Georgia General Assembly · Full text

SR 200: HOPE AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response); recognize

Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 19, 2025 · Passed

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Senate Resolution 200

By: Senators Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Payne of the 54th, Parent of the 44th, Albers of the 56th and Orrock of the 36th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending HOPE AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response); and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, HOPE AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response) was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2001 with the mission of providing comfort and encouragement to individuals affected by crises and disasters through animal-assisted support; and

WHEREAS, consisting of highly trained handlers and crisis-response canines, HOPE AACR teams are prepared to support mental health professionals on location and adapt to unpredictable situations, often deploying on short notice; and

WHEREAS, HOPE AACR response teams are extensively trained in the Incident Command System, First Aid/CPR for both humans and canines, emotional first aid techniques, and trauma recognition, enabling them to respond effectively to emotionally and environmentally intense situations; and

WHEREAS, the organization's teams work alongside local and national response agencies such as Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster, FEMA, the National Organization for Victim Advocacy, the Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross as well as with fire departments, law enforcement agencies, schools, and the United States Secret Service, Coast Guard, Navy, and National Guard; and

WHEREAS, in the aftermath of hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, HOPE AACR response teams deployed to the Florida State Operations Center in Tallahassee, supported staff working at the FEMA Region IV Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta, and assisted impacted communities in South Georgia; and

WHEREAS, in 2024 alone, HOPE AACR's Southeast Region logged close to 150 volunteer hours and engaged in 1,200 meaningful interactions with Georgia disaster victims; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this outstanding organization be appropriately honored.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize and commend the volunteers and canines of HOPE AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response) for their dedicated, effective, and selfless service on behalf of those in need as well as extend best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to HOPE AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response).