Lupus: Bill 360

To:  Ohio Legislature

To: Ohio Representatives

We the undersigned aim to have Bill 360 passed into law. The purpose of Bill 360 is to create a statewide program which spreads awareness about lupus in the general public and increased knowledge about the causes and effects of lupus as well as the importance of accurate and early diagnosis and management. Lupus is a debilitating autoimmune disorder which has not gained much exposure in public and is little understood even by the professional medical field. It causes extremely painful inflammation and tissue damage and can affect almost any organ system, as well as other symptoms such as fatigue, anemia, photosensitivity, blood clotting problems, seizures and depression. The inflammation can also cause miscarriages.

An estimated 1.5 to 2 million Americans have lupus, or about 1 out of 185 people. Many go undiagnosed because the symptoms are taken for another condition. Women are affected 9 times more often than men and 80 percent of new cases are among childbearing age women. It is also more prevalent among minority populations. One in five people with lupus are disabled and require governmental support. Thousands die each year from lupus related complications; many more are unable to lead a normal independent lifestyle because of the pain of lupus. The average cost of treatment for lupus patients is between $10,000 and $30,000 but can be much greater for those with a more severe form.

This bill would give lupus the exposure it greatly needs, as well as effect earlier diagnoses and better treatments for lupus, which would prevent or reduce organ damage and death. We thank you for your support of Bill 360.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Lupus: Bill 360 Petition to Ohio Legislature was created by Lupus Foundation and written by Maya Madhavan (mayam@vizteksoft.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.