SR590: SR590 Lupus Advocacy Day; recognize February 19, 2026

26 LC 129 0685 Senate Resolution 590 By: Senator Davenport of the 17th A RESOLUTION Recognizing Thursday, February 19, 2026, as Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol; and1 for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, lupus is an acute and chronic (lifelong) autoimmune di sease in which the3 immune system is unbalanced, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually every4 organ system in the body; and5 WHEREAS, lupus can affect any part of the body, including the skin, lungs, heart, kidneys,6 and brain; and thus, has the potential to cause seizures, strokes, heart attacks, miscarriages,7 and organ failure; and8 WHEREAS, at least 1.5 million Americans, including approximately 55,000 Georgians, are9 currently living with lupus; and10 WHEREAS, lupus is a major health issue which takes a physical, financial, and emotional11 toll on many Georgia families that can cause a significant impact on the state's economy; and12 S. R. 590 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0685 WHEREAS, the effects of lupus on a family can be devastating in that it is a chronic,13 lifelong, and life-threatening disease, and despite its prevalence, it remains one of the least14 recognizable and most misunderstood diseases labeling lupus as the cruel mystery; and15 WHEREAS, lupus affects primarily young women in their crucial childbearing years, but it16 can also affect men, children, and women of all ages; and17 WHEREAS, lupus nephritis, a form of kidney disease, is a seriou s life-threatening18 complication of lupus; the need for screening in lupus for lupus nephritis is crucial for early19 diagnosis and prompt treatment; and20 WHEREAS, Georgia Medicaid has the opportunity to play a meaningful role in addressing21 the problem of insufficient screening by emphasizing its import ance to patients and22 healthcare providers; and 23 WHEREAS, by doing so, Georgia Medicaid can help improve patient outcomes and make24 a positive impact on the lives of those affected by lupus and lupus nephritis; and 25 WHEREAS, the Lupus Foundation of America is the nation's leadin g nonprofit voluntary26 health organization, dedicated t o finding the causes and a cure for lupus while providing27 support and services to all people affected by lupus; and28 WHEREAS, 90 percent of every dollar raised by the Georgia Chapt er of the Lupus29 Foundation of America stays in Georgia to support the chapter's programs; and30 WHEREAS, the Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Awareness w as established in31 2014 to investigate the level of education and awareness of lup us across the state and has32 S. R. 590 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0685 developed a statewide action plan with a multidisciplinary coll aborative that will launch33 lupus initiatives to increase knowledge, educate healthcare pro viders, consumers and34 legislators, address early diagnosis, access to care and health disparities in lupus.35 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body36 commend the work of the Lupus Foundation of America and other organizations devoted to37 finding a cure for lupus and to supporting the individuals and families whose lives are38 affected by this autoimmune disease and declare Thursday, Febru ary 19, 2026, as Lupus39 Advocacy Day at the state capitol.40 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed41 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the Georgia42 Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.43 S. R. 590 - 3 -