R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-87-2: Legislative findings.

It is hereby found and declared as follows:

(1) Lupus is an urgent national health issue. Lupus is the result of an immune system that is unbalanced which can become destructive to any organ or tissue in the body. Lupus is unpredictable and potentially fatal, yet no satisfactory treatment exists. Its health consequences include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and organ failure.

(2) The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. estimates that more than 1.5 million Americans live with some form of lupus, including an estimated five thousand two hundred (5,200) people with lupus in Rhode Island.