To Oppose Dangerous Policies that Put Dialysis Patients at Risk

WHEREAS, millions of Americans rely on dialysis treatment 3 days a week for up to 4 hours at a time to stay alive. Black or African Americans are 4 times more likely and Hispanics are 1.3 times more likely to have kidney failure than White Americans although they make up 13.5% of the population, Blacks make up more than 35% of dialysis patients; and

WHEREAS, it is critical that patients have easy, nearby access to dialysis clinics otherwise their risk of missing a treatment increases; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP has repeatedly voted to oppose harmful ballot initiatives and legislation that threaten dialysis patients' access to care; and

WHEREAS, missing a single treatment increases a patient's risk of death by 30%; and

WHEREAS, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, African Americans are 3 times more likely to develop kidney failure and need dialysis treatment; and

WHEREAS, certain interest groups continue to propose harmful and unnecessary measures that would reduce dialysis patient access to care by threatening the viability of dialysis clinics.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NAACP will continue to take a stand to protect vulnerable dialysis patients against dangerous initiatives and legislation that would threaten patient access to safe and effective care.