March 2021: Kidney Month

WHEREAS, chronic kidney disease is an under-recognized public health crisis and is the progressive, gradual loss of kidney function, which results in decreased ability of the kidneys to remove waste from the body; and,

 

WHEREAS, according to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, in 2019, one in seven adults in Michigan, or more than 1 million people, had kidney disease but were not aware of it until they were in late stages; and,

 

WHEREAS, as of April 2020, more than 2,200 people in Michigan are on the kidney transplant waiting list; and,

 

WHEREAS, the most at-risk groups for developing kidney failure include African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, seniors age 65 and older, and anyone with a family history of chronic kidney disease; and,

 

WHEREAS, without diagnosis and treatment to slow the progression of the disease, chronic Kidney Disease can progress to end-stage renal failure, which is fatal without dialysis or kidney transplant; and,

 

WHEREAS,regular screening and early detection can slow the progression of kidney disease and help prevent kidney failure; and,

 

WHEREAS,the month of March is designated as Kidney Month, and March 11^th is recognized as Kidney Day to raise awareness of kidney disease and the importance of prevention and early detection;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2021 as Kidney Month in Michigan.