SR290: SR290 Risk Assessment; culturally competent risk assessment tools; targeted public health initiatives, and enhanced healthcare interventions; recognize the need

This resolution addresses concerns about heart disease, specifically atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (a buildup of plaque in the arteries), among South Asian Americans in Georgia. It states that this group faces earlier and more aggressive heart disease, tied to higher rates of type 2 diabetes, and that current risk assessment tools were not built using data from South Asian populations, which can lead to inaccurate risk estimates and gaps in prevention and treatment. The resolution formally states that the Senate recognizes the need for culturally competent risk assessment tools, targeted public health initiatives, and better healthcare interventions for this community. It does not create any new law, program, or funding. Its only other operative instruction is that the Secretary of the Senate make copies available to the public and the press.

• Formally states the Senate's recognition of the need for culturally competent risk assessment tools for South Asian American cardiovascular health.
• Declares support for targeted public health initiatives and enhanced healthcare interventions aimed at this community.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Does not establish any new state program, funding, mandate, or change to Georgia law.

The resolution's language centers on South Asian Americans in Georgia, particularly regarding cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk. It also references healthcare providers and public health efforts that might develop screening tools, though the resolution itself imposes no obligations on them.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it carries no legal requirements or funding. Its practical effect is limited to putting the Senate's position on record, which could influence future legislation, research priorities, or public health attention to heart disease risk in South Asian American communities.

• The whereas clauses describe elevated and earlier-onset atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among South Asian Americans, linked to higher rates of type 2 diabetes.
• The whereas clauses state that existing cardiovascular risk assessment algorithms are not based on South Asian American data and can mask health disparities.
• The resolved clause has the Senate recognize the need for culturally competent risk assessment tools, targeted public health initiatives, and enhanced healthcare interventions.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available for distribution to the public and press.

1. 2025-02-27Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2025-02-26Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)Primary sponsor
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)

• heart disease
• public health
• South Asian Americans
• health disparities
• cardiovascular risk