2023 -- S 1024
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LC000883
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING MAY 10TH, 2023, TO BE "LUPUS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE
ISLAND
Introduced By: Senator Hanna M. Gallo
Date Introduced: May 16, 2023
Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
WHEREAS, Lupus is a chronic, severe and unpredictable autoimmune disease that can 1
cause life-threatening damage to any organ in the body by causing the immune system to attack 2
normal tissue, resulting in inflammation in various parts of the body, particularly the skin, joints, 3
blood system, and kidneys. It develops most commonly in women between the ages of 15 and 45; 4
and 5
WHEREAS, Lupus is a global health problem. Every day roughly 1.5 million Americans, 6
and at least five million people worldwide, struggle with the debilitating health consequences of 7
lupus, a condition during which the immune system is compromised to the extent that it is unable 8
to distinguish the body's own cells and tissues from foreign invaders; and 9
WHEREAS, There is an urgent need to develop tools that will improve patient and 10
physician communication. Many primary care physicians are not fully aware of all the signs and 11
symptoms of lupus, causing people with lupus to suffer for many years before obtaining a 12
diagnosis and treatment; and 13
WHEREAS, There remains low public awareness and understanding of lupus symptoms. 14
People with lupus need access to medical specialists and high-quality multidisciplinary care 15
including emotional, psychological, and social care; and 16
WHEREAS, World Lupus Day was first celebrated in the United States in 2004, with the 17
issuance of the first World Lupus Day Proclamation, which identified this historic day and was 18
aimed at raising awareness of the plight and the treatment requirements of millions of people; 19
LC000883 - Page 2 of 2
now, therefore be it 1
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims May 10
th
of 2
2023, to be "Lupus Day" in our State and joins advocates from around the globe in calling for 3
greater awareness of lupus and its consequences; and be it further 4
RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby urges and supports enhanced charitable donations 5
to the Lupus Foundation of America and all organizations engaged in lupus research and patient 6
services, and in this noble enterprise on behalf of all who are affected by lupus; and be it further 7
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 8
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the LUPUS Foundation of America, 9
Connecticut Chapter, Inc. 10
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LC000883
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