# What This Bill Actually Does

This is a symbolic resolution that designates September 2024 as "National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Month." In practical terms, this means Congress is officially recognizing and supporting a month dedicated to raising public awareness about polycystic kidney disease (PKD). It's not creating new laws or funding programs—it's essentially Congress saying "we support efforts to educate people about this disease."

The bill highlights why this matters: polycystic kidney disease affects roughly 500,000 Americans and is one of the four leading causes of kidney failure in the country. It's a genetic disorder that damages not just the kidneys but also the heart, hormonal system, liver, and digestive system. About half of people with PKD experience kidney failure by age 60, and currently there's no cure—only limited treatments. The resolution emphasizes that the disease affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds, and that many people don't even know they have it because public awareness is so low.

By officially recognizing this awareness month, Congress is encouraging Americans and organizations to participate in events and activities that educate the public about PKD. The resolution specifically mentions the PKD Foundation and its supporters, who organize things like the annual "Walk for PKD" to raise money for research and support. For people living with PKD or their families, this official recognition could help bring more attention to the disease, potentially leading to more research funding and better understanding from employers, healthcare providers, and the general public. For most other Americans, this won't have a direct impact—it's mainly a symbolic gesture meant to shine a spotlight on a serious but often overlooked health condition.

Expressing support for the designation of September 2024 as "National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Month", and raising awareness and understanding of polycystic kidney disease.

Cleaver, Emanuel

<p>This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Month.</p>