Honor Linda Rosenberg Award

Senate Resolution No. 64 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Linda Rosenberg upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Leila Salmon Advocate of the Year Award by the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. to be celebrated on October 27, 2016 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts of those individuals who provide vital mental health services to individuals and their families, and in doing so, enhance the health and welfare of the entire State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Linda Rosenberg, MSW, upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Leila Salmon Advocate of the Year Award by the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc. to be celebrated at its Annual Awards Dinner "The Time for Change is Now" on Thursday, October 27,

2016; and WHEREAS, Linda Rosenberg is receiving this auspicious award in recognition of being an advocate whose dedication and leadership has made an impact on the availability, accessibility, and/or delivery of mental health services nationally on behalf of New York State; and WHEREAS, Linda Rosenberg is a national expert in the financing and delivery of mental health and substance services; under her leadership, the National Council for Behavioral Health has become our nation's most effective advocate for behavioral health prevention, early intervention, science-based treatment, and recovery; and WHEREAS, Harnessing the voices of the 10 million adults, children, and families served by the National Council's 2,500 member organizations, Linda Rosenberg was instrumental in securing the passage of the federal parity law, expanding integrated behavioral and primary care services, introducing Mental Health First Aid in the United States, and building an array of organizational, clinical and workforce improvement initiatives; and WHEREAS, The National Council's strong support of the Mental Health Excellence Act will result in the first comprehensive effort to establish community accountability for the health of people with serious mental illnesses and addictions, the consistent utilization of evidence-based practices, and the standardized measurement of outcomes; and WHEREAS, Linda Rosenberg was Senior Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health prior to joining the National Council; she has over 30 years experience in designing and operating hospitals, community and housing programs, and implemented New York's first Mental Health Court; and WHEREAS, This exceptional woman serves on an array of boards of directors and is a member of the Executive Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention; and WHEREAS, Individuals such as Linda Rosenberg, who bring greater awareness to mental health issues, and assist people with mental illnesses in their quest for dignity and independence, are a great benefit to the health and welfare of all citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Linda Rosenberg, MSW, upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Leila Salmon Advocate of the Year Award by the Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Linda Rosenberg.