HR0156 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0156 LRB096 11560 GRL 22042 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, 20 million Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease and an additional 20 million are at risk for kidney disease; 600,000 people in Illinois alone suffer from chronic kidney disease and over 15,000 are on dialysis due to kidney failure; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois House of Representatives recognizes that more can be done to prevent and lessen the effects of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and improve the lives of millions of Americans; and

WHEREAS, Early detection is critical to helping those affected by kidney disease; the Illinois House of Representatives recognizes that early detection and treatment in its early stages can delay the onset of end stage kidney failure, which in turn reduces the number of patients that require dialysis and reduces the long-term effects of the disease, including its impact on diabetes and cardiovascular disease; and

WHEREAS, African-Americans and Hispanics currently suffer from chronic kidney disease at a rate that is four times higher than the overall rate of Americans diagnosed with CKD; and

WHEREAS, Targeting specific populations can help maximize the efficiency of catching the disease in its early stages, saving not only money but greatly improving the quality of life of those affected by the disease; and

WHEREAS, We have affirmed our support for early detection and education programs offered through the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois and World Kidney Day; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate March 12, 2009 as "World Kidney Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we support public policy initiatives in this area and acknowledge the need for education and awareness to support applicable medical treatment specific to the populations at greatest risk in eliminating this health disparity.