Senator Gleason offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 18.

            A resolution recognizing March 12, 2009, as World Kidney Day and the month of March 2009 as Kidney Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Healthy kidneys are essential to the body by regulating water and other chemicals in the blood; removing fluids, waste, toxins, and drugs introduced to the body; releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure; making red blood cells; and promoting strong bones; and

            Whereas, More than 940,000 Michiganians, about one in eight adults, suffer from chronic kidney disease; and

            Whereas, Of the 18,000 Michiganians afflicted with kidney failure and of the 12,000 Michiganians on dialysis, approximately 45 percent are African American; and

            Whereas, The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which are responsible for more than 70 percent of all cases. Kidney disease caused by diabetes and high blood pressure can often be prevented or delayed; and

            Whereas, One in three children born in 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes and become at risk for kidney disease unless young people start eating less and exercising more; and

            Whereas, The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is to prevent kidney disease, improve the quality of life for those living with it, and promote early detection to aid in preventing the progression from kidney disease to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life; and

            Whereas, The cost of treatment for kidney disease patients is disproportionately higher than any other chronic disease; and

            Whereas, The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan has continually served the people of Michigan for the last 54 years. With the help of dedicated volunteers and supporters across the state, it will continue to offer more programs and services to more people than any other affiliate in the country; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby recognize March 12, 2009, as World Kidney Day and the month of March 2009 as Kidney Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. It is the hope that all possible support will continue to be extended to chronic kidney disease patients in Michigan and throughout the country and world; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan with our highest regards.