AR SCR7

Designates March 2023 as Rare Kidney Disease Awareness Month in Arkansas to raise public awareness of rare kidney diseases, particularly APOL1-mediated kidney disease.

Identifies APOL1 genetic variants as accounting for much of the excess risk of chronic and end-stage kidney disease in people of African ancestry, including African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin descent populations.

Notes that African Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population but account for 32% of all kidney failure and 35% of all end-stage kidney disease, and are four times more likely to develop kidney failure than White Americans.

Recognizes that APOL1-mediated kidney disease is genetic and underdiagnosed, with symptoms (fatigue, leg and feet swelling, weight gain) only appearing when kidney damage is already advanced.

Asserts that increased public awareness and understanding of rare kidney disease genetic causes could lead to early diagnosis and care for vulnerable populations and help those at risk manage the condition.