House Resolution 1007
By: Representatives Jones of the 25th, Oliver of the 84th, Schofield of the 63rd, Dempsey of
the 13th, O’Steen of the 169th, and others
A RESOLUTION
Acknowledging the effectiveness of arts for health initiatives in improving mental health
outcomes; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the United States is experiencing a mental health crisis, as reported by the
Kaiser Family Foundation, which found that 90 percent of Americans are facing increased
mental health challenges; and
WHEREAS, one in five adults over the age of 50 across the country experience a mental
health condition, substance use disorder, or both, according to the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration; and
WHEREAS, the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in Georgia stands at 33.9
percent, outpacing the national rate of 32.3 percent, as reported by the Kaiser Family
Foundation; and
WHEREAS, participation in the arts has been recognized globally as a significant resource
for promoting mental health and well-being as well as reducing feelings and experiences of
social isolation and loneliness; and
WHEREAS, arts for health initiatives have emerged as clinically validated interventions for
addressing symptoms of stress, trauma, anxiety, and related mental health concerns; and
WHEREAS, arts for health initiatives, as a trauma-informed practice, have been shown to
reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), improve
emotional regulation, and provide an accessible outlet for individuals and communities; and
WHEREAS, the United States Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense have integrated
creative arts therapists into treatment programs for PTSD among veterans and military
personnel; and
WHEREAS, increased access to mental health resources through community-based arts
interventions and arts for health initiatives may have benefits for public safety by addressing
mental illness and potentially reducing harmful and violent behaviors; and
WHEREAS, arts for health initiatives not only support individual mental health but also
enhance the well-being of healthcare professionals by fostering creative innovation, reducing
burnout, and improving emotional resilience; and
WHEREAS, healthcare professionals experiencing improved mental health and well-being
are better equipped to provide compassionate, patient-centered care, thereby improving
overall healthcare quality and outcomes; and
WHEREAS, integrating arts-based practices into healthcare environments can create
supportive spaces that mitigate stress and promote collaboration among care teams,
ultimately strengthening the healthcare system's capacity to respond to crises and sustain
workforce vitality; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper to recognize the importance and impact of
arts for health initiatives on wellness outcomes for citizens in the State of Georgia and
beyond.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body acknowledge the essential role of artists, arts organizations, art
therapists, and arts for health initiatives in supporting recovery from trauma, addressing
mental health concerns and conditions, building community resilience, and increasing public
safety.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
public and the press.