Senate Resolution 182
By: Senators Watson of the 1st, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Dolezal of the 27th, Brass of the
6th, Anderson of the 24th and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending the impact of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and
Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), community service boards (CSBs), and first
responders; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, in 2022, the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 403, known as the
Georgia Behavioral Health and Peace Officer Co-Responder Act, establishing the framework
for Co-Responder programs, which bring together law enforcement officers and behavioral
health professionals to respond to mental health crises; and
WHEREAS, Co-Responder programs have since demonstrated their commitment and
passion for assisting individuals in crisis, effectively intervening in behavioral health-related
calls for service, diverting individuals from unnecessary incarceration, and improving access
to behavioral health services while enhancing public safety; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
(DBHDD) has played a key role in supporting the implementation and coordination of
Co-Responder teams through collaboration with first responders, community service boards,
and behavioral health providers; and
WHEREAS, these programs have contributed to better outcomes for individuals in crisis by
facilitating appropriate treatment, reducing strain on law enforcement resources, and
strengthening collaboration between public safety agencies and mental health professionals
to collectively respond to crises within local communities throughout the State of Georgia;
and
WHEREAS, maintaining and expanding these efforts will further strengthen Georgia's
response to behavioral health crises, redirect individuals from undesirable outcomes, promote
collaboration at the intersection of criminal justice and behavioral health, recognize that
recovery is possible through early intervention and deflection, and improve the efficiency of
public safety and emergency services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
commend the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and
local Co-Responder programs for their role in responding to mental health crises as well as
acknowledge the importance of their continued operation throughout the state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize February 19, 2025,
as Co-Responder Day at the state capitol to highlight the ongoing efforts of these programs
in enhancing crisis response and public safety.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, law enforcement agencies
and community service boards within the State of Georgia, the public, and the press.