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

25 LC 129 0003 House Resolution 117 By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, Burnough of the 77th, Jackson of the 68th, Davis of the 87th, and Scott of the 76th A RESOLUTION Acknowledging inequality as a public health issue and supporti ng BIPOC communities1 disproportionately affected by systemic barriers; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the United States has historically and systemically disadvantaged racial, ethnic,3 and religious groups, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), creating4 inequities in public health and societal outcomes that persist today; and5 WHEREAS, structural bias manifests in differential access by ra ce to opportunities,6 resources, conditions, and power within the country's medical, educational, and public health7 systems, disproportionately impacting BIPOC communities; and8 WHEREAS, BIPOC individuals face disproportionately high rates o f chronic health9 conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke, largely due to the cumulative effects of10 systemic inequities, stress, and barriers to equitable care; and11 WHEREAS, the trauma associated with systemic inequities extends beyond physical health,12 profoundly impacting mental health and well-being for BIPOC communities, as evidenced13 H. R. 117 - 1 - 25 LC 129 0003 by increased rates of stress-related disorders, depression, anxiety, and exposure to community14 violence; and15 WHEREAS, the arts have been recognized globally as a powerful tool to promote healing,16 resilience, and mental well-being, with art therapy emerging as a clinically validated17 intervention for addre ssing trauma, stress, and mental health d isparities in BIPOC18 populations; and19 WHEREAS, creative expression through the arts provides an acces sible and culturally20 resonant way to process grief, pain, and systemic injustice, fostering community connections21 and individual empowerment for BIPOC communities; and22 WHEREAS, art therapy, as a trauma-informed practice, has shown effectiveness in reducing23 symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), improving em otional regulation, and24 providing an outlet for individuals and communities disproportionately affected by systemic25 inequities; and26 WHEREAS, mental health is a critical component of public health, and addressing inequity27 as a public health crisis must include integrative approaches l ike the arts to mitigate the28 long-term impacts of trauma on BIPOC communities; and29 WHEREAS, public health organizations such as the American Medic al Association, the30 American Public Health Association, and others have declared inequity a public health issue31 and emphasized the importance of innovative, interdisciplinary solutions to address its32 impacts on BIPOC populations; and33 H. R. 117 - 2 - 25 LC 129 0003 WHEREAS, prioritizing investments in arts and health initiative s will amplify the state's34 efforts to reduce disparities in health outcomes, particularly for BIPOC communities35 historically marginalized due to systemic inequities.36 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that37 the members of this body acknowledge systemic inequity as a public health crisis in the State38 of Georgia, particularly its impact on BIPOC communities.39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize the essential role40 of arts and art therapy as medicine to heal trauma, address men tal health disparities, and41 build community resilience in response to systemic inequities affecting BIPOC individuals42 and communities.43 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body advocate for the integration44 of arts-based solutions into public health policies and program s addressing racial and45 systemic disparities in health and mental health outcomes, part icularly for BIPOC46 populations.47 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body encourage funding for48 community arts initiatives and art therapy programs, particular ly in schools, healthcare49 settings, and community organizations that serve BIPOC populations and other marginalized50 communities.51 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized52 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the53 Commissioner of Health, the Attorney General, and other relevan t stakeholders in public54 health and the arts.55 H. R. 117 - 3 -