Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2026, as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month, and June 27, 2026, as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session

Requests NY Governor to proclaim June 2026 as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month and June 27, 2026 as Awareness Day to boost recognition and reduce stigma.

REFERRED TO CALENDAR

Overview

Bill: K01550 (Assembly Resolution No. 1550)

Session: 2025-2026, New York

Type: Memorializing resolution (non-binding)

Sponsor: Rules Committee (Lavine)

Status: Referred to Calendar (as of 2026-06-01)

Purpose: Memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2026 as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month and June 27, 2026 as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day in New York State

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks formal recognition by the Executive Branch of New York State for increased awareness and understanding of post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), a term used in the resolution to emphasize the concept of PTSD as an injury rather than a disorder.

It emphasizes the importance of timely and appropriate treatment to reduce complications and suicidality, and to reduce stigma associated with PTSI.

The resolution explicitly urges state leadership to designate a month and a specific day for awareness activities across the state.

Key provisions and changes

Memorialization: The resolution requests Governor Hochul to proclaim:

June 2026 as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Month.
June 27, 2026 as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day.

Rationale provided in the resolution:

Highlights that PTSI can result from various traumatic exposures beyond combat (e.g., interpersonal violence, life-threatening accidents, natural disasters).
Frames PTSI as a brain-injury-like condition supported by imaging, and advocates for reducing stigma to encourage treatment.
Calls for compassion and support for all individuals affected, including veterans and civilians.

Communications: If enacted, copies of the resolution would be sent to Governor Hochul and to the Honor for ALL executive director, signaling endorsement and request for formal proclamation.

Affected parties

Primary: State of New York and its residents, particularly those affected by post-traumatic stress injuries.

Governmental/administrative: Governor’s office (for official proclamation) and state agencies involved in public awareness campaigns.

Stakeholders: Veterans, survivors of interpersonal violence and disasters, mental health advocates, and organizations focused on PTSD/PTSI awareness and treatment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative action: Assembly Resolution sponsoring and referral to the calendar for consideration.

No substantive policy mandatory changes or funding provisions are included in the resolution itself; it serves to request a ceremonial proclamation from the Governor.

Timeline: Proclamation would designate June 2026 and June 27, 2026 if the Governor issues the proclamations accordingly.

Potential impact

Heightened public awareness: May lead to statewide initiatives, education campaigns, and community events during June 2026 and on June 27, 2026.

Reduced stigma: Positioning PTSI as an injury may encourage individuals to seek treatment and support.

Public policy signaling: Demonstrates legislative support for mental health awareness and trauma-informed approaches.

Note: As a memorializing resolution, the bill does not create new legal rights, obligations, or funding, but it aims to catalyze official recognition and public awareness at the state level.