Mayor Linda Hudson proclaims May as Lupus Awareness Month in Fort Pierce

The Fort Pierce City Commission held its regular meeting on May 12, 2025, where the first item on the agenda was a proclamation for Lupus Awareness Month. The meeting began with a brief discussion about the minutes, which were not attached to the agenda, before moving on to the proclamation.

Mayor Linda Hudson read the proclamation, highlighting the serious nature of lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects over five million people worldwide. The proclamation emphasized the need for increased awareness and funding for medical research, as well as the importance of educating healthcare professionals and the public about the disease. It noted that lupus disproportionately affects women, particularly those aged 15 to 44, and that many individuals suffer for years before receiving a proper diagnosis.

Following the proclamation, a representative from the lupus community addressed the commission, sharing personal experiences and stressing the importance of making lupus visible in the community. The speaker pointed out that certain demographics, including African Americans and Hispanics, are two to three times more likely to develop lupus. They also discussed the lack of treatment options available until recent years and the ongoing need for research and education.

In a show of support, the representative announced plans to light a local landmark in purple on May 19 to raise awareness for lupus. The meeting concluded with a call for community involvement in recognizing lupus as a significant public health issue and the need for continued advocacy for those affected by the disease.