March 2022: 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 July 2021, more than 2000 people in Michigan are on the kidney transplant waiting list; and,

 

WHEREAS, the most at-risk groups for developing kidney disease include Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American, American Indian, or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander heritage Age 60 or 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 of CKD allows proper management that 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 2022 as Kidney Month in Michigan.