House Resolution 1140
By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, Scott of the 76th, Davis of the 87th, Lewis-Ward of
the 115th, Erwin of the 32nd, and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 19, 2026, as Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, on February 19, 2026, Representative Kim Schofield and the Georgia Chapter
of the Lupus Foundation of America will host Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol; and
WHEREAS, lupus is an acute and chronic (lifelong) autoimmune disease in which the
immune system is unbalanced, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually every
organ system in the body; and
WHEREAS, lupus can affect any part of the body, including the skin, lungs, heart, kidneys,
and brain; and thus, has the potential to cause seizures, strokes, heart attacks, miscarriages,
and organ failure; and
WHEREAS, at least 1.5 million Americans, including approximately 55,000 Georgians, are
currently living with lupus; and
WHEREAS, lupus is a major health issue that has a significant impact on the economy of
this state and takes an immeasurable physical, financial, and emotional toll on many families
in Georgia; and
WHEREAS, the effects of lupus on a family can be devastating in that it is a chronic,
lifelong, and life-threatening disease, and despite its prevalence, it remains one of the least
recognizable and most misunderstood diseases, labeling lupus as the cruel mystery; and
WHEREAS, lupus affects primarily young women in their crucial childbearing years, but it
can also affect men, children, and women of all ages; and
WHEREAS, Lupus Nephritis, a form of kidney disease, is a serious life-threatening
complication of lupus; the need for screening for Lupus Nephritis is crucial for early
diagnosis and prompt treatment; and
WHEREAS, Georgia Medicaid has the opportunity to play a meaningful role in addressing
the problem of insufficient screening by emphasizing its importance to patients and
healthcare providers. By doing so, Georgia Medicaid can help improve patient outcomes and
make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by lupus and Lupus Nephritis; and
WHEREAS, the Lupus Foundation of America is the nation's leading nonprofit voluntary
health organization, dedicated to finding the causes and a cure for lupus while providing
support and services to all people affected by lupus; and
WHEREAS, 90 percent of every dollar raised by the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus
Foundation of America stays in Georgia to support the chapter's programs; and
WHEREAS, the Lupus Foundation of America provides resources for thousands of patients
and families, including support and information, physician referrals, public and professional
education, and grassroots advocacy on the state and federal level; and
WHEREAS, in 2014, Governor Nathan Deal established the Georgia Council on Lupus
Education and Awareness to investigate the level of education and awareness of lupus across
the state; and
WHEREAS, the Council has developed a statewide action plan and established a
multidisciplinary collaborative that will launch lupus initiatives to increase knowledge,
educate healthcare providers, consumers and legislators, address early diagnosis, access to
care and health disparities in lupus.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body commend the work of the Lupus Foundation of America and other
organizations devoted to finding a cure for lupus and to supporting the individuals and
families whose lives are affected by this autoimmune disease and declare February 19, 2026,
as Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.