2023 -- H 6383

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LC002866

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY 10TH, 2023, TO BE "LUPUS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE

ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Edwards, Slater,
Kennedy, Azzinaro, Vella-Wilkinson, McGaw, and Caldwell

     Date Introduced: May 09, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Lupus is a chronic, severe and unpredictable autoimmune disease that can

cause life-threatening damage to any organ in the body by causing the immune system to attack

normal tissue, resulting in inflammation in various parts of the body, particularly the skin, joints,

blood system, and kidneys. It develops most commonly in women between the ages of 15 and 45;

and

     WHEREAS, Lupus is a global health problem. Every day roughly 1.5 million Americans,

and at least five million people worldwide, struggle with the debilitating health consequences of

lupus, a condition during which the immune system is compromised to the extent that it is unable

to distinguish the body's own cells and tissues from foreign invaders; and

     WHEREAS, There is an urgent need to develop tools that will improve patient and

physician communication. Many primary care physicians are not fully aware of all the signs and

symptoms of lupus, causing people with lupus to suffer for many years before obtaining a

diagnosis and treatment; and

     WHEREAS, There remains low public awareness and understanding of lupus symptoms.

People with lupus need access to medical specialists and high-quality multidisciplinary care

including emotional, psychological, and social care; and

     WHEREAS, World Lupus Day was first celebrated in the United States in 2004, with the

issuance of the first World Lupus Day Proclamation, which identified this historic day and was

aimed at raising awareness of the plight and the treatment requirements of millions of people;

now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims May 10th of 2023, to be "Lupus Day" in our State and joins advocates from around the

globe in calling for greater awareness of lupus and its consequences; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House hereby urges and supports enhanced charitable donations

to the Lupus Foundation of America and all organizations engaged in lupus research and patient

services, and in this noble enterprise on behalf of all who are affected by lupus; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the LUPUS Foundation of America,

Connecticut Chapter, Inc.

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LC002866

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