Policy Resolution HHS-16-12

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING BROWN BUTTERFLIES, INC. FOR PROVIDING LUPUS AWARENESS

2016 Ratified Policy Resolutions

Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee

WHEREAS, Lupus is an unpredictable, devastating, cruel and mysterious disease;

WHEREAS, Lupus is defined as a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body including skin, joints and/or organs inside the body;

WHEREAS, most victims show symptoms for years before a correct diagnosis is rendered by physicians;

WHEREAS, during this period of incorrect diagnosis, on average, for six years, individuals suffer excruciating pain, hundreds of inappropriate medications and many life changes;

WHEREAS, these life changes negatively impact every facet of life: work is disrupted, family life is fractured and because Lupus is difficult to diagnose, an individual’s mental health is affected;

WHEREAS, it is estimated that 1.5 million Americans have Lupus;

WHEREAS, women of color are two to three times more likely to develop Lupus than Caucasians;

WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) has health as one of its policy areas, especially the health of women of color;

WHEREAS, Brown Butterflies, Inc., a national nonprofit organization was recently founded by two women of color, Tiffany Glover and Vanecia Kimbrow, both of whom are living life with Lupus; and

WHEREAS, Brown Butterflies, Inc., has as its mission to increase local and national awareness, medical research and provide support for Women of Color living life with Lupus.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) joins in the national movement to increase local and national awareness, medical research for Lupus and to provide support for women with Lupus, especially women of color; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NBCSL send a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, members of Congress, State Legislators and Public Health Agencies that focus on the health issues of women.

SPONSOR: Representative Johnnie R. Turner (TN)
Committee of Jurisdiction: Health and Human Services Policy Committee
Certified by Committee Co-Chairs: Representative Mia Jones (FL) and Senator Shirley Nathan Pulliam (MD)
Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 4, 2015
Ratification is certified by: Senator Catherine Pugh (MD), President