Michigan House proclaims March 2026 as Kidney Month, highlights screening and disparities
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Summary
The House adopted a resolution recognizing March 2026 as Kidney Month after Representative Brenda Carter recounted personal family experience and cited state and national statistics on chronic and end-stage kidney disease, including racial disparities and the need for screening and organ donation.
The Michigan House adopted House Resolution 255 on March 4, 2026, designating March 2026 as Kidney Month and urging awareness, screening and support for organ donation.
Representative Brenda Carter, sponsor of the resolution, described the issue as deeply personal, recounting family experience with end-stage kidney disease and transplant. She told colleagues that roughly more than 1,000,000 Michiganders age 20 and up have chronic kidney disease, more than 23,000 residents live with end-stage kidney disease, and more than 2,300 people in the state were waiting for a kidney transplant (figures cited from the floor). Representative Carter also emphasized disparities, saying Black Michiganders experience kidney failure at roughly three times the rate of white Michiganders and that diabetes and high blood pressure contribute disproportionately.
"This month is about more than awareness. It's about taking action," Representative Carter said, urging colleagues to support the resolution and encourage screening and prevention. The House adopted the resolution by voice vote.
What happens next: The resolution is ceremonial but aims to increase outreach and screening; sponsors urged constituents to get screened and to consider organ donation.