SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 195
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 Rita Littlefield and these organizations for their
achievements; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
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.
Lucio
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 14, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate