New York J 2136: Recognizing Second Chance Month in the State of New York, and recognizing the profound mental health impacts of incarceration on individuals, families, and communities

Bill Text

Senate Resolution No. 2136
 Senator BRISPORTBY:
          Second  Chance  Month in the State ofRECOGNIZING
        New York, and recognizing the profound mental health
        impacts of incarceration on  individuals,  families,
        and communities
    The State of New York is committed to promoting the healthWHEREAS,
and well-being of all its residents; and
   Mental health is an essential component of overall  health,WHEREAS,
affecting  individuals'  ability  to  lead  fulfilling  lives,  maintain
relationships, and contribute to their communities; and
   Second Chance Month has been observed each April since 2017WHEREAS,
to bring awareness to the multitude of  barriers  formerly  incarcerated
individuals face during the process of reentry, especially those related
to mental health; and
    Incarceration  has  been  shown to have severe and lastingWHEREAS,
psychological effects, including increased rates of depression, anxiety,
post-traumatic stress, and other mental health challenges; and
    Isolation,  exposure  to  violence,   family   separation,WHEREAS,
uncertainty, and restricted access to adequate healthcare can exacerbate
existing mental health conditions and contribute to new ones; and
    Solitary confinement and prolonged isolation in particularWHEREAS,
have been widely documented to cause significant psychological harm; and
   The mental health impacts of  incarceration  extend  beyondWHEREAS,
those   directly   incarcerated,   affecting   families,  children,  and
communities, and contributing to cycles of trauma and instability; and
   Formerly incarcerated individuals  often  face  significantWHEREAS,
barriers to accessing mental health care upon reentry, including stigma,
lack of insurance coverage, and limited continuity of care; and
    Addressing the mental health consequences of incarcerationWHEREAS,
is essential  to  advancing  public  health,  reducing  recidivism,  and
promoting successful reintegration; and
    New  York  State  has  an ongoing responsibility to ensureWHEREAS,
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
   That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  toRESOLVED,
recognize   the   significant   mental  health  trauma  associated  with
incarceration and calls for increased awareness,  research,  and  policy
responses  to  address  these  harms,  so  that New York State can truly
embody the spirit of Second Chance Month; and be it further

   That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  beRESOLVED,
transmitted to Silent Cry, Inc.