National Kidney Month is both a call to action and a message of hope
March is National Kidney Month, a time to focus on kidney health as a vital part of overall well-being. While we honor the generosity of kidney donors and celebrate recipients whose lives and health have been restored, this month challenges us to take proactive steps that help prevent kidney disease and keep more people off the transplant waiting list.
More than 35 million people in the U.S. are living with kidney disease, and over 102,000 individuals are currently waiting for a kidney transplant. In 2025, the generosity of 21,795 living and deceased kidney donors made 27,575 kidney transplants possible, an extraordinary reminder of the lifesaving power of donation.
National Kidney Month is both a call to action and a message of hope: prioritize kidney health through prevention and early detection, support those waiting for a transplant and consider registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Together, we can protect kidney health, reduce the need for transplantation and ensure lifesaving gifts are available when they are needed most.
The American Transplant Foundation offers guidance to help reduce the risk of kidney disease:
Get Screened: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, regular kidney function tests can help detect problems early.
Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, excessive salt and sugary drinks.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps your kidneys function properly and flush out toxins.
Control Blood Sugar & Blood Pressure: Keeping these levels in check is essential for reducing the risk of kidney disease.
Avoid Excessive NSAIDs: Overuse of painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen can damage the kidneys over time.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and managing stress can all contribute to better kidney health.
Make Time for Sleep: Aim to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
Join the organ, eye and tissue donor registry, read donor and recipient stories, or learn more about donation by visiting ShareLifeMidwest.com.
Midwest Transplant Network Kidney Donor/Recipient Stories
Personal stories help us understand the profound impact of organ, eye and tissue donation on health and wellbeing.
A Journey of Living Donation – Joey and Audrey Sughroue – Joey and Audrey Sughroue met when Joey learned he had a genetic kidney disease. Audrey hoped to be a match for Joey and donate her kidney, but she wasn’t. Eventually, they participated in a paired kidney exchange, a life-changing experience for both of them.
A Story of Hope – Jason Talk – Jason Talk learned he was in end-stage renal failure when he went to the hospital with swollen legs. He started dialysis soon after that. Years later, Jason received news that he was a transplant candidate, and shortly after being placed on the waitlist, he received the call that changed his life.
Resilience and Faith – Korbin Staten’s Journey – As a teenager, Korbin Staten discovered he had kidney disease. Six years later, he received a kidney transplant; unfortunately, the transplanted kidney faced two types of rejection. Korbin went back on dialysis but never lost resilience or faith. He was able to navigate adversity and eventually received a second transplant. With the support of his wife and medical team, Korbin has returned to full health.
Resources to explore if you’d like to join the National Kidney Registry or become a living donor:
Steps to Become a Living Kidney Donor
