[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 133 (Friday, September 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING AMERICAN NEPHROLOGY NURSES ASSOCIATION KIDNEY DISEASE 
                      AWARENESS AND EDUCATION WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARBARA LEE-

                            of california---

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2011

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize the high quality 
health care provided by America's nephrology nurses. The American 
Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) has designated September 11-17, 
2011 as Nephrology Nurses Week to help draw attention to the growing 
health problem of kidney disease and the tireless efforts of the men 
and women who care for those afflicted by it. I would particularly like 
to thank ANNA Chapter 504 Northern California which represents the many 
dedicated nurses in the San Francisco Bay Area and the North and South 
Bay Areas. These hardworking professionals provide hands-on care for 
individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal 
Disease (ESRD), creating essential and personal nurse/patient 
relationships.
  Unfortunately, kidney disease touches many in my home district. 
Minorities, including African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Pacific 
Islanders are particularly affected by CKD because of under-treatment 
or lack of proper management for diabetes and hypertension, the two 
major causes of ESRD. Kidney disease afflicts both young and old, but 
close to 50 percent of those over 65 develop chronic kidney disease.
  Those suffering from kidney disease are often people who require our 
support the most. Nephrology nurses give that support every day in 
every treatment modality. In caring for patients, nephrology nurses 
show that they are skilled, knowledgeable, motivated, professional and 
compassionate. These qualities make a serious difference in the lives 
of millions of people.
  Again, thank you to each of America's nephrology nurses for your 
dedication, your skills, and the care and comfort you provide every 
day. You deserve more than just a week's attention each year. I hope 
that this body will work to support both nurses and patients in the 
upcoming sessions, and to ensure that those who stand against kidney 
disease don't stand alone.

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