2023-582023-58
Declaring May 2023 to be Mental Health Month in the Town of Wappinger
At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County,
New York, held at Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Road, Wappingers Falls, New York, on April 24,
2023.
The meeting was called to order by Richard Thurston, Town Supervisor, and upon roll
being called, the following was recorded:
✓ Vote Record - Resolution RES -2023-58
Yes/Aye
No/Nay
Abstain
Absent
Q Adopted
❑ Adopted as Amended
Richard Thurston
Voter
Q
❑
❑
❑
❑ Defeated
William H. Beale
Mover
Q
❑
❑
❑
❑ Tabled
Angela Bettina
Voter
Q
❑
❑
❑
❑ Withdrawn
Christopher Phillips
Seconder
Q
❑
❑
❑
Al Casella
Voter
Q
❑
❑
❑
The following Resolution was introduced by Councilman Beale and seconded by
Councilman Phillips.
WHEREAS, mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to
relate to others, and daily functioning;
WHEREAS, regardless of race, nationality, age, religion, or economic status, mental illness impacts at least
one in four adults and one in five young folks aged 13-18, and one in seventeen people live with serious and
chronic mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder; and major depression; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 22 veterans die by suicide each day; and
WHEREAS, all Americans experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives, and mental illnesses often
result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life; and
WHEREAS, medical and other treatments through medical action and counseling is an effective way to reduce
the burden of mental health illnesses (90% of all mental illness is treatable); and
WHEREAS, there is strong research that animal companionship, humor, spirituality, religion, recreation, social
connections, and work -life balance can help all Americans protect their health and well-being; and
WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, healthcare provider, organization, and resident shares
the burden of mental health problems and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support
prevention efforts; and
WHEREAS, it is time to take action for individuals and families living with mental health conditions and to
provide support and educate our peers, and to DO OUR PART; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the members of the Board of the Town of Wappinger, do
hereby proclaim the month of May 2023 as Mental Health Month and calls upon the citizens,
government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools in Wappinger to
recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps
our citizens can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible
services for all people with mental health conditions.
The foregoing was put to a vote which resulted as follows
RESULT:
ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER:
William H. Beale, Councilman
SECONDER:
Christopher Phillips, Councilman
AYES:
Thurston, Beale, Bettina, Phillips, Casella
Dated: Wappingers Falls, New York
4/24/2023
The Resolution is hereby duly declared Adopted.
JOSE'S'" P. PAOLONI, TOWN CLERK