March 01, 2026
WHEREAS, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an underrecognized public health crisis and is the progressive, gradual loss of kidney function, which results in the decreased ability to remove waste from the body; and,
WHEREAS, cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a health condition that affects the heart, kidneys as well as metabolism; and,
WHEREAS, CKD affects more than one in seven U.S. adults, an estimated 35.5 million people, and more than 1 million Michigan adults ages 20 and older; and,
WHEREAS, about one in three U.S. adults have at least three risk factors for CKM syndrome; and,
WHEREAS, as many as nine out of 10 people with CKD do not know they have it because the disease usually has no symptoms until the late stages; and,
WHEREAS, in Michigan, the percentage of adults who reported being told by a health professional that they had kidney disease increased from 3.4% in 2019 to 4.5% in 2024; and,
WHEREAS, regular screening and early detection of CKD allows opportunity for disease management that can slow the progression of kidney disease and help prevent kidney failure; and,
WHEREAS, more than 23,000 people have end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in Michigan and as of January 25, 2026, data shows 2,324 people in Michigan were waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant; and,
WHEREAS, the U.S. and Michigan show declines in ESKD incidence among people with diabetes from 2017 to 2023, and Michigan’s decline at 17% is more than twice the national decline of 7.9% over the period; and,
WHEREAS, the incidence of kidney failure is decreasing due to interventions outlined in the Michigan Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan are shedding light on the prevalence of kidney disease and the percentage of people who might be at risk by calling on residents to take the online “Minute for Your Kidneys” quiz; and,
WHEREAS, the month of March is designated as Kidney Month, and March 12, 2026, is recognized as Kidney Day, to raise awareness of kidney disease and the importance of kidney health;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2026, as Kidney Month in Michigan.
