85R8963 RMA-D
By: Guillen H.R. No. 283
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Members of the Texas Renal Coalition and the Kidney
Alliance of Texas are visiting Austin on February 14, 2017, to
participate in Rita L. Littlefield Kidney Day at the State Capitol;
and
WHEREAS, This biennial event was established in 1997 by Rita
Littlefield, a founding member of the Texas Renal Coalition and the
Kidney Alliance of Texas, who has worked tirelessly for more than
three decades in behalf of kidney patients; the gathering unites
patients, health care providers, and others in the drive to raise
awareness of a significant medical issue; and
WHEREAS, Across the nation, an estimated 30 million people
suffer from kidney disease, and more than 600,000 are undergoing
lifesaving dialysis or have had a kidney transplant; in Texas, 17
percent of the adult population has kidney disease, and the number
of dialysis patients has tripled since 1990; and
WHEREAS, Although kidney disease is a serious and rapidly
growing health problem, many Texans remain unaware that they are at
risk; left undetected, chronic kidney disease can lead to premature
death from heart disease or other complications, or to kidney
failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant to sustain life; early
detection and management can prevent or slow the progression of
chronic kidney disease and decrease health care expenditures
associated with the treatment of advanced kidney disease; and
WHEREAS, Many medical professionals, organizations, and
volunteers in the state are committed to ensuring the highest
quality of care for kidney patients; the Texas Renal Coalition
contributes significantly to this mission as it monitors health
policies for dialysis and transplant patients, offers education
programs to improve public awareness about the disease, and acts as
a clearinghouse for information related to legislative issues; and
WHEREAS, Benefiting from the dedication and leadership of
Rita Littlefield, the Texas Renal Coalition, the Kidney Alliance of
Texas, and their associates have made a positive difference in the
lives of innumerable Texans, and it is most fitting to recognize
Ms. Littlefield and these organizations for their achievements;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 14, 2017, as Rita L.
Littlefield Kidney Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those
participating sincere best wishes for a productive and memorable
event.