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Kidney Action Day Takes Aim at Battling High Rates of Chronic Kidney Disease in Chicago

Chicago, IL (March 13, 2010) – More than 150 Chicago residents gathered at South Park Baptist Church in Bronzeville to take advantage of free kidney screenings offered by the American Kidney Fund (AKF), in partnership with the Thapelo Institute, in recognition of National Kidney Month. 

“The high prevalence of kidney disease in many of Chicago’s minority neighborhoods must be addressed,” said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. “We consider it a vital part of our mission to provide free kidney disease screenings to Chicago’s most at-risk populations.”

Kidney disease is a health crisis, particularly in “red zone” neighborhoods predominately located on Chicago’s south and west sides. While genetics can be a factor, diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney problems. With early detection, the progress of kidney disease can be managed and slowed. Prevention and education are crucial to preventing the onset of kidney failure.

Since 2005, the American Kidney Fund has conducted 7,500 kidney screenings in Chicago through its Minority Intervention and Kidney Education Program (MIKE), sponsored nationally by Amgen.

“About 25 percent of our screening participants show signs of possible kidney damage,” said Courtney Nicholas, Associate Director of MIKE. “Kidney disease is a silent, progressive condition, and if it is caught early enough, many people can avoid kidney failure.” A person with kidney failure can survive only by having dialysis treatment several times per week or by having a kidney transplant.

Participants at the free screening received free medical testing to assess not only kidney health, but also liver, heart, thyroid, and bone and muscle function.

In addition to Burton and Thapelo Institute advisory board member Dr. Thomas Pitts, attendees heard the testimony of Felena Bunn, a Chicago jazz singer who has suffered from kidney failure for seven years. Felena is among the tens of thousands who have received funding from AKF for treatment expenses. In Chicago, AKF provided nearly $1.4 million in support to more than 1,100 dialysis patients last year.  

“I had no insurance when I was diagnosed with kidney disease,” said Bunn. “The financial support I received from the American Kidney Fund helped me pay for the medicine and treatment I needed.”

“Kidney Action Day” was just one of AKF’s initiatives, programs and events during the month of March intended to help further the organization’s outreach to all Americans who are at risk of, or living with, kidney disease— the nation’s ninth leading cause of death.

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About the American Kidney Fund
The American Kidney Fund is the nation’s No. 1 source of treatment-related financial assistance to kidney patients and a leader in providing health education to people with or at risk for kidney disease.  In 2009, the American Kidney Fund provided nearly $155 million in treatment-related financial assistance to more than 87,000 dialysis patients nationwide.  The American Kidney Fund reaches tens of thousands of individuals each year with information about kidney health; operates a kidney disease screening program in high-risk communities; and maintains a toll-free HelpLine (866-300-2900) which provides education about kidney disease. The American Kidney Fund is a seven-time recipient of the highest “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator; holds an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy; adheres to the National Health Council Standards of Excellence; and is a member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit www.kidneyfund.org.