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J4836Senate2017-2018 SessionResolution

Honor Dr. Lewis Opler

Official title

“Mourning the death of Dr. Lewis A. Opler, renowned psychiatrist, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community”

Sponsor Robert OrttSD-62
Status
Adopted
Impact
1/10
Minimal
Outcome
Adopted

What's happening

This resolution honors the life and contributions of Dr. Lewis A. Opler, a distinguished psychiatrist and community leader, upon his passing.

Why it matters

  1. Highlights Dr. Opler’s pioneering role in mental health care, especially his early recognition of the importance of family support in recovery, which helped shift how patients and their loved ones were treated by the mental health system.

  2. Honors his influence beyond clinical practice—as a researcher, author, and leader in major organizations like the American Psychiatric Association and NAMI-NYS—demonstrating the broad impact one professional can have on shaping public understanding and policy.

  3. Acknowledges his commitment to public service and education, including decades of volunteer advocacy and efforts to destigmatize mental illness, indicating the value of sustained engagement in both professional and community spheres.

  4. Serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of mental health advocacy, and how individual contributions can create a lasting legacy that inspires future generations of clinicians, patients, and families.

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Headline styles

Honor Dr. Lewis Opler

Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor
Robert Ortt

Senator · Senate District 62

Chair, Mental Health And Developmental Disabilities

No co-sponsors yet.

History

  1. Adopted
  2. Reported to calendar for consideration
  3. Referred to finance

Full text

1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗

Senate Resolution No. 4836 BY: Senator ORTT MOURNING the death of Dr. Lewis A. Opler, renowned psychiatrist, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Dr. Lewis A. Opler of Mount Vernon, New York, died on April

12, 2018, at the age of 69; and WHEREAS, Born on April 16, 1948, Lewis A. Opler graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University; and WHEREAS, As a fellow in the Medical Scientist Training Program, Lewis… Show all

12, 2018, at the age of 69; and WHEREAS, Born on April 16, 1948, Lewis A. Opler graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University; and WHEREAS, As a fellow in the Medical Scientist Training Program, Lewis A. Opler received a PhD in Pharmacology in 1975, and a Medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University in 1976; and WHEREAS, Dr. Lewis A. Opler distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and WHEREAS, Board Certified in Neurology and Psychiatry, Dr. Lewis A. Opler spent his illustrious career helping individuals with mental illness, and was one of the first to shine a light on the role of families in recovery and support; and WHEREAS, Dr. Lewis A. Opler was a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a renowned researcher, and served as the Medical Director for the New York State Office of Mental Health; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his profession, Dr. Lewis A. Opler gave tirelessly of his time and energies to NAMI-NYS, the state organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, providing support to family and friends of individuals with mental illness as well as persons living with mental illnesses; and WHEREAS, As an Honorary Member of this vital organization, Dr. Lewis A. Opler wrote the "Ask the Doctor" column for NAMI-NYS newsletter, and was an active participant in the NAMI-NYS fall educational conference, along with his wife Annette, for 30 years; and WHEREAS, One of the psychiatric community's truly brightest minds, Dr. Lewis A. Opler was co-author of the book, Meaningful Recovery From Schizophrenia and Serious Mental Illness with Clozapine; and WHEREAS, Dr. Lewis A. Opler's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Dr. Lewis A. Opler leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Dr. Lewis A. Opler, renowned psychiatrist, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Dr. Lewis A. Opler.

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Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.