Media release from the Georgia House of Representatives Press Office:
State Representative Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources, was recently appointed by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve as the chair of the House Study Committee on Abandoned Child Placement Following Hospital Discharge.
“I’m grateful to Speaker Burns for the opportunity to lead the House Study Committee on Abandoned Child Placement Following Hospital Discharge,” said Rep. Dempsey. “As chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources, I am especially passionate about addressing the complex challenges facing Georgia’s most vulnerable children. Far too often, children with serious mental health needs face uncertainty once they are stabilized and could leave hospital care, but our systems aren’t always equipped to respond quickly or effectively with appropriate placement. Through this committee’s work, we hope to shine a light on the gaps that exist and explore practical, compassionate solutions. Every child deserves a safe place to land — and I’m committed to helping make that a reality.”
Created by House Resolution 611, this study committee will provide gap analysis of community services and resources provided by the public, nonprofit and private sectors to better support minors being discharged from psychiatric hospitalization and acute hospital emergency rooms.
Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: State Representative Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta), State Representative Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), State Representative Omari Crawford (D-Decatur) and State Representative Mike Cameron (R-Rossville).
Representative Katie Dempsey represents the citizens of District 13, which includes portions of Floyd County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2006 and currently serves as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources. She also serves on the Special Committee on Healthcare and the Economic Development & Tourism, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Higher Education, Public Health, Rules and Transportation committees.