RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025 AS “KIDNEY MONTH” IN DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore & Rep. Bush

Sens. Hansen, Hocker, Hoffner, Huxtable, Lawson, Mantzavinos, Pettyjohn, Seigfried, Sokola, Walsh, Wilson; Reps. Bolden, Gorman, Harris, Heffernan, Hensley, K. Johnson, Jones Giltner, Minor-Brown, Neal, Ortega, Osienski, Romer, Ross Levin, D. Short, Kamela Smith, Snyder-Hall, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 28

RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025 AS “KIDNEY MONTH” IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, March is recognized as National Kidney Month, an important opportunity to raise public awareness and understanding of kidney diseases; and

WHEREAS, chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 37 million U.S. adults, with 90% unaware of their condition; 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 National Kidney Foundation, between 2019 and 2021, diabetes was the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 46% of new cases, while hypertension (high blood pressure) was the second leading cause, responsible for 29% of new cases; and

WHEREAS, CKD often progresses silently, with symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, and weight gain appearing only in advanced stages; and

WHEREAS, according to the American Kidney Fund’s Delaware 2024 report, there were 152 Delawareans on the kidney transplant waiting list, and in 2023, only 50 kidney transplants were performed in the state, meaning approximately one-third of those on the waiting list received a transplant, underscoring the critical need for organ donors; and

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

WHEREAS, maintaining kidney health can be achieved by reducing red meat consumption, limiting fast food and sugary drinks, increasing intake of fruits and vegetables, and staying hydrated with water; 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 understanding of kidney disease can lead to early diagnosis and care for vulnerable populations, empowering and educating those at risk on management strategies.

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 2025 as “Kidney Month” in the State of Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution recognizes March 2025 as "Kidney Month" in Delaware.

Author: Senator Poore