Special Rules committee approves resolution recognizing March as Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month in Georgia

The Special Rules Committee approved House Resolution 463 recognizing March as Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month in Georgia.

Representative Baker presented the resolution and said it would raise awareness of autoimmune diseases, which she said affect "over 50,000,000 Americans." Baker described her own experience living with Hashimoto's disease and told the committee the resolution would be a recognition that aims to encourage earlier diagnosis, better treatment access and more research.

"This resolution brings awareness to over 50,000,000 Americans living with autoimmune diseases," Representative Baker said. She told the committee the recognition would not impose any financial burden on the state.

A witness identified in the transcript as Doctor Al provided remarks supporting recognition and noted that many autoimmune conditions are "invisible" and that some patients may be immunocompromised because of the medications used to treat their conditions. Doctor Al told the committee that broader awareness could help communities consider choices that affect people with weakened immune systems.

Representative McQueen asked whether the hearing was a first hearing; Baker and members confirmed it was the first hearing on the resolution. Representative Beckles asked how awareness would be distributed; Baker said promotion would focus on education for health care providers and the public and on honoring organizations and individuals working to improve diagnosis and care.

The committee moved and seconded a do-pass recommendation and approved the resolution by voice vote. Committee staff handed a committee form to Representative Baker at adjournment, per the transcript.

The resolution, as presented to the committee, is a recognition and advocacy measure; the author said it does not obligate state funds.