Senate Resolution No. 2106
BY: Senator BRISPORT
RECOGNIZING the profound mental health impacts of
incarceration on individuals, families, and
communities, in conjunction with the observance of
Mental Health Awareness Month
WHEREAS, The State of New York is committed to promoting the health
and well-being of all its residents; and
WHEREAS, Mental health is an essential component of overall health,
affecting individuals' ability to lead fulfilling lives, maintain
relationships, and contribute to their communities; and
WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed each May
since 1949 to increase public understanding of mental health conditions
and to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Millions of Americans experience mental health conditions
each year, and access to culturally competent, trauma-informed care
remains uneven and insufficient; and
WHEREAS, Incarceration has been shown to have severe and lasting
psychological effects, including increased rates of depression, anxiety,
post-traumatic stress, and other mental health challenges; and
WHEREAS, Isolation, exposure to violence, family separation,
uncertainty, and restricted access to adequate healthcare can exacerbate
existing mental health conditions and contribute to new ones; and
WHEREAS, Solitary confinement and prolonged isolation in particular
have been widely documented to cause significant psychological harm; and
WHEREAS, The mental health impacts of incarceration extend beyond
those directly incarcerated, affecting families, children, and
communities, and contributing to cycles of trauma and instability; and
WHEREAS, Formerly incarcerated individuals often face significant
barriers to accessing mental health care upon reentry, including stigma,
lack of insurance coverage, and limited continuity of care; and
WHEREAS, Addressing the mental health consequences of incarceration
is essential to advancing public health, reducing recidivism, and
promoting successful reintegration; and
WHEREAS, New York State has an ongoing responsibility to ensure
humane conditions of confinement, expand access to mental health
services, and invest in alternatives to incarceration that prioritize
treatment and support; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body recognizes the significant
mental health trauma associated with incarceration and calls for
increased awareness, research, and policy responses to address these
harms, in conjunction with the observance of Mental Health Awareness
Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body supports efforts to expand
access to comprehensive, trauma-informed mental health services for
currently and formerly incarcerated individuals; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body encourages the development and
implementation of alternatives to incarceration that prioritize mental
health treatment, rehabilitation, and community-based support; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Silent Cry, Inc.
