25 LC 112 2982
House Resolution 252
By: Representatives Cooper of the 45
th
, McCollum of the 30
th
, Hilton of the 48
th
, Silcox of
the 53
rd
, and Dempsey of the 13
th
A RESOLUTION
Commending the impact of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and
1
Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), community service boards (CSBs), and first2
responders; and for other purposes.3
WHEREAS, in 2022, the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 403, known as the4
Georgia Behavioral Health and Peace Officer Co-Responder Act, establishing the framework5
for Co-Responder programs, which bring together law enforcement officers and behavioral6
health professionals to respond to mental health crises; and7
WHEREAS, Co-Responder programs have since demonstrated their commitment and8
passion for assisting individuals in crisis, effectively intervening in behavioral health-related9
calls for service, diverting individuals from unnecessary incarceration, and improving access10
to behavioral health services while enhancing public safety; and11
WHEREAS, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities12
(DBHDD) has played a key role in supporting the implementation and coordination of13
Co-Responder teams through collaboration with first responders, community service boards,14
and behavioral health providers; and15
H. R. 252
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WHEREAS, these programs have contributed to better outcomes for individuals in crisis by
16
facilitating appropriate treatment, reducing strain on law enforcement resources, and17
strengthening collaboration between public safety agencies and mental health professionals18
to collectively respond to crises within local communities throughout the State of Georgia;19
and20
WHEREAS, maintaining and expanding these efforts will further strengthen Georgia's21
response to behavioral health crises, redirect individuals from undesirable outcomes, promote22
collaboration at the intersection of criminal justice and behavioral health, recognize that23
recovery is possible through early intervention and deflection, and improve the efficiency of24
public safety and emergency services.25
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that26
the members of this body commend the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and27
Developmental Disabilities and local Co-Responder programs for their role in responding28
to mental health crises as well as acknowledge the importance of their continued operation29
throughout the state.30
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize February 19, 2025,31
as Co-Responder Day at the state capitol to highlight the ongoing efforts of these programs32
in enhancing crisis response and public safety.33
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized34
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the35
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, law enforcement36
agencies and community service boards within the State of Georgia, the public, and the press.37
H. R. 252
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