25 LC 129 0003
House Resolution 117
By: Representatives Schofield of the 63
rd
, Burnough of the 77
th
, Jackson of the 68
th
, Davis
of the 87
th
, and Scott of the 76
th
A RESOLUTION
Acknowledging inequality as a public health issue and supporting BIPOC communities
1
disproportionately affected by systemic barriers; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, the United States has historically and systemically disadvantaged racial, ethnic,3
and religious groups, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), creating4
inequities in public health and societal outcomes that persist today; and5
WHEREAS, structural bias manifests in differential access by race to opportunities,6
resources, conditions, and power within the country's medical, educational, and public health7
systems, disproportionately impacting BIPOC communities; and8
WHEREAS, BIPOC individuals face disproportionately high rates of chronic health9
conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke, largely due to the cumulative effects of10
systemic inequities, stress, and barriers to equitable care; and11
WHEREAS, the trauma associated with systemic inequities extends beyond physical health,12
profoundly impacting mental health and well-being for BIPOC communities, as evidenced13
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by increased rates of stress-related disorders, depression, anxiety, and exposure to community
14
violence; and15
WHEREAS, the arts have been recognized globally as a powerful tool to promote healing,16
resilience, and mental well-being, with art therapy emerging as a clinically validated17
intervention for addressing trauma, stress, and mental health disparities in BIPOC18
populations; and19
WHEREAS, creative expression through the arts provides an accessible and culturally20
resonant way to process grief, pain, and systemic injustice, fostering community connections21
and individual empowerment for BIPOC communities; and22
WHEREAS, art therapy, as a trauma-informed practice, has shown effectiveness in reducing23
symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), improving emotional regulation, and24
providing an outlet for individuals and communities disproportionately affected by systemic25
inequities; and26
WHEREAS, mental health is a critical component of public health, and addressing inequity27
as a public health crisis must include integrative approaches like the arts to mitigate the28
long-term impacts of trauma on BIPOC communities; and29
WHEREAS, public health organizations such as the American Medical Association, the30
American Public Health Association, and others have declared inequity a public health issue31
and emphasized the importance of innovative, interdisciplinary solutions to address its32
impacts on BIPOC populations; and33
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WHEREAS, prioritizing investments in arts and health initiatives will amplify the state's
34
efforts to reduce disparities in health outcomes, particularly for BIPOC communities35
historically marginalized due to systemic inequities.36
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that37
the members of this body acknowledge systemic inequity as a public health crisis in the State38
of Georgia, particularly its impact on BIPOC communities.39
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize the essential role40
of arts and art therapy as medicine to heal trauma, address mental health disparities, and41
build community resilience in response to systemic inequities affecting BIPOC individuals42
and communities.43
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body advocate for the integration44
of arts-based solutions into public health policies and programs addressing racial and45
systemic disparities in health and mental health outcomes, particularly for BIPOC46
populations.47
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body encourage funding for48
community arts initiatives and art therapy programs, particularly in schools, healthcare49
settings, and community organizations that serve BIPOC populations and other marginalized50
communities.51
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized52
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the53
Commissioner of Health, the Attorney General, and other relevant stakeholders in public54
health and the arts.55
H. R. 117
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