FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 10, 2012

Assembly Passes Legislation To Raise Awareness for Lupus


In honor of World Lupus Day, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Assemblywoman Vanessa L. Gibson today announced the recent passage of legislation that provides for a fund to increase lupus education, prevention, and outreach.

The measure (A.7896-A/Gibson) would create a taxpayer check-off in support of lupus education and prevention, and establish the lupus education and prevention fund and outreach program to increase public awareness of this serious condition.

"This Lupus Awareness Month, I am pleased to announce Assembly passage of this legislation," said Silver. "Most people know little about lupus and its devastating impact and this legislation stands to increase awareness by allowing businesses and individuals to make contributions on behalf of lupus prevention and outreach."

Bill sponsor Assemblywoman Vanessa L. Gibson said of the measure, "With more than 105,000 New Yorkers living with the painful and chronic disease of Lupus every day, our state is facing a growing public health crisis that can no longer be neglected," Gibson said. "This legislation is an important initiative to meet those patient needs."