TITLE: Recognizing February 15, 2011, as Kidney Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 15, 2011, as Kidney Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Texas Senate is pleased to join the Texas Renal Coalition in recognizing February 15, 2011, as Kidney Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, The Texas Renal Coalition is a leader in the prevention and mitigation of the risks, effects, and burdens of chronic kidney diseases; an estimated 33 million Americans, representing 16 percent of the population, have kidney disease, and approximately 548,000 Americans are undergoing life-saving dialysis or have had a kidney transplant; in Texas, the incidence of end stage renal disease tripled between 1990 and 2008, and at 377 per million, exceeds the national rate; and WHEREAS, Although kidney disease is such a serious and rapidly growing health problem, many Texans remain unaware that they are at risk; left undetected, chronic kidney disease results in premature death from heart disease and other complications or in kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant to sustain life; early detection and management can prevent or slow the progression of chronic kidney disease to kidney failure and decrease health care expenditures associated with the treatment of advanced kidney disease; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to improving care and enhancing public awareness, the Texas Renal Coalition monitors health policies for dialysis and transplant patients, offers educational programs to improve public awareness about the disease, and acts as a clearinghouse for information related to legislative issues; and WHEREAS, The coalition is a participant on the Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force and works with the Texas Department of State Health Services and other organizations to educate health care professionals about the advantages of early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease; and WHEREAS, Across the state, members of the Texas Renal Coalition, volunteers, physicians, trained health care providers, organizational partners, patients, and family members are doing an outstanding job in their efforts to provide the best care for kidney patients and those at risk for kidney disease, and they all deserve recognition for their dedication and valuable services; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby recognize February 15, 2011, as Kidney Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to kidney patients and kidney health care providers and advocates who are visiting Austin today; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the Texas Renal Coalition to commemorate Kidney Day at the State Capitol. Duncan, Harris President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 15, 2011.