HJ0092

LRB096 19619 RPM 35014 r





  
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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

  
 
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    WHEREAS, The most common form of lupus is systemic lupus 
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erythematosus affecting

any part of the body with 
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complications, including inflammation of the

kidneys, an 
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increase in blood pressure in the lungs, inflammation of the 
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heart muscle, hardening

of the arteries, inflammation of the 
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central nervous system and brain, and inflammation of the 
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brain's

blood vessels; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, The residents of Illinois need increased 
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awareness of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus 
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erythematosus; it is necessary to disseminate information 
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about the epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality surrounding 
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this affliction; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, There is a wide disparity in incidence based on 
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gender and ethnicity; more women than men develop lupus; the 
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ratio of occurrence in women relative to men is 90% to 10%, as 
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indicated by national incidence data; additionally, systemic 
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lupus erythematosus is 3 times more common in women of African 
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American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent than it 
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is in Caucasian women; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, Because the aforementioned facts have serious 
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implications with regard to health care service delivery to 
 


 






HJ0092
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LRB096 19619 RPM 35014 r




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