SR 574: The Susan Jolley Foundation, the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium, and Cancer Pathways; recognize

Senate Resolution 574

By: Senator Rhett of the 33rd

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 SENATE 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 Secretary of the Senate 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.