Senate Resolution No. 196

BY: Senator RIVERA

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
March 2019, as Kidney Disease Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2019, as Kidney Disease
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Kidney Month; and

WHEREAS, Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem
affecting 1.5 million New Yorkers and an estimated 30 million people
nationwide; and

WHEREAS, The incidence of kidney failure, or end stage renal disease
(ESRD), is rising fast, with more than 546,000 Americans currently
receiving treatment, including more than 460,000 dialysis patients and
193,000 people with functioning kidney transplants; and

WHEREAS, Today, nearly 10,000 New Yorkers are on the transplant
waiting list; New York State encourages all to join the State's tissue
and organ donation registry; and

WHEREAS, Tragically, in 2013, more than 47,000 Americans died from
kidney disease; and

WHEREAS, Diabetes and hypertension are the two leading causes of
chronic kidney disease which strikes minorities disproportionately; and

WHEREAS, African Americans are affected at a rate of nearly three
times that of Caucasians; the number of new cases of kidney failure per
million is 783 for African Americans and 295 for whites; Hispanics,
Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans are also at increased
risk; and

WHEREAS, Also at particular risk are the elderly, as the chance of
developing kidney disease increases significantly with age; and

WHEREAS, People afflicted with chronic kidney disease typically
develop other chronic and life-threatening conditions such as
cardiovascular disease; and

WHEREAS, Early intervention is the best method for managing the
complications of chronic kidney disease; and

WHEREAS, The Northeast Kidney Foundation provides early
intervention, community education and support programs for those
suffering from chronic kidney disease; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2019, as Kidney
Disease Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.