25 LC 112 3360
House Resolution 713
By: Representatives Wade of the 9
th
, Silcox of the 53
rd
, Clifton of the 131
st
, Willis of the 55
th
,
Chastain of the 7
th
, and others
A RESOLUTION
Urging healthcare providers across the State of Georgia to help promote the 988 Suicide and
1
Crisis Lifeline; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, behavioral health conditions, including mental and substance use disorders, are3
critical public health issues, and 988 was established to improve access to crisis services in4
response to the country's growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs; and5
WHEREAS, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a direct, national three-digit number that6
connects individuals with suicide prevention and mental health crisis resources, which are7
distinct from the public safety purposes of 911; and8
WHEREAS, 988 calls, texts, and chats in the State of Georgia are answered by the Georgia9
Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year; and10
WHEREAS, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities11
is working with a coalition of community partners to educate the public on when and how12
to use 988; and13
H. R. 713
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WHEREAS, healthcare providers often use recorded messages to convey important
14
information to patients, including guidance on when to call 911.15
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that16
the members of this body urge healthcare providers in the State of Georgia to include17
information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the recorded information provided18
to their patients and other callers.19
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body further urge the Georgia20
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to work with its21
community partners to develop a script that healthcare providers can use to include22
information about 988 as part of their recorded messages.23
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized24
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the25
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the public, and26
the press.27
H. R. 713
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