HR1140: HR1140 Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol; February 19, 2026; recognize

26 LC 129 0576 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 other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, on February 19, 2026, Representative Kim Schofield and the Georgia Chapter3 of the Lupus Foundation of America will host Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol; and4 WHEREAS, lupus is an acute and chronic (lifelong) autoimmune di sease in which the5 immune system is unbalanced, causing inflammation and tissue damage to virtually every6 organ system in the body; and7 WHEREAS, lupus can affect any part of the body, including the skin, lungs, heart, kidneys,8 and brain; and thus, has the potential to cause seizures, strokes, heart attacks, miscarriages,9 and organ failure; and10 WHEREAS, at least 1.5 million Americans, including approximately 55,000 Georgians, are11 currently living with lupus; and12 H. R. 1140 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0576 WHEREAS, lupus is a major health issue that has a significant i mpact on the economy of13 this state and takes an immeasurable physical, financial, and emotional toll on many families14 in Georgia; and15 WHEREAS, the effects of lupus on a family can be devastating in that it is a chronic,16 lifelong, and life-threatening disease, and despite its prevalence, it remains one of the least17 recognizable and most misunderstood diseases, labeling lupus as the cruel mystery; and18 WHEREAS, lupus affects primarily young women in their crucial childbearing years, but it19 can also affect men, children, and women of all ages; and20 WHEREAS, Lupus Nephritis, a form of kidney disease, is a seriou s life-threatening21 complication of lupus; the need for screening for Lupus Nephrit is is crucial for early22 diagnosis and prompt treatment; and23 WHEREAS, Georgia Medicaid has the opportunity to play a meaningful role in addressing24 the problem of insufficient screening by emphasizing its import ance to patients and25 healthcare providers. By doing so, Georgia Medicaid can help improve patient outcomes and26 make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by lupus and Lupus Nephritis; and 27 WHEREAS, the Lupus Foundation of America is the nation's leadin g nonprofit voluntary28 health organization, dedicated to finding the causes and a cure for lupus while providing29 support and services to all people affected by lupus; and30 WHEREAS, 90 percent of every dollar raised by the Georgia Chapt er of the Lupus31 Foundation of America stays in Georgia to support the chapter's programs; and32 H. R. 1140 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0576 WHEREAS, the Lupus Foundation of America provides resources for thousands of patients33 and families, including support and information, physician referrals, public and professional34 education, and grassroots advocacy on the state and federal level; and35 WHEREAS, in 2014, Governor Nathan Deal established the Georgia Council on Lupus36 Education and Awareness to investigate the level of education and awareness of lupus across37 the state; and38 WHEREAS, the Council has developed a statewide action plan and established a39 multidisciplinary collaborative that will launch lupus initiati ves to increase knowledge,40 educate healthcare providers, consumers and legislators, address early diagnosis, access to41 care and health disparities in lupus.42 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that43 the members of this body commend the work of the Lupus Foundation of America and other44 organizations devoted to finding a cure for lupus and to suppor ting the individuals and45 families whose lives are affected by this autoimmune disease and declare February 19, 2026,46 as Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol.47 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized48 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the49 Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.50 H. R. 1140 - 3 -