March is National Kidney Month: Taking Charge of Your Kidney Health

March marks National Kidney Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and advocate for those facing end-stage renal disease (ESRD), whether they rely on dialysis or seek a kidney transplant.

Nathaniel Brown holds the proclamation signed by Gov. Kotek.

The Northwest Kidney Council extends our deepest gratitude to Governor Tina Kotek of Oregon for her leadership in proclaiming March as Kidney Month. Her recognition of this critical issue underscores the importance of kidney health awareness and expanding access to care for Oregonians affected by this disease. In Oregon, the impact is profound: in 2023, 3.8% of adults in the state—more than 150,000 Oregonians—reported having been diagnosed with kidney disease, according to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. These proclamations serve as a powerful tool in educating the public and driving meaningful action to support kidney patients.

The NWKC team will be out and about this month, in both Oregon and Washington helping to educate people on the prevalence of kidney disease in our region and the real life impacts. In particular:

We’re excited to take part in the 2025 World Kidney Health Fair on Thursday, March 13, at the Beaverton Resource Center. This community event will focus on kidney health, wellness, and prevention, offering valuable resources for those living with kidney disease, caregivers, and anyone interested in maintaining good kidney health. Whether you’re personally affected or simply want to learn more, we invite you to join us, bring your loved ones, and help spread the word about kidney health. Learn more here.

NWKC is proud to join with Northwest Kidney Centers for the annual Legislative Day on Tuesday, March 18, in Olympia, where we will be meeting with legislators to advocate for policies that support kidney patients and improve access to care.

As we observe National Kidney Month, let’s work together to spread awareness, promote early detection, and advocate for policies that support those affected by kidney disease. Through these small actions, we can make a meaningful difference for the millions living with kidney disease.