National Kidney Month

March is National Kidney Month. Focus on kidney health. Share educational materials. Hold a health screening. There are many things you can do to recognize National Kidney Month in your community, with your family, or with your faith organization.

More than 20 million adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease, with an additional 400,000 people currently depending on dialysis to treat kidney failure, according to the U.S. Renal Data System.

Of the more than 80,000 people on the national waiting list for a kidney transplant, 35 percent are African-American and nearly 19 percent are Hispanic, although they make up only 13 percent and 16 percent of the U.S. population, respectively.

Be a health champion. Share kidney health information during National Kidney Month.

10 things you can do to prepare for National Kidney Month

	If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or a family history of kidney failure, you may be at risk for kidney disease. Schedule an appointment with your health care provider to get your blood and urine checked.
	If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, pledge to explore healthy diet and lifestyle changes to keep your kidneys healthier longer.
	Remember to ask loved ones with any of the key risk factors for kidney disease to get their blood and urine checked for kidney disease.
	If you are planning a family reunion, get a free copy of NKDEP's Family Reunion Guide to help family members make the kidney connection.
	March 3 is Kidney Sunday. Work with your faith-based organization to arrange a Kidney Sundays event in March for National Kidney Month. NKDEP has a free Kidney Sundays toolkit to help you educate your faith-based community about kidney health.
	Become an organ donor.
	Educators: Remember to order free materials for Spanish-speaking clients or patients at risk for and recently diagnosed with kidney disease.
	Have patients with diabetes or hypertension? Earn a Certificate of Training in CKD Nutrition Management from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
	Show members that your organization cares about kidney health by placing these tailored badges on its website in March.
	Tell others about NKDEP and its free resources by tailoring these articles for your next newsletter.