HR1007: HR1007 House of Representatives; effectiveness of arts for health initiatives in improving mental health outcomes; acknowledge

26 LC 112 3682 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 health1 outcomes; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the United States is experiencing a mental health cris is, as reported by the3 Kaiser Family Foundation, which found that 90 percent of Americans are facing increased4 mental health challenges; and5 WHEREAS, one in five adults over the age of 50 across the count ry experience a mental6 health condition, substance use disorder, or both, according to the Substance Abuse and7 Mental Health Services Administration; and8 WHEREAS, the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in Georgia stands at 33.99 percent, outpacing the national rate of 32.3 percent, as report ed by the Kaiser Family10 Foundation; and11 WHEREAS, participation in the arts has been recognized globally as a significant resource12 for promoting mental health and well-being as well as reducing feelings and experiences of13 social isolation and loneliness; and14 H. R. 1007 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3682 WHEREAS, arts for health initiatives have emerged as clinically validated interventions for15 addressing symptoms of stress, trauma, anxiety, and related mental health concerns; and16 WHEREAS, arts for health initiatives, as a trauma-informed practice, have been shown to17 reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress d isorder (PTSD), improve18 emotional regulation, and provide an accessible outlet for individuals and communities; and19 WHEREAS, the United States Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense have integrated20 creative arts therapists into treatment programs for PTSD among veterans and military21 personnel; and22 WHEREAS, increased access to mental health resources through co mmunity-based arts23 interventions and arts for health initiatives may have benefits for public safety by addressing24 mental illness and potentially reducing harmful and violent behaviors; and25 WHEREAS, arts for health initiatives not only support individua l mental health but also26 enhance the well-being of healthcare professionals by fostering creative innovation, reducing27 burnout, and improving emotional resilience; and28 WHEREAS, healthcare professionals experiencing improved mental health and well-being29 are better equipped to provide compassionate, patient-centered care, thereby improving30 overall healthcare quality and outcomes; and31 WHEREAS, integrating arts-based practices into healthcare envir onments can create32 supportive spaces that mitigate stress and promote collaboratio n among care teams,33 ultimately strengthening the healthcare system's capacity to re spond to crises and sustain34 workforce vitality; and35 H. R. 1007 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3682 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper to recognize the i mportance and impact of36 arts for health initiatives on wellness outcomes for citizens i n the State of Georgia and37 beyond.38 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that39 the members of this body acknowledge the essential role of arti sts, arts organizations, art40 therapists, and arts for health initiatives in supporting recov ery from trauma, addressing41 mental health concerns and conditions, building community resilience, and increasing public42 safety.43 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized44 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the45 public and the press.46 H. R. 1007 - 3 -