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Organization Spotlight - Summer 2008

The National Kidney Foundation

Kidney disease is a major health problem in the United States and around the world. Nearly 78,000 Americans are on the waiting list for a lifesaving kidney transplant and 355,000 rely on a dialysis machine to keep them alive. Recent studies indicate that the disease is on the rise and as many as 26 million Americans currently have chronic kidney disease. Because symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are actually failing, millions of people with kidney damage remain unaware and are not taking steps to protect the health of their kidneys.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF), a major voluntary non-profit health organization, is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. Through its affiliates nationwide, the NKF conducts extensive public and professional education aimed at promoting early detection and improving patient care, provides vital patient and community services that includes free screenings for those at risk, advocates for patients through legislative action, and supports kidney research to identify new treatments.

Early Detection Saves Lives

The National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) offers free screening for those at risk. This includes anyone 18 years and older with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease. It is designed to raise awareness about kidney disease among high risk individuals and provide free testing and educational information, so that kidney disease and its complications can be prevented or delayed. The program, which has screened more than 125,000 since its inception, is finding kidney disease at the earliest stage possible.

KEEP provides three simple tests that determine kidney function to nearly 2,500 people each month in dozens of cities across the United States. Participants receive a comprehensive health risk appraisal, blood pressure measurement, blood and urine testing, and the opportunity to discuss their health and review results with onsite clinicians.

How You Can Help

KEEP programs are conducted on a monthly basis and medical volunteers are always needed. Additionally, the National Kidney Foundation needs people to help with local events and programs, to review educational brochures, and assist with legislative and advocacy efforts.

For more information, please visit www.kidney.org or call the foundation at (800) 622-9010. To volunteer for KEEP, please contact Monica Gannon at monicag@kidney.org.

Last Updated on 4/23/2009