With more than 50,000 Texans relying on dialysis and over 8,000 awaiting a life-saving kidney transplant, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is using National Kidney Month to spotlight critical health resources, early detection efforts, and the urgent need for organ donors. The initiative aims to educate Texans about kidney disease prevention, encourage screenings, and increase donor registration to help save lives.

A Personal Testament to the Gift of Life

For many, kidney disease is a silent battle—one that often remains undetected until it reaches a critical stage. Texas State Senator Kelly Hancock knows this firsthand.

“After living more than 30 years with a rare genetic kidney disease, I received a kidney donated by my son-in-law,” Hancock shared. “His selfless gift literally saved my life. Now, nearly three years later, I’ve never felt better. It’s been an honor to pass legislation that raises awareness about Texas’ living donor registry, giving healthy individuals the opportunity to change someone else’s future.”

This powerful story underscores the life-changing impact of organ donation—a cause that HHSC is pushing to the forefront this March.

  

Understanding Kidney Disease: Risks, Prevention & Early Detection

Kidney disease can develop gradually over time or emerge rapidly due to genetic conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney stones. If left unchecked, chronic kidney disease (CKD) can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, and bone deterioration.

Early detection is the key to prevention. HHSC urges Texans to discuss risk factors with their healthcare providers and undergo simple blood and urine tests to monitor kidney function.

Shocking Fact: Nine in 10 U.S. adults with chronic kidney disease don’t even know they have it!

Lianna Burton, HHSC Director of Specialty Health, warns, “Often, symptoms don’t appear until 80 to 90 percent of kidney function is already lost. We encourage Texans to take proactive steps in preventing this disease by making lifestyle changes and seeking regular screenings.”

Prevention Starts Today:
✅ Maintain a healthy diet low in processed foods and sodium
✅ Stay hydrated and limit sugary drinks
✅ Exercise regularly to control blood pressure and diabetes
✅ Get annual check-ups to monitor kidney health

Critical Financial Assistance for Texans Battling Kidney Disease

For those diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the HHSC Kidney Health Care (KHC) program provides financial assistance to help cover dialysis treatments, prescription costs, Medicare premiums, and travel expenses for transplants.

Eligibility Requirements:
✔ Must be a Texas resident
✔ Income must be below $60,000 per year
✔ Must receive regular dialysis treatments or have had a kidney transplant
✔ Must meet Medicare’s definition of ESRD
✔ Must not be eligible for Medicaid benefits for medical, drug, or travel expenses

Texans in need can apply for KHC assistance through participating outpatient dialysis centers, hospitals, or VA facilities, where social workers are available to guide them through the process.

How You Can Save a Life: Become an Organ Donor Today

With thousands of Texans waiting for a kidney transplant, HHSC urges residents to join the National Kidney Registry and register as an organ donor.

One donor can save up to eight lives and improve the quality of life for many more. Whether through living donation—like Senator Hancock’s son-in-law—or posthumous organ donation, every registration brings hope to those in need.

To learn more about kidney health resources, financial assistance programs, and organ donation, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.

Take Action Today – Because Every Kidney Counts.

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