[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR.

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with more than 60 
of my colleagues of the Congressional Kidney Caucus in support of the 
goals and ideals of National Kidney Month which begins tomorrow.
  Each year, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and 
Kidney Diseases as well as leading kidney care organizations recognize 
and celebrate March as National Kidney Month to promote public 
awareness, education, screening and detection throughout the nation.
  Currently, more than 31 million Americans are affected by Chronic 
Kidney Disease (CKD) and millions more are at risk. Kidney Disease is 
the slow loss of kidney function over time and, if left untreated, 
gradually progresses to end-stage renal disease marked by the complete 
loss of kidney function. While there is no cure for CKD, proper 
lifelong treatment can slow the onset of kidney failure and help 
control the symptoms of this devastating disease.
  Recently named the eighth leading cause of death in the United States 
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 570,000 
Americans currently rely on hemodialysis or a kidney transplant for 
their survival.
  The Congressional Kidney Caucus, which was established in 2002, has 
partnered with a number of kidney organizations to promote policies 
that benefit patients with kidney disease and provide Members and their 
staff the most comprehensive, up-to-date information related to this 
disease.
  Throughout the month of March, the Caucus supports the thousands of 
kidney advocates and groups that are expected to visit Capitol Hill to 
discuss their experiences and advocate for enhanced patient care, 
research and public education and prevention.
  In the spirit of National Kidney Month, I encourage my fellow Members 
of Congress to participate in these events on Capitol Hill and events 
hosted in their districts and to consider joining the Congressional 
Kidney Caucus in support of these efforts. Please have your staff reach 
out to my office if you are interested in the schedule of events or if 
you are interested in joining the Caucus.

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