National Kidney Health Month
Protect your kidneys during National Kidney Health Month! Your kidneys are vital organs that filter waste from your blood. Learn about kidney disease prevention, recognize early warning signs, and discover how to maintain optimal kidney health through diet, exercise, and regular checkups.
About National Kidney Health Month
Protect your kidneys during National Kidney Health Month! Your kidneys are vital organs that filter waste from your blood. Learn about kidney disease prevention, recognize early warning signs, and discover how to maintain optimal kidney health through diet, exercise, and regular checkups.
History & origins
National Kidney Health Month is observed in March and is used to spotlight kidney disease prevention, early detection, and patient education. The National Kidney Foundation has prominently promoted March as National Kidney Month, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases also recognizes the month for kidney health awareness in the United States. The broader origin of the observance is not clearly documented in a single founding proclamation, so it is best understood as a public health awareness campaign led by kidney-health organizations rather than a formal holiday.
Why it matters
Kidney disease is often called a silent condition because early stages may cause few or no symptoms, which makes awareness and screening especially important. The month encourages people to learn their risk factors, manage blood pressure and diabetes, and ask about kidney function tests before problems become advanced. It also helps support conversations about equity, since kidney disease and kidney failure affect some communities more heavily than others.
How to celebrate
Schedule a checkup and ask about kidney function tests. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Reduce sodium intake to protect kidney function. Exercise regularly to maintain healthy blood pressure. Learn about risk factors for kidney disease and how to prevent them.
Facts
- Your kidneys filter about 200 quarts of blood daily
- Kidney disease affects over 37 million Americans
- High blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes of kidney disease
- Your kidneys produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production
- Early kidney disease often has no symptoms, making regular screening important
Upcoming dates
- Sunday, March 1, 2026
- Monday, March 1, 2027
- Wednesday, March 1, 2028
- Thursday, March 1, 2029
- Friday, March 1, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Kidney Health Month in 2026?
National Kidney Health Month in 2026 is observed throughout March 2026. It is a month-long observance rather than a single-day holiday.
What is National Kidney Health Month?
National Kidney Health Month is a kidney awareness observance focused on prevention, screening, and healthier habits. It highlights how the kidneys filter waste, balance fluids, and support blood pressure control.
Who started National Kidney Health Month?
The exact founder is unclear, but the National Kidney Foundation has strongly promoted March as National Kidney Month. The observance is part of a broader kidney-health awareness effort in the United States.
How do you celebrate National Kidney Health Month?
You can celebrate it by scheduling a checkup, asking about kidney function testing, staying hydrated, and reducing sodium intake. Learning your risk factors for kidney disease is also a practical way to participate.
Is National Kidney Health Month the same as World Kidney Day?
No, they are related but not the same. National Kidney Health Month lasts all March, while World Kidney Day is a single day in March focused on global kidney-health awareness.
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