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will launch this new focus on awareness of substance use disorder; and WHEREAS, In 1992, the United States Congress established the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to render information, services, and research more accessible; and WHEREAS, SAMHSA serves to support individuals who are contemplating or actively seeking assistance for their substance use; and WHEREAS, The organization also assists practitioners who are treating or considering treating individuals with substance use disorders; friends, family members, and other loved ones can also find help while supporting people they know with substance use conditions; and WHEREAS, By raising awareness of the availability and accessibility of treatment services and medications to treat substance use disorders, SAMHSA endeavors to eliminate any stigma related to such treatment; and WHEREAS, Encouragement for those individuals who suffer from substance use disorders while participating in treatment and recovery is provided by SAMHSA; and WHEREAS, The promotion of screening, intervention, and treatment of substance use disorders by healthcare providers is an integral focal point for SAMHSA; and WHEREAS, Because of numerous programs and organizations, including SAMHSA, in the United States, no individuals who struggle with substance use disorders need to feel alone and hopeless; there are answers and assistance for anyone in need; and WHEREAS, Organizations, like SAMHSA, and other groups are vital to the overall health and well-being of the citizens of this State and Nation; they serve to provide necessary assistance to those who find themselves in need of help to conquer substance use disorders; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 2025 as Substance Use Disorder Treatment 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.