Senator Hammerstrom offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 18.

            A resolution recognizing March 2005 as National Kidney Month.

Whereas, Chronic kidney disease affects 1 in 9 adults in Michigan and can lead to cardiovascular complications, bone disease, and irreversible kidney failure; and

Whereas, People in Michigan who are most severely affected by chronic kidney disease include over 10,000 receiving dialysis treatments in 148 dialysis centers, almost 5,000 living with a kidney transplant, and over 2,000 who are waiting for a kidney transplant; and

Whereas, Chronic kidney disease, which is a major public health burden, is projected to cost $20 billion for the national health system by the year 2010; and

Whereas, African Americans comprise 14 percent of the state population and almost 50 percent of the kidney failure patients in Michigan and are among those at highest risk for undiagnosed chronic kidney disease; and

Whereas, Cost-effective means are available to identify and treat chronic kidney disease and associated life-threatening complications, and evidence-based clinical guidelines have been developed to save lives; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby recognize March 2005 as National Kidney Month and express our support for the proactive leadership of the Michigan Department of Community Health, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, Michigan health care providers, quality improvement partners, and consumer advocates in the fight against chronic kidney disease in Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Community Health and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.