Missouri Revised Statutes Title II. Sovereignty, Jurisdiction and Emblems § 9.384. Rare kidney disease awareness month designated for month of March

The month of March of each year shall be known and is hereby designated as “Rare Kidney Disease Awareness Month”. More than one in seven people is estimated to have rare kidney disease. Ninety percent of patients with rare kidney disease stages 1-3 are undiagnosed. Rare kidney disease, when diagnosed, is often found in late stages after irreversible damage to the kidneys has already occurred. People who inherit two variants of the APOL1 gene are at a significantly increased risk of developing kidney disease. These risk variants are found exclusively in people of sub-Saharan African ancestry. It is recommended to the people of the state and to state departments that the month be appropriately observed through activities that will increase awareness of rare kidney disease, available screening and genetic testing options, and efforts to improve treatment for patients. The citizens of this state are encouraged to participate in appropriate awareness and educational activities for rare kidney disease, available screening and genetic testing options, and efforts to improve treatment for patients.