HR546: HR546 Myositis Awareness Month; May 2025; recognize

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it formally recognizes May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month in the state. The text explains that myositis refers to a group of rare, chronic autoimmune diseases that cause muscle inflammation, pain, fatigue, and sometimes lung disease, and notes that these conditions are hard to diagnose and often lead to delayed treatment. The resolution also points out that no cure exists, that life expectancy can be shortened for some forms of the disease, and that women and people of color face greater health disparities from myositis. It credits the Myositis Association as the leading advocacy group for patients. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make copies available to the public and the press.

• Formally designates May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month in Georgia through a House resolution.
• Describes myositis as a group of rare, chronic autoimmune muscle-wasting diseases, listing specific subtypes such as dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis.
• States that myositis is difficult to diagnose, has no cure, and disproportionately affects women and people of color.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

The resolution most directly affects Georgians living with myositis and related rare autoimmune diseases, along with patient advocacy groups like the Myositis Association and healthcare providers who diagnose and treat these conditions.

While the resolution creates no new programs, funding, or legal requirements, it publicly acknowledges a rare disease that is often hard to diagnose, which can raise awareness among Georgians, healthcare providers, and the press about myositis and the challenges patients face.

• The whereas clauses describe myositis as a group of rare, chronic autoimmune diseases causing muscle inflammation, pain, fatigue, and sometimes interstitial lung disease.
• The resolution lists specific myositis subtypes, including anti-MDA5 autoantibody-positive myositis, dermatomyositis, juvenile dermatomyositis, and inclusion body myositis.
• The resolving clause formally recognizes May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month in the House of Representatives.
• A final clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.

1. 2025-03-06House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-06House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-06House Hopper (House)

• Scott Hilton (R, HD-048)Primary sponsor
• Sharon Cooper (R, HD-045)
• Lee Hawkins (R, HD-027)
• Karen Mathiak (R, HD-082)
• Angie O'Steen (R, HD-169)
• Devan Seabaugh (R, HD-034)

• myositis awareness
• rare diseases
• public health
• autoimmune disease