HR117: HR117 House of Representatives; acknowledge inequality as a public health issue and support BIPOC communities disproportionately affected by systemic barriers

This resolution does not change Georgia law. Instead, it is a statement from the House of Representatives acknowledging that systemic inequity, particularly as it affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, is a public health issue in Georgia. It points to disparities in chronic disease rates, mental health outcomes, and trauma exposure tied to systemic barriers. The resolution goes on to recognize arts and art therapy as tools for healing trauma and building community resilience, and it encourages state policymakers to integrate arts-based approaches into public health programs. It also encourages funding for community arts and art therapy initiatives in schools, healthcare settings, and community organizations serving BIPOC and other marginalized populations. Finally, it directs the Clerk of the House to send copies of the resolution to the Commissioner of Health, the Attorney General, and other stakeholders.

• Declares that the House of Representatives acknowledges systemic inequity as a public health crisis in Georgia, particularly its effect on BIPOC communities.
• States the House's recognition of arts and art therapy as tools to address trauma and mental health disparities tied to systemic inequities.
• Expresses support (advocacy, not a legal mandate) for including arts-based approaches in public health policies addressing racial and systemic health disparities.
• Encourages funding for community arts and art therapy programs in schools, healthcare settings, and community organizations serving BIPOC and other marginalized groups.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the Commissioner of Health, the Attorney General, and other relevant stakeholders.

The resolution speaks to BIPOC communities in Georgia, public health agencies including the Department of Public Health and the Attorney General's office, and organizations running arts and art therapy programs in schools, healthcare settings, and community groups.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it creates no funding, requirements, or penalties. Its practical effect is to put the House's position on record and encourage state officials and organizations to consider arts-based approaches when designing public health efforts for BIPOC communities.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe disparities in chronic disease, mental health, and trauma affecting BIPOC communities in Georgia.
• The first resolving clause has the House acknowledge systemic inequity as a public health crisis, particularly for BIPOC communities.
• A further clause recognizes arts and art therapy as ways to address trauma and mental health disparities.
• A further clause has the House advocate for integrating arts-based solutions into public health policy.
• A further clause encourages funding for community arts and art therapy programs in schools, healthcare, and community organizations.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to send copies of the resolution to the Commissioner of Health, the Attorney General, and other stakeholders.

1. 2025-02-04House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-02-03House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-01-30House Hopper (House)

• Kim Schofield (D, HD-063)Primary sponsor
• Rhonda Burnough (D, HD-077)
• Derrick Jackson (D, HD-068)
• Viola Davis (D, HD-087)
• Sandra Scott (D, HD-076)

• public health
• racial equity
• mental health
• arts funding
• art therapy