ATLANTA – State Representatives Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth), chairman of the House Technology & Infrastructure Innovation Committee, and Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) will host a press conference on House Resolution 1007 to formally recognize the arts as a resource for mental health treatment TODAY, Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at the South Wing Steps of the Georgia State Capitol.
“With more than one-third of Georgians experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, we must pursue bold, creative solutions,” said Rep. Schofield. “House Resolution 1007 recognizes what many communities have long known—that the arts are not just entertainment; they are healing. By acknowledging the arts as a mental health resource, Georgia is opening new pathways for wellness, prevention and recovery. I am proud to have worked with Performance Hypothesis and a great team of advocates.”
“Mental health is multifaceted, and the ways we support it should also be multifaceted,” said Rep. Jones. “By recognizing the arts as a valid tool for healing, HR 1007 encourages Georgians to explore alternative methods of treatment and recovery.”
“I enjoy working with the arts community and appreciate their interest in mental health issues,” said Rep. Oliver. “We all know how important both participation in the arts and arts-based health initiatives are for the well-being and overall mental health of individuals throughout Georgia.”
House Resolution 1007, sponsored by Rep. Jones and developed in collaboration with Performance Hypothesis, aims to normalize the arts as a legitimate mental health resource, increase awareness among healthcare providers about arts-based interventions and encourage future funding and program development for arts-based mental health initiatives statewide. Reps. Schofield and Oliver are co-sponsors of the resolution.
Event speakers include: Reps. Schofield, Jones and Oliver; Doug Shipman, president and CEO, South Arts; Dyllón Burnside, Emmy Award winning actor and arts advocate; Khadijah Ameen, BLKHLTH; Sarah Phillips, the Carter Center; Marcel Foster, CEO, Performance Hypothesis; and Christopher Moses, Jennings Hertz Artistic Director, Alliance Theatre.
The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP for the event, please click here.
WHO: State Representatives Rep. Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth) and Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur)
WHAT: Press Conference on HR 1007
WHEN: Thursday, March 12, 2026, 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Georgia State Capitol, South Wing Steps, Atlanta, GA 30334
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