RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2026 AS “KIDNEY MONTH” IN DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore & Rep. Bush

Sens. Hansen, Hocker, Hoffner, Huxtable, Mantzavinos, Sokola, Wilson; Reps. Berry, Carson, Hilovsky, K. Johnson, Morrison, Ross Levin, D. Short, Kamela Smith, Snyder-Hall, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 149

RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2026 AS “KIDNEY MONTH” IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, March is recognized nationwide as National Kidney Month, an important opportunity to raise public awareness and understanding of kidney disease, risk factors, prevention, and early detection; and

WHEREAS, chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 1 in 7 adults in the United States, an estimated 35-37 million Americans, and as many as 9 in 10 adults with CKD do not know they have the disease due to its often silent progression (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2024); and

WHEREAS, CKD is often called a “silent disease” because symptoms may not appear until kidney function is significantly impaired; and

WHEREAS, diabetes and high blood pressure remain the leading causes of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2024); and

WHEREAS, more than 800,000 Americans are living with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), relying on dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to survive (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2024); and

WHEREAS, kidney disease disproportionately impacts communities of color and individuals with limited access to preventive health care; and

WHEREAS, according to the American Kidney Fund, approximately 2,698 Delaware residents are living with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with 1,871 dependent on dialysis and 827 living with kidney transplants; and

WHEREAS, according to the American Kidney Fund’s Delaware 2024 report, 152 Delawareans were on the kidney transplant waiting list, and in 2023 only 50 kidney transplants were performed in the state, underscoring the urgent and ongoing need for organ donation; and

WHEREAS, early detection through regular physical exams, blood tests, and urine testing can help slow or prevent the progression of CKD; and

WHEREAS, maintaining kidney health can be supported by managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, reducing sodium intake, limiting processed and high-sugar foods, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, and staying properly hydrated; and

WHEREAS, the Chronic Renal Disease Program (CRDP), established in 1970 and administered by the Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA), provides assistance to Delaware residents diagnosed with ESRD, fully funded by the State of Delaware for eligible applicants; and

WHEREAS, increasing public awareness and education about kidney disease can promote early diagnosis, improve health outcomes, and reduce the long-term burden of kidney failure in Delaware.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the members of the General Assembly hereby recognize the month of March 2026 as “Kidney Month” in the State of Delaware and encourage all Delawareans to learn about kidney health, risk factors, and the importance of early screening.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution recognizes March 2026 as “Kidney Month” in Delaware and highlights the importance of kidney disease awareness, prevention, early detection, and organ donation.

Author: Senator Poore