Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as STOP THE BLEED Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gustavo Rivera

Requests the Governor to proclaim May 2026 as STOP THE BLEED Month in New York to promote rapid bleeding-control training and kits.

REFERRED TO FINANCE

Overview

Type: Senate Resolution (memorializing measure)

Bill No./Session: J 2288 (Senate Resolution No. 2288), 2025-2026 session

Jurisdiction: New York

Sponsor: Senator Gustavo Rivera (co-sponsor)

Status: Referred to Finance (as of 2026-05-29)

Purpose: Memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026 as STOP THE BLEED Month in New York State, aligned with National STOP THE BLEED Month

Purpose and Intent

The resolution requests the governor to officially designate May 2026 as STOP THE BLEED Month in New York.

It aligns New York with the national STOP THE BLEED campaign, originally developed to improve survival from bleeding in trauma by training bystanders to perform bleeding-control techniques.

The measure emphasizes the urgency of rapid bleeding control, noting that trauma is a leading cause of death under age 46 in the U.S. and that many trauma deaths could be prevented with quick interventions.

Key Provisions

Memorialization Request: The Legislature asks Governor Hochul to proclaim May 2026 as STOP THE BLEED Month in New York, in conjunction with National STOP THE BLEED Month.

Context and Rationale Included:

Bleeding control is time-critical; a victim can bleed out within minutes before professional help arrives.
STOP THE BLEED is a program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and is supported by state-level medical and public safety leadership in New York.
The campaign includes training for citizens and provision of bleeding-control kits (tourniquets, dressings, hemostatic agents) for public use, including potential placement in public spaces similar to AEDs.
It highlights widespread public participation, including a significant share of mass-casualty victims who are transported by bystanders.

Coordination and Support: The resolution notes involvement with the ACS Committee on Trauma and the New York Chapter of the ACS, and mentions the distribution and availability of STOP THE BLEED kits.

Who/What Is Affected

Government Recognition: The executive branch (Governor of New York) would issue an official proclamation designating May 2026 as STOP THE BLEED Month.

Public Health and Safety Messaging: Increased awareness and potential alignment of public safety and emergency preparedness initiatives with STOP THE BLEED goals.

Public Spaces and Training: Implicit encouragement for expanded bystander bleeding-control training and potential deployment of STOP THE BLEED kits in public locations (subject to implementation by relevant agencies and organizations).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Procedural Path: Non-binding memorialization resolution; upon passage, it would be transmitted to Governor Hochul for the proclamation.

Timetable: The request targets the proclamation for May 2026, aligning with National STOP THE BLEED Month and with National EMS Week (May 17–23, 2026).

Current Status: As of the latest action, the resolution has been referred to the Finance Committee.

Potential Impact

Public Awareness: Elevates awareness of bleeding-control techniques and the STOP THE BLEED campaign within New York.

Preparedness and Training: May encourage localities, schools, workplaces, and public facilities to support STOP THE BLEED training and possibly install bleeding-control kits.

Public-Private Collaboration: Highlights collaboration opportunities among medical institutions, public safety agencies, and nonprofit or corporate partners involved in STOP THE BLEED kit distribution and education.

Policy Signaling: Demonstrates legislative support for trauma survival initiatives without creating new statutory requirements; primarily a ceremonial/informational measure.