A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT designating the month of march of each year as kidney month in north carolina.
Whereas, North Carolina ranks ninth in the nation for the percentage of persons that require kidney replacement therapy for kidney failure; and
Whereas, North Carolina spends five billion dollars per year on kidney disease‑related health expenses; and
Whereas, one in nine North Carolinians is at risk for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD); and
Whereas, an increasing number of North Carolinians are at risk for developing CKD due to our aging population, our level of obesity, plus the complications of diabetes and hypertension; and
Whereas, almost half of those who currently have CKD may have been able to prevent contracting this disease had they known the risk factors; and
Whereas, early detection and treatment of CKD may prevent undue suffering, the need for dialysis treatments, and kidney transplantation, and decrease the financial burden of CKD on the State; and
Whereas, the month of March is recognized as National Kidney Month; and
Whereas, observing the month of March as Kidney Month in the State of North Carolina would help to promote public awareness of CKD; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 103 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 103‑13.  Kidney Month.
The month of March of each year is designated as Kidney Month in North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.