K 303: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025, as Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 303 BY: M. of A. Brown K MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025, as Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness 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 families in the State of New York; 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 April 2025, as Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, A co-occurring disorder, also known as dual diagnosis, is the condition of having a mental illness and a comorbid substance use disorder; and WHEREAS, According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 21,500,000 adults in the United States have a co-occurring disorder; and WHEREAS, People with mental illness are more likely to experience a substance use disorder than those not affected by a mental illness; and WHEREAS, No specific combinations of mental and substance use disorders are defined uniquely as co-occurring disorders; and WHEREAS, The presence of two or more disorders can complicate diagnosis and treatment; and WHEREAS, Integrating both screening and treatment for mental and substance use disorders leads to a better quality of care and health outcomes for those living with co-occurring disorders by treating the whole person; and WHEREAS, Increased awareness leads to earlier detection and can ultimately save lives as timing is critical; and WHEREAS, Early detection and integrated treatment can together improve outcomes and quality of life for people with co-occurring disorders; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, 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 April 2025, as Co-Occurring Disorders 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.