HR262: HR262 Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol; February 13, 2025; recognize

25 LC 112 2975 House Resolution 262 By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, Scott of the 76th, Erwin of the 32nd, Jackson of the 68th, Davis of the 87th, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing February 13, 2025, as Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol; and for other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Representative Kim Schofield and the Georgia3 Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America will host Lupus Advo cacy Day at the state4 capitol; and5 WHEREAS, lupus is an acute and chronic (lifelong) autoimmune di sease 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 H. R. 262 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2975 WHEREAS, lupus is a major health issue that has a significant i mpact on the economy of14 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 seriou s, life-threatening22 complication of lupus. The need for screening in lupus for Lupu s 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 scree ning by emphasizing its25 importance to patients and healthcare providers. By doing so, G eorgia 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 leadin g 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 Chapt er of the Lupus32 Foundation of America stays in Georgia to support the chapter's programs; and33 H. R. 262 - 2 - 25 LC 112 2975 WHEREAS, the Lupus Foundation of America provides resources for thousands of patients34 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 initiati ves 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 recogni ze 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 - 3 -