ATLANTA (February 24, 2014) | The Georgia State Senate passed Senate Bill 352 today by a vote of 51 to 2. Sen. Renee Unterman (R—Buford) sponsored this legislation to create the Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Awareness within the Georgia Department of Health.
“The creation of the Georgia Council of Lupus is critical to evaluating the impact of Lupus on Georgia,” said Sen. Unterman. “The research and findings of this council will help with future prevention efforts and ensure Georgians suffering with this disease have the tools they need to live better lives.”
Under this legislation, the Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Awareness will be tasked with conducting research about the level of Lupus awareness in the State of Georgia. The council will also work with state agencies to distribute educational resources and develop a directory of lupus-related health care services, which will be available to Georgia families.
The Council will consist of the following six members:
- The Commissioner of Health or a commissioner’s designated appointee
- Three members appointed by the Governor, including one physician who treats patients with Lupus and one Lupus patient
- One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives
- One member appointed by the Lieutenant Governor
Senate Bill 352 will now transfer to the Georgia House of Representatives for consideration.
For Immediate Release:
February 24, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028