SR 381: Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month; recognize March 2025

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a formal statement from the Georgia Senate recognizing March 2025 as Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month. The text explains that autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue, affect more than 50 million Americans, with women making up about 80 percent of those affected. The resolution specifically notes that lupus and other autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect Black women, who face higher rates and more severe symptoms. It states the Senate's intent to raise awareness and support research and equitable healthcare access. The Secretary of the Senate is directed to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.

• Formally recognizes March 2025 as Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month through a Georgia Senate resolution.
• States the Senate's acknowledgment of the disproportionate impact of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, on Black women.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Does not create any new funding, program, or legal requirement; it is a symbolic statement rather than a change to Georgia law.

The resolution speaks to the general public and healthcare professionals in Georgia, and specifically references Black women, who it says face disproportionately higher rates of lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

While the resolution creates no new law, funding, or program, it publicly signals the Georgia Senate's attention to autoimmune disease awareness and health disparities affecting Black women, which could support advocacy and education efforts.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe autoimmune diseases as affecting over 50 million Americans and note more than 100 identified autoimmune diseases.
• It states that lupus disproportionately affects Black women, citing a threefold higher likelihood of developing the disease compared to other groups.
• The resolving clause formally recognizes March 2025 as Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month and acknowledges impacts on Black women.
• A final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2025-03-13Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2025-03-11Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Jason Esteves (D, SD-35)Primary sponsor
• Donzella James (D, SD-28)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-38)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-39)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-44)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-40)

• autoimmune disease awareness
• women's health
• health disparities
• lupus