Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Trauma-Informed Care Month in the State of New York
This resolution memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026 as Trauma-Informed Care Month in New York State. It recites findings about the prevalence and effects of trauma, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), toxic stress, and their links to long-term physical, mental, emotional, and social harms. The resolution emphasizes that trauma can affect people across the lifespan and contribute to public health problems such as obesity, addiction, and mental illness.
The measure does not create a new program, mandate, or funding stream. Instead, it is a ceremonial and awareness-focused resolution intended to encourage public understanding of trauma-informed care and the use of trauma-informed approaches in workplaces, communities, and government programs. It also highlights existing efforts by state agencies, including the Department of Family Assistance and the Department of Mental Hygiene, and suggests that broader collaboration among agencies could strengthen implementation.
Because this is a memorializing resolution, its legal effect is limited: it does not amend the Education Law, Social Services Law, Mental Hygiene Law, or any other statute, and it does not impose obligations on agencies, providers, or local governments. Its practical impact is to elevate awareness of trauma-informed care, encourage continued integration of trauma-informed practices into state programs and grants, and support public messaging around prevention, resilience, and ACEs. The affected parties are primarily state agencies, community organizations, workplaces, and service systems that may already be using or considering trauma-informed approaches.
The overall sentiment reflected in the text is strongly supportive and affirmative. The resolution presents trauma-informed care as a beneficial, evidence-informed framework for helping individuals and communities affected by trauma, and it frames state recognition as a positive step toward deeper understanding and prevention. No opposition, dissent, or recorded negative vote is provided in the available context, and there are no committee transcripts indicating controversy.
There is little visible contention in the available record because the measure is a nonbinding resolution and no votes or committee debate are included. The only implied policy discussion concerns the broader use of trauma-informed approaches across state agencies and the suggestion that closer interagency collaboration could improve implementation. Any substantive disagreement would likely arise not from the resolution itself, but from broader questions about how trauma-informed care should be funded, operationalized, or measured in state programs.