K 569: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 24, 2025, as Schizophrenia Awareness Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 569 BY: M. of A. Eachus MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 24, 2025, as Schizophrenia Awareness Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help increase awareness of serious health conditions 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 May 24, 2025, as Schizophrenia Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with World Schizophrenia Day; and WHEREAS, It is imperative to raise awareness of mental health conditions that, absent early and effective intervention, are often severely debilitating, impacting the individual, their families, and loved ones; and WHEREAS, Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition and also one of the top 15 leading causes of disability worldwide; and WHEREAS, Schizophrenia is characterized by persistent psychotic symptoms such as auditory and/or visual hallucinations, delusional thinking, dissociation from reality, and disorganized thoughts and behavior; these symptoms typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood and can be persistent and disabling when left untreated, interfering with a person's ability to engage in typical school, work, and social activities; and WHEREAS, Schizophrenia affects about 24 million people in the world and over 217,000 people in the State of New York; the life expectancy of those living with schizophrenia is reduced by 10-20 years compared to the general population, often due to multiple chronic health conditions, and approximately 5% of people living with schizophrenia die by suicide, a rate that is far greater than the general population; and WHEREAS, Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized disorders, therefore, it is vital that New York continues to be a leader in providing education and awareness, reducing the stigma surrounding schizophrenia to create easier access to treatment for those who need it; and WHEREAS, The standard of care for mental health condition treatment has been largely unchanged for over 60 years and many individuals continue to suffer with unmet needs as a result; this is largely because there has been a significant lack of treatment innovation for severe and disabling mental health conditions; and WHEREAS, One promising exception is the development of First Episode Psychosis treatment protocols; however, the limited advancements in serious mental health condition treatments hinder individuals from accessing the care, medications, therapeutic treatment, and recovery support services to be able to live a full and happy life; and WHEREAS, The objective of Schizophrenia Awareness Day is to raise awareness of serious mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health; the day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what needs to be done to make mental healthcare a reality for people worldwide; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 24, 2025, as Schizophrenia Awareness Day 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.