HJ0092 LRB096 19619 RPM 35014 r

1
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, The most common form of lupus is systemic lupus
3 erythematosus affecting any part of the body with
4 complications, including inflammation of the kidneys, an
5 increase in blood pressure in the lungs, inflammation of the
6 heart muscle, hardening of the arteries, inflammation of the
7 central nervous system and brain, and inflammation of the
8 brain's blood vessels; and
 
9     WHEREAS, The residents of Illinois need increased
10 awareness of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus
11 erythematosus; it is necessary to disseminate information
12 about the epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality surrounding
13 this affliction; and
 
14     WHEREAS, There is a wide disparity in incidence based on
15 gender and ethnicity; more women than men develop lupus; the
16 ratio of occurrence in women relative to men is 90% to 10%, as
17 indicated by national incidence data; additionally, systemic
18 lupus erythematosus is 3 times more common in women of African
19 American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent than it
20 is in Caucasian women; and
 
21     WHEREAS, Because the aforementioned facts have serious
22 implications with regard to health care service delivery to

 

 

HJ0092 - 2 - LRB096 19619 RPM 35014 r

1 these groups, an examination is needed of whether these
2 disparities hold true in Illinois and whether they are caused
3 by a lack of access to health care or other factors; therefore,
4 be it
 
5     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
6 NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE
7 SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we respectfully urge the
8 Department of Human Services, the Department of Healthcare and
9 Family Services, and the Department of Public Health to assess
10 existing State and federal assistance programs regarding the
11 treatment and study of lupus; and be it further
 
12     RESOLVED, That we urge the appropriate departments to
13 conduct hearings, examine the above-mentioned ancillary
14 issues, and publish a report on their findings; and be it
15 further
 
16     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be sent
17 to the Secretary of Human Services, the Director of Healthcare
18 and Family Services, and the Director of Public Health.