Illinois Statutes Chapter 20. Executive Branch § 5160/10-5. Findings

(1) Chronic kidney disease is the 9th-leading cause of death in the United States. An estimated 31 million people in the United States have chronic kidney disease and over 1.12 million people in the State of Illinois are living with the disease. Early chronic kidney disease has no signs or symptoms and, without early detection, can progress to kidney failure.

(2) If a person has high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of kidney failure, the risk of kidney disease is greater. In Illinois, 13% of all adults have diabetes, and 32% have high blood pressure. The prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension is higher for African Americans, who develop kidney failure at a rate of nearly 4 to 1 compared to Caucasians, while Hispanics develop kidney failure at a rate of 2 to 1. Almost half of the people waiting for a kidney in Illinois identify as African American, but, in 2017, less than 10% of them received a kidney.

(3) Although dialysis is a life-extending treatment, the best and most cost-effective treatment for kidney failure is a kidney transplant. Currently, the wait in Illinois for a deceased donor kidney is 5-7 years, and 13 people die while waiting every day.

(4) If chronic kidney disease is detected early and managed appropriately, the individual can receive treatment sooner to help protect the kidneys, the deterioration in kidney function can be slowed or even stopped, and the risk of associated cardiovascular complications and other complications can be reduced.

(5) In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased risk of infection to patients with preexisting conditions, it is imperative to provide those with kidney disease with support.