Senate adopts resolution recognizing Feb. 19, 2026 as Lupus Advocacy Day

The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 590 on the chamber floor, declaring Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, as Lupus Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.

The resolution, presented by Senator Davenport (Senator from the 17th), cites that "at least 1,500,000 Americans, including approximately 55,000 Georgians, are currently living with lupus." The measure commends the work of the Lupus Foundation of America and the Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Awareness and recognizes efforts to increase diagnosis, access to care and reduce health disparities.

After the resolution was read, the presiding officer asked if there was objection to adoption; hearing none, the chair declared the resolution adopted. Chris Reid, representing the Lupus Foundation/Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Awareness, accepted the resolution on behalf of people living with lupus and thanked the Senate. Reid noted a health concern included in the resolution, saying that "60 percent of people with lupus live with chronic kidney disease" and asked lawmakers to keep the condition in mind as they consider related bills this session.

The adoption did not include any fiscal or policy directive; it is a formal recognition and expression of the Senate's support for awareness and advocacy efforts. Senate leaders and the resolution text encouraged continued attention to diagnosis, provider education and access to specialty care for Georgians living with lupus.

The resolution was adopted without recorded roll-call opposition. The next procedural steps for any legislation related to lupus were not specified during the floor discussion.