HR252: HR252 Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), community service boards (CSBs), and first responders; commend

25 LC 112 2982 House Resolution 252 By: Representatives Cooper of the 45th, McCollum of the 30th, Hilton of the 48th, Silcox of the 53rd, and Dempsey of the 13th A RESOLUTION Commending the impact of the Georgia Department of Behavioral H ealth and1 Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), community service boards (C SBs), and first2 responders; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, in 2022, the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 403, known as the4 Georgia Behavioral Health and Peace Officer Co-Responder Act, establishing the framework5 for Co-Responder programs, which bring together law enforcement officers and behavioral6 health professionals to respond to mental health crises; and7 WHEREAS, Co-Responder programs have since demonstrated their co mmitment and8 passion for assisting individuals in crisis, effectively intervening in behavioral health-related9 calls for service, diverting individuals from unnecessary incarceration, and improving access10 to behavioral health services while enhancing public safety; and11 WHEREAS, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities12 (DBHDD) has played a key role in supporting the implementation and coordination of13 Co-Responder teams through collaboration with first responders, community service boards,14 and behavioral health providers; and15 H. R. 252 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2982 WHEREAS, these programs have contributed to better outcomes for individuals in crisis by16 facilitating appropriate treatment, reducing strain on law enfo rcement resources, and17 strengthening collaboration between public safety agencies and mental health professionals18 to collectively respond to crises within local communities throughout the State of Georgia;19 and20 WHEREAS, maintaining and expanding these efforts will further s trengthen Georgia's21 response to behavioral health crises, redirect individuals from undesirable outcomes, promote22 collaboration at the intersection of criminal justice and behav ioral health, recognize that23 recovery is possible through early intervention and deflection, and improve the efficiency of24 public safety and emergency services.25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that26 the members of this body commend the Georgia Department of Beha vioral Health and27 Developmental Disabilities and local Co-Responder programs for their role in responding28 to mental health crises as well as acknowledge the importance of their continued operation29 throughout the state.30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize February 19, 2025,31 as Co-Responder Day at the state capitol to highlight the ongoing efforts of these programs32 in enhancing crisis response and public safety.33 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized34 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the35 Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, law enforcement36 agencies and community service boards within the State of Georgia, the public, and the press.37 H. R. 252 - 2 -