Designating February as Kidney Health Awareness Month for a 10-year period beginning in 2019.
Impact
By declaring February as Kidney Health Awareness Month, the resolution aims to highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Awareness initiatives during this month could lead to increased screenings and educational campaigns, potentially reducing the incidence of end-stage renal disease, which entails significant healthcare costs and impacts patients' quality of life. Currently, a considerable number of Texans rely on dialysis, a costly treatment averaging over $80,000 per year, underscoring the need for preventive measures and public education.
Summary
HCR43 is a concurrent resolution designating February as Kidney Health Awareness Month in the state of Texas. The resolution emerged from growing concerns about the significant number of individuals, over 30 million across the United States, affected by kidney disease. With one out of every three Americans at risk due to conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, raising awareness about kidney health is deemed crucial. The bill underscores the importance of the kidneys and their functions, including filtering blood and regulating blood pressure.
Contention
While the bill itself does not propose legislative changes, it seeks to draw attention to an urgent health issue that often goes unnoticed. The lack of initial symptoms associated with CKD means that many individuals may not obtain necessary medical interventions until significant damage has occurred. The resolution encourages the state to prioritize kidney health through better public awareness and education, with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes for Texan residents. The passage of HCR43 received overwhelming support in the legislature, signifying a strong consensus on the importance of kidney health in the state.