Driscoll Sponsors Resolution Recognizing March 2024 as Kidney Disease Awareness Month
MAY 7, 2024
Representative Bill Driscoll Jr. (D-Milton) sponsored a Resolution from the House of Representatives recognizing March of 2024 as Kidney Disease Awareness month. By recognizing March of 2024 as Kidney Disease Awareness month, the Resolution raises awareness of kidney-related health issues and educates about prevention and early detection.
Driscoll has proven to be a committed advocate for kidney-related issues as the primary sponsor of An Act providing living organ donor protections. Across the country there is a critical shortage of deceased life-saving organs available for transplant, impacting many residents across the Commonwealth today, and those who will receive diagnosis in the future. This legislation seeks to fill this gap in access by prioritizing and promoting living donations, and adding much needed protections to life, disabilities, and long-term care insurance policies.
The Resolution was presented at a Mediated Kidney Disease Awareness Day Panel where experts discussed the impacts of kidney disease on an individual and family, as well as the ongoing advocacy and awareness efforts happening in Massachusetts and beyond.
Thank you, National Kidney Foundation and American Kidney Foundation for your work to improve the lives of patients with kidney disease.
Find the Resolution language, below:
Recognizing the month of march, 2024 as kidney disease awareness month.
WHEREAS, healthy kidneys are essential for regulating our bodies by removing fluids, waste and toxins and kidneys release hormones to regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells and strengthen our bones;
WHEREAS, chronic kidney disease is the progressive, gradual loss of kidney function and it is estimated that more than one in seven Americans have chronic kidney disease yet approximately ninety percent of those affected remain undiagnosed;
WHEREAS, without diagnosis and treatment to slow the progressions of disease, chronic kidney disease can progress to end-stage renal failure which is fatal without dialysis or kidney transplant;
WHEREAS, it is also important opportunity to raise public awareness and understanding of rare kidney diseases, such as APOL1 mediated kidney disease, which is driven by genetic factors and underdiagnosed with symptoms not presenting until kidney damage is advanced;
WHEREAS, regular screening and early detection can prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure, therefore the month of March is designated as National Kidney Month to raise awareness of kidney related health issues and the importance of prevention and early detection; therefore be it;
RESOLVED, That the members of the massachusetts House of representatives hereby recognize the month of march, 2024 as kidney disease awareness month, and recognize the New England Chapter of the National Kidney Foundation for their work with patients, advocates, clinicians, researchers, and lawmakers to improve the lives of patients with kidney disease; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy THIS RESOLUTION BE FORWARDED BY THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION, NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER
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