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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Tenee Hawkins
Director of Communications
American Kidney Fund
404.658.1423 - Office
404.551.0341 - Cell
thawkins@kidneyfund.org
Leading Kidney Organizations Partner to Offer Unified Anemia Education Resource for Patients
Anemia is a Common Side Effect of Kidney Disease; New Educational Supplement Offers Questions to Ask Your Doctor, Guidelines for Tracking Anemia and Other Tips for Patients
Washington, D.C. (July 26, 2010) – In order to help chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients learn more about anemia and its proper management, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), American Kidney Fund (AKF), Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), Renal Physicians Association (RPA) and Renal Support Network (RSN) have teamed up to offer a new anemia education resource, Treating Anemia, available at no charge to kidney patients and their physicians.
Anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells. Since it can be caused by inadequate levels of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which is normally made by the kidneys, anemia is very commonly experienced by kidney patients. If left untreated, anemia can lead to loss of energy, headaches, trouble sleeping, dizziness, shortness of breath, lack of appetite and a rapid heart rate. The Treating Anemia education supplement was created to help patients work with their doctors to identify anemia’s symptoms, discuss the various treatment options available and monitor red blood cell counts together.
“Particularly when it comes to kidney disease and its related conditions, it is important for patients to have an open dialogue with their doctors regarding their care,” said Ed Jones, M.D., President of RPA. “This new unified education resource will help empower patients to ask questions and discuss the concerns they may have with anemia and their treatment, thereby improving patients’ peace of mind and compliance with their prescribed treatments.”
Topics included in the anemia management resource include the importance of treating anemia, Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs) and other anemia treatments, questions for patients to ask and a table for patients to reference in tracking their anemia management with their doctor. The information will be distributed and made available online through AAKP, AKF, DPC, NKF, RPA and RSN.
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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.
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