SC H5416

Declares March 2026 as "Kidney Awareness Month" in South Carolina and April 28, 2026, as "APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease Awareness Day"

South Carolina currently has 14,372 people diagnosed with kidney failure, 10,267 on dialysis, and 1,531 on the kidney transplant waiting list

Black Americans face significant health disparities, comprising 13% of the U.S. population but 35% of those with kidney failure, with 13% of Black Americans carrying APOL1 gene variants in both gene copies

APOL1 gene variants, more common in people with Western or Central African ancestry, increase risk for a rapidly progressive form of kidney disease that may show no symptoms until kidneys are near failure

Encourages South Carolina citizens to learn about APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease and urges those with Western or Central African ancestry to consider genetic testing