As Introduced

135th General Assembly

Regular Session H. B. No. 538

2023-2024

Representatives Brown, Upchurch

Cosponsors: Representatives Brennan, Brent, Click, Dell'Aquila, Denson, McNally, Robb Blasdel, Russo, Sims, Williams

A BILL

To enact section 5.56 of the Revised Code to designate May as "Lupus Awareness Month."

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

Section 1. That section 5.56 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 5.56. The month of May is designated as "Lupus Awareness Month" in recognition of the following:

(A) Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, is a chronic, complex, and often disabling autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the body's own cells, tissues, and organs.

(B) Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys.

(C) Lupus nephritis is a serious manifestation of lupus that causes inflammation of the kidneys.

(D) Lupus nephritis can lead to irreversible kidney damage or even kidney failure, which may require dialysis or a transplant.

(E) Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patients with lupus and lupus nephritis.

(F) Lupus and lupus nephritis are more common in and disproportionately impact women and patients of color.

(G) Too many lupus and lupus nephritis patients, and especially marginalized patients, in the United States face harmful delays in diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

(H) The department of health's lupus education and awareness program, established under section 3701.77 of the Revised Code.