Hawaii Senate Bill SCR28

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/23
• Refer: 3/9/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Engrossed: 4/5/23
• Refer: 4/11/23
• Report Pass: 4/17/23
• Passed: 4/18/23

Caption

Designating The Month Of March As Hawaii Kidney Awareness Month.

Impact

The resolution aims to influence state health policy by highlighting the urgent need for greater public awareness and education around CKD. By designating March as Kidney Awareness Month, the intention is to encourage initiatives that inform residents about the risks, symptoms, and management resources concerning kidney disease. The recognition of a dedicated month not only aims to foster community engagement but also aligns with broader health initiatives that focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment of chronic illnesses, particularly affecting high-risk populations such as Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other minority communities significantly impacted by CKD.

Summary

SCR28, also known as the Senate Concurrent Resolution to designate March as Hawaii Kidney Awareness Month, seeks to bring attention to the significant public health issue of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Hawaii. CKD affects an estimated thirty-seven million individuals across the United States, with Hawaii's kidney failure rate being notably higher than the national average. The resolution underlines the urgency of raising awareness about the condition, which often goes unnoticed until it reaches critical stages. It emphasizes that early detection is key in managing CKD effectively, potentially preventing its progression to end-stage kidney disease which requires more invasive treatments such as dialysis or kidney transplants.

Contention

While SCR28 is largely seen as a positive step towards improving public health, there may be discussions on how effectively these awareness campaigns will translate into actionable health outcomes. Some stakeholders might express concerns regarding funding for educational programs, access to healthcare services for early diagnosis, and the resources necessary to sustain awareness efforts beyond the designated month. Additionally, emphasis on prevention and treatment might prompt debates about health equity and the level of access to necessary healthcare services for disadvantaged populations that remain disproportionately affected by kidney disease.