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H8600
2026 -- H 8600
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LC003898
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING MAY 10TH, 2026, TO BE "LUPUS DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE
ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Diaz, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale,
Slater, Hopkins, Alzate, Fogarty, and Shallcross Smith
Date Introduced:
May 28, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, Lupus is a chronic, severe and unpredictable autoimmune disease that can
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cause life-threatening damage to any organ in the body by causing the immune system to attack
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normal tissue, resulting in inflammation in various parts of the body, particularly the skin, joints,
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blood system, and kidneys. It develops most commonly in women between the ages of 15 and 45;
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and
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WHEREAS, Lupus is a global health problem. Every day roughly 1.5 million Americans,
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and more than five million people worldwide, struggle with the debilitating health consequences
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of lupus, a condition during which the immune system is compromised to the extent that it is
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unable to distinguish the body's own cells and tissues from foreign invaders; and
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WHEREAS, There is an urgent need to develop tools that will improve patient and
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physician communication. Many primary care physicians are not fully aware of all the signs and
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symptoms of lupus, causing people with lupus to suffer for many years before obtaining a
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diagnosis and treatment; and
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WHEREAS, There remains low public awareness and understanding of lupus symptoms.
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People with lupus need access to medical specialists and high-quality multidisciplinary care
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including emotional, psychological, and social care; and
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WHEREAS, World Lupus Day was first celebrated in the United States in 2004, with the
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issuance of the first World Lupus Day Proclamation, which identified this historic day and was
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aimed at raising awareness of the plight and the treatment requirements of millions of people;
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now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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proclaims May 10th of 2026, to be "Lupus Day" in our State and joins advocates from around the
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globe in calling for greater awareness of lupus and its consequences; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That this House hereby urges and supports enhanced charitable donations
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to the Lupus Foundation of America and all organizations engaged in lupus research and patient
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services, and in this noble enterprise on behalf of all who are affected by lupus; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the LUPUS Foundation of America,
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Connecticut Chapter, Inc.
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LC003898
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