SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 195

WHEREAS, Members of the Texas Renal Coalition and the Kidney Alliance of Texas are visiting Austin on February 14, 2017, to participate in Rita L. Littlefield Kidney Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, This biennial event was established in 1997 by Rita Littlefield, a founding member of the Texas Renal Coalition and the Kidney Alliance of Texas, who has worked tirelessly for more than three decades in behalf of kidney patients; the gathering unites patients, health care providers, and others in the drive to raise awareness of a significant medical issue; and

WHEREAS, Across the nation, an estimated 30 million people suffer from kidney disease, and more than 600,000 are undergoing lifesaving dialysis or have had a kidney transplant; in Texas, 17 percent of the adult population has kidney disease, and the number of dialysis patients has tripled since 1990; and

WHEREAS, Although kidney disease is a serious and rapidly growing health problem, many Texans remain unaware that they are at risk; left undetected, chronic kidney disease can lead to premature death from heart disease or other complications, or to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant to sustain life; early detection and management can prevent or slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and decrease health care expenditures associated with the treatment of advanced kidney disease; and

WHEREAS, Many medical professionals, organizations, and volunteers in the state are committed to ensuring the highest quality of care for kidney patients; the Texas Renal Coalition contributes significantly to this mission as it monitors health policies for dialysis and transplant patients, offers education programs to improve public awareness about the disease, and acts as a clearinghouse for information related to legislative issues; and

WHEREAS, Benefiting from the dedication and leadership of Rita Littlefield, the Texas Renal Coalition, the Kidney Alliance of Texas, and their associates have made a positive difference in the lives of innumerable Texans, and it is most fitting to recognize Rita Littlefield and these organizations for their achievements; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby recognize February 14, 2017, as Rita L. Littlefield Kidney Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those participating sincere best wishes for a productive and memorable event.

Lucio

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 14, 2017.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate