Texas Senate Bill SR681

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Recognizing April 30, 2017, as Living Kidney Donors Day.

Impact

The resolution aims to raise awareness among the public about the need for living kidney donations, highlighting that living donors often provide the highest-functioning and longest-lasting kidneys. It addresses the disparity between the demand for transplants and the actual number of procedures performed, pointing to the fact that only 1,724 kidney transplants were conducted in the prior year despite more than 8,800 patients waiting. Such awareness initiatives can influence both public perception and participation in live donations, potentially leading to an increase in the number of individuals willing to become donors.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 681 recognizes April 30, 2017, as Living Kidney Donors Day in Texas. This resolution is a formal acknowledgment of the importance of living kidney donation and its impact on the lives of Texans suffering from kidney failure. With over 60,000 people in Texas facing kidney failure and thousands on waitlists for transplants, the resolution emphasizes the growing need for public awareness regarding kidney donation and its critical role in providing life-saving treatments.

Contention

While resolutions like SR681 generally evoke support, implicit concerns may arise about how these awareness campaigns are orchestrated and their effectiveness in reaching wider audiences. Critics might argue that without accompanying action plans to streamline the transplantation process or improve donor recruitment, such proclamations can be mere symbolic gestures. Despite this, the Senate’s recognition of Living Kidney Donors Day serves as a supportive gesture towards both the Texas Kidney Foundation and the individuals affected by kidney disease.