25 LC 112 2975
House Resolution 262
By: Representatives Schofield of the 63
rd
, Scott of the 76
th
, Erwin of the 32
nd
, Jackson of the
68
th
, Davis of the 87
th
, and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 13, 2025, as Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol; and for other
1
purposes.2
WHEREAS, on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Representative Kim Schofield and the Georgia3
Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America will host Lupus Advocacy Day at the state4
capitol; and5
WHEREAS, lupus is an acute and chronic (lifelong) autoimmune disease in which the6
immune system is unbalanced, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually every7
organ system in the body; and8
WHEREAS, lupus can affect any part of the body, including the skin, lungs, heart, kidneys,9
and brain, and thus has the potential to cause seizures, strokes, heart attacks, miscarriages,10
and organ failure; and11
WHEREAS, at least 1.5 million Americans, including approximately 55,000 Georgians, are12
currently living with lupus; and13
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WHEREAS, lupus is a major health issue that has a significant impact on the economy of
14
this state and takes an immeasurable physical, financial, and emotional toll on many families15
in Georgia; and16
WHEREAS, the effects of lupus on a family can be devastating in that it is a chronic,17
lifelong, and life-threatening disease, and despite its prevalence, it remains one of the least18
recognizable and most misunderstood of all diseases, labeling lupus as the cruel mystery; and19
WHEREAS, lupus affects primarily young women in their crucial childbearing years, but it20
can also affect men, children, and women of all ages; and21
WHEREAS, Lupus Nephritis, a form of kidney disease, is a serious, life-threatening22
complication of lupus. The need for screening in lupus for Lupus Nephritis is crucial for23
early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Georgia Medicaid has the opportunity to play a24
meaningful role in addressing the problem of insufficient screening by emphasizing its25
importance to patients and healthcare providers. By doing so, Georgia Medicaid can help26
improve patient outcomes and make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by lupus27
and Lupus Nephritis; and28
WHEREAS, the Lupus Foundation of America is the nation's leading nonprofit voluntary29
health organization dedicated to finding the causes and a cure for lupus while providing30
support and services to all people affected by lupus; and31
WHEREAS, 90 percent of every dollar raised by the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus32
Foundation of America stays in Georgia to support the chapter's programs; and33
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WHEREAS, the Lupus Foundation of America provides resources for thousands of patients
34
and families, including support and information, physician referrals, public and professional35
education, and grassroots advocacy on the state and federal level; and36
WHEREAS, in 2014, Governor Nathan Deal established the Georgia Council on Lupus37
Education and Advocacy to investigate the level of education and awareness of lupus across38
the state; and39
WHEREAS, the council has developed a state-wide action plan and established a40
multidisciplinary collaborative that will launch lupus initiatives to increase knowledge,41
educate healthcare providers, consumers, and legislators, and address early diagnosis, access42
to care, and health disparities in lupus.43
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that44
the members of this body commend the work of the Lupus Foundation of America and other45
organizations devoted to finding a cure for lupus and supporting the individuals and families46
whose lives are affected by this autoimmune disease and recognize February 13, 2025, as47
Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol.48
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized49
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the50
Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.51
H. R. 262
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