HR 117: House of Representatives; acknowledge inequality as a public health issue and support BIPOC communities disproportionately affected by systemic barriers

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 supporting BIPOC communities disproportionately affected by systemic barriers; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the United States has historically and systemically disadvantaged racial, ethnic, and religious groups, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), creating inequities in public health and societal outcomes that persist today; and

WHEREAS, structural bias manifests in differential access by race to opportunities, resources, conditions, and power within the country's medical, educational, and public health systems, disproportionately impacting BIPOC communities; and

WHEREAS, BIPOC individuals face disproportionately high rates of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke, largely due to the cumulative effects of systemic inequities, stress, and barriers to equitable care; and

WHEREAS, the trauma associated with systemic inequities extends beyond physical health, profoundly impacting mental health and well-being for BIPOC communities, as evidenced by increased rates of stress-related disorders, depression, anxiety, and exposure to community violence; and

WHEREAS, the arts have been recognized globally as a powerful tool to promote healing, resilience, and mental well-being, with art therapy emerging as a clinically validated intervention for addressing trauma, stress, and mental health disparities in BIPOC populations; and

WHEREAS, creative expression through the arts provides an accessible and culturally resonant way to process grief, pain, and systemic injustice, fostering community connections and individual empowerment for BIPOC communities; and

WHEREAS, art therapy, as a trauma-informed practice, has shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), improving emotional regulation, and providing an outlet for individuals and communities disproportionately affected by systemic inequities; and

WHEREAS, mental health is a critical component of public health, and addressing inequity as a public health crisis must include integrative approaches like the arts to mitigate the long-term impacts of trauma on BIPOC communities; and

WHEREAS, public health organizations such as the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, and others have declared inequity a public health issue and emphasized the importance of innovative, interdisciplinary solutions to address its impacts on BIPOC populations; and

WHEREAS, prioritizing investments in arts and health initiatives will amplify the state's efforts to reduce disparities in health outcomes, particularly for BIPOC communities historically marginalized due to systemic inequities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body acknowledge systemic inequity as a public health crisis in the State of Georgia, particularly its impact on BIPOC communities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize the essential role of arts and art therapy as medicine to heal trauma, address mental health disparities, and build community resilience in response to systemic inequities affecting BIPOC individuals and communities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body advocate for the integration of arts-based solutions into public health policies and programs addressing racial and systemic disparities in health and mental health outcomes, particularly for BIPOC populations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body encourage funding for community arts initiatives and art therapy programs, particularly in schools, healthcare settings, and community organizations that serve BIPOC populations and other marginalized communities.

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 Commissioner of Health, the Attorney General, and other relevant stakeholders in public health and the arts.