# Plain Language Summary: APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease Awareness Day

This resolution asks Congress to officially recognize the last Tuesday of April each year as "APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day." It's not a law that changes anything or creates new requirements—it's more like a formal statement saying that Congress supports raising awareness about a specific type of kidney disease that disproportionately affects Black Americans.

Here's why this matters: About 37 million Americans have kidney disease, but Black Americans develop kidney failure at much higher rates than any other group. While Black people make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, they account for 35 percent of people with kidney failure. One reason for this disparity is a genetic factor involving the APOL1 gene. People with ancestry from Western or Central Africa are more likely to carry variants (mutations) of this gene, and if someone has variants in both copies of the gene, they have about a 1 in 5 chance of developing kidney disease. Roughly 13 percent of Black Americans carry these variants in both copies.

The tricky part is that people with AMKD often don't feel sick until their kidneys are already failing. That's why the resolution encourages genetic testing—if people know they carry these gene variants, they can take steps to protect their kidney health through regular doctor visits, healthy eating, exercise, medication management, and avoiding smoking. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments specifically for AMKD, but the resolution also highlights the need for more research and clinical trials to develop better treatments. By designating an awareness day, Congress is essentially saying this is an important health issue that deserves more attention and resources.

Expressing support for the designation of the last Tuesday of April each year as "APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day".

Plaskett, Stacey E.

<p>This resolution expresses support for APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day.</p>