HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16

RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2021 AS “RARE KIDNEY DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH” IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, March is recognized as National Kidney Month, an important opportunity to raise public awareness and understanding of rare kidney diseases, such as APOL1 mediated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS); and

WHEREAS, APOL1   genetic variants account for much of the excess risk of chronic and end stage kidney disease for persons of African ancestry, including people who identify as African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Latinx; and

WHEREAS, APOL1 explains the disproportionate rate of kidney disease in people of African ancestry; African Americans make up 13% of the United States population, but account for 32% of all kidney failure and 35% of all end stage kidney disease; in addition, African Americans are 4X more likely to develop kidney failure than White Americans; and

WHEREAS, APOL1-mediated FSGS is a rapidly progressive kidney disorder that results in high levels of protein in the urine and decreased ability of the kidney to function; and

WHEREAS, the disease almost invariably leads to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a transplant. In 50% of those living with APOL1-mediated FSGS, kidney failure occurs within 5 years; and

WHEREAS, APOL1 mediated kidney disease is driven by genetic factors and is underdiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, symptoms do not present until kidney damage is advanced. When symptoms emerge, they include fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet and weight gain, among others; and

WHEREAS, there are currently no approved treatments that address the underlying cause of APOL1-mediated FSGS; and

WHEREAS, increasing public awareness and understanding of rare kidney disease could lead to early diagnosis and care for some of the most vulnerable populations and empower and educate those at risk on how they can manage it.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 151 ^st General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the members of the General Assembly hereby recognize the month of March 2021 as "Rare Kidney Disease Awareness Month" in the State of Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution recognizes March 2021 as Rare Kidney Disease Month in Delaware.