HJ0092 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0092 LRB096 19619 RPM 35014 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The most common form of lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus affecting any part of the body with complications, including inflammation of the kidneys, an increase in blood pressure in the lungs, inflammation of the heart muscle, hardening of the arteries, inflammation of the central nervous system and brain, and inflammation of the brain's blood vessels; and

WHEREAS, The residents of Illinois need increased awareness of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus; it is necessary to disseminate information about the epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality surrounding this affliction; and

WHEREAS, There is a wide disparity in incidence based on gender and ethnicity; more women than men develop lupus; the ratio of occurrence in women relative to men is 90% to 10%, as indicated by national incidence data; additionally, systemic lupus erythematosus is 3 times more common in women of African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent than it is in Caucasian women; and

WHEREAS, Because the aforementioned facts have serious implications with regard to health care service delivery to these groups, an examination is needed of whether these disparities hold true in Illinois and whether they are caused by a lack of access to health care or other factors; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we respectfully urge the Department of Human Services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and the Department of Public Health to assess existing State and federal assistance programs regarding the treatment and study of lupus; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the appropriate departments to conduct hearings, examine the above-mentioned ancillary issues, and publish a report on their findings; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be sent to the Secretary of Human Services, the Director of Healthcare and Family Services, and the Director of Public Health.