WHEREAS, One in eight Americans (26 million) suffer from chronic kidney disease, and one-half million have lost their kidney function due to end-stage renal disease; and
WHEREAS, One in six Philadelphians will be affected by kidney disease, while the number of people suffering from the disease is projected to increase, and the majority of them are currently undiagnosed; and
WHEREAS, High blood pressure and diabetes - the two most common causes of kidney disease - are both on the rise, making screening and early detection of these diseases critical in stemming these diseases; and
WHEREAS, The public health impact of these diseases - in Philadelphia and beyond - makes it imperative that we improve health literacy on kidney health, promote self-care, improve access to care and research, and enhance community involvement in positive health behaviors; and
WHEREAS, World Kidney Day - a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations - is designed to raise awareness of these issues, reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease, and recognize the importance of organ donation and kidney transplantation as a life-saving option for kidney failure patients; and
WHEREAS, The Nephrology, Hypertension, and Kidney Transplantation Section at Temple University School of Medicine; in Partnership with National Kidney Foundation, Delaware Valley, is sponsoring World Kidney Day on March 8, 2012 to promote kidney disease prevention, education, support services, and research - and will include volunteers from the academic and local communities, foundations, and industries to support the event; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes March 8, 2012, as World Kidney Day in Philadelphia and urges all residents to recognize that kidney disease is a serious health threat to this City's citizens.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Temple University School of Medicine as a sincere expression of City Council's gratitude, appreciation, and commendation for raising the public's awareness regarding renal disease.
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