Declare Alcohol Screening Day

April 6, 2017, as Alcohol Screening Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Alcohol Screening Day WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of issues 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, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 6, 2017, as Alcohol Screening Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Alcohol Screening Day; and WHEREAS, Sponsored by Screening For Mental Health, National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD) was established in 1999 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to raise awareness about alcohol misuse and referrals to treatment for individuals with alcohol problems through outreach, education and screening programs; and WHEREAS, NASD is held each year on the Thursday of the first full week in April; thousands of colleges, community-based organizations, and military installations offer anonymous and confidential screenings online or in-person at public events; and WHEREAS, Throughout this day, the people who visit the screening centers are dealt with on a case by case basis; they are asked to complete a written self-assessment about their alcohol use, and health care professionals at the centers then tailor advice to that individual; and WHEREAS, On the first screening day in 1999, 50,000 people visited the 1,500 screening centers throughout the United States for advice; a higher than expected number of college students attended; and WHEREAS, Alcohol abuse can be high in college students, who, whilst typically not dependent on alcohol, abuse it by frequently drinking large volumes; excessive, often rapid, consumption of alcohol is also known as binge drinking; and WHEREAS, In a follow up study of Alcohol Screening Day, it was found that 44% of college students interviewed had consumed over four alcoholic drinks in a drinking session, on one or more occasions within

30 days; and WHEREAS, Alcohol abuse can lead to many recognized health problems which can include anxiety, depression or sexual problems; where alcohol abuse occurs over a longer period of time, there is increased risk of developing certain cancers, liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure and heart problems; and WHEREAS, It is essential that there be greater public awareness of the benefits of alcohol screening, and all New Yorkers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with alcohol abuse; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 6, 2017, Alcohol Screening Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Alcohol Screening Day; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.