Senate Resolution 590
By: Senator Davenport of the 17th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing Thursday, February 19, 2026, as Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol; and
for other purposes.
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 which takes a physical, financial, and emotional
toll on many Georgia families that can cause a significant impact on the state's economy; 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 in lupus 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; and
WHEREAS, 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 Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Awareness was established in
2014 to investigate the level of education and awareness of lupus across the state and has
developed a statewide action plan with 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 SENATE 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 Thursday, February 19, 2026, as Lupus
Advocacy Day at the state capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate 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.