House Resolution 1012
By: Representatives Evans of the 57th, Sanchez of the 42nd, Au of the 50th, Roberts of the 52nd,
and Clark of the 108th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending The Susan Jolley Foundation, the Georgia Cancer Control
Consortium (a program of the Georgia Department of Public Health), and Cancer Pathways
for their exemplary contributions to cervical cancer education and awareness in Georgia; and
for other purposes.
WHEREAS, January is designated by the United States Congress as Cervical Cancer
Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, The Susan Jolley Foundation, the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium, HPV
Cancer Free GA, and Cancer Pathways are steadfastly committed to advancing HPV
awareness and cervical cancer elimination, prevention, screening, and education throughout
Georgia; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of their impactful work, Sharon J Hill and Demetrius Geiger are
hereby honored as the 2026 Georgia HPV Community Champions; and
WHEREAS, statewide, Georgia's cervical cancer screening (Pap test and/or HPV testing)
rate is estimated around 76.5 percent, slightly below the national median of 77.7 percent,
leaving approximately one in five women unscreened; and
WHEREAS, significant geographical disparities exist within Georgia, including Forsyth,
McIntosh, Towns, and Franklin counties reporting cervical cancer screening rates lower than
60 percent, underscoring inequities in access and outreach; and
WHEREAS, as of 2023, 63 percent of Georgia adolescents (ages 13-17) are "up to date" on
the HPV vaccination series—below the Healthy People 2030 target of 80 percent and lagging
behind the United States average of 77 percent for at least one dose; and
WHEREAS, in Georgia, an estimated 327 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed
annually, with approximately 204 deaths due to the disease each year; and
WHEREAS, cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in the 35-44 age group—the
average United States age at diagnosis is about 50, and nearly 20 percent of cases occur after
age 65. While many guidelines permit cessation of screening after 65 in individuals with a
long history of normal results, those lacking such history should continue appropriate
surveillance; and
WHEREAS, as of recent data, 82 of Georgia's 159 counties have no OB/GYN provider, and
15 counties have only one OB/GYN, thereby limiting access to reproductive health and
screening services; and
WHEREAS, Black and Hispanic women in Georgia experience disproportionately higher
incidence and mortality from HPV-associated cervical cancer, reflecting persistent racial and
ethnic health disparities; and
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the
Georgia Department of Public Health, Black women in Georgia are nearly 1.5 times more
likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than twice as likely to die from the
disease compared to other women, due in part to barriers such as limited access to care, lack
of insurance, transportation challenges, and under-screening; and
WHEREAS, the disparities are further compounded by social determinants of
health—including income, geography, and healthcare infrastructure—that limit equitable
access to HPV vaccination, early screening, and timely follow-up care in many rural and
underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, eliminating these disparities requires continued collaboration among state and
local health agencies, advocacy organizations, and community leaders to expand prevention
programs, improve culturally competent outreach, and ensure that all Georgians—regardless
of race, ethnicity, or zip code—benefit from the life-saving potential of HPV vaccination and
cervical cancer screening; and
WHEREAS, cervical cancer is among the most preventable and treatable cancers due to the
availability of effective screening and the HPV vaccine; estimates suggest that up to 95
percent of cervical cancers could be avoided through widespread HPV vaccination, regular
screening, and timely intervention; and
WHEREAS, the HPV-associated cancer rate was 13.7/100,000 persons for both males and
females. This rate is significantly higher than the United States national average of 12.6 per
100,000 persons. Men in Georgia (12.8) have a significantly higher rate of HPV-associated
cancers than the United States average (11.4), and women (14.6) have a significantly higher
rate of HPV-associated cancers than the United States average (13.9); and
WHEREAS, the efforts of The Susan Jolley Foundation, the Georgia Cancer Control
Consortium, and Cancer Pathways have elevated public awareness, improved knowledge of
HPV vaccination and screening, and mobilized community action across Georgia; and
WHEREAS, this year marks the 11th Anniversary of the advocacy efforts that began as The
Susan Jolley Awareness Program and now continues as The Susan Jolley Foundation under
the leadership of President Triana Arnold James.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize and commend the 2026 Georgia HPV Community
Champions for their outstanding leadership, dedication, and impact in promoting cervical
cancer prevention and health equity in Georgia.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to The
Susan Jolley Foundation, the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium, HPV Cancer Free GA,
and Cancer Pathways.