March 2025: Kidney Month

WHEREAS, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an under-recognized public health crisis. It is the progressive, gradual loss of kidney function, which results in decreased ability of the kidneys to remove waste from the body; and,

WHEREAS, CKD affects more than one in seven U.S. adults, an estimated 35.5 million people, and more than 1 million Michigan adults (ages 20 and older) have CKD; and,

WHEREAS, as many as nine out of 10 people with CKD don’t know they have the disease because it usually has no symptoms until the late stages; and,

WHEREAS, CKD in Michigan has increased from 3.4% in 2019 to 4.2% in 2023; and,

WHEREAS, CKD is more common in female adults (4.9%) than male adults (3.9%); and affects more Black adults (5.7%) than white adults (4.2%); and,

WHEREAS, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are at high risk for developing kidney failure due to high rates of diabetes and high blood pressure in these communities; and,

WHEREAS, more than 23,000 people have end-stage renal disease in Michigan and, as of January 2025, data shows 2,201 people in Michigan were waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant; and,

WHEREAS, regular screening for and early detection of CKD allows opportunity for disease management that can slow the progression of kidney disease and help prevent kidney failure; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan are shedding light on the prevalence of kidney disease and the percentage of people who might be at risk by calling on the people of Michigan to take the “Minute for Your Kidneys” quiz to raise awareness of kidney disease; and,

WHEREAS, the month of March is designated as Kidney Month, and March 13 is recognized as Kidney Day to raise awareness of kidney disease and the importance of prevention and early detection;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2025 as Kidney Month in Michigan.