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Hundreds of DC Area Residents Rally With the American Kidney Fund, Public Officials and Health Advocates to Fight Kidney Disease on
Kidney Action Day

Kidney Action Day and Steps that Count Walkathon Event Raise Awareness of Chronic Health Risks in the Nation’s Capital

WASHINGTON (June 16, 2011) — Hundreds of Washington, D.C., residents joined the American Kidney Fund’s Kidney Action Day on Saturday, June 11 to raise awareness for kidney disease in the region, where rates are more than twice the national average. The free event included the “Steps that Count” fundraising walkathon, free health screenings and healthy cooking and fitness demonstrations.
 
Kidney Action Day, held at Washington’s Nationals Park, featured Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), who pledged support for raising awareness in the District, where end stage renal disease (ESRD) rates are the highest in the nation. In addition to speaking at the event, Rep. Norton submitted a statement for the Congressional Record, encouraging members of the House of Representatives to participate and support Kidney Action Day. DC Mayor Vincent Gray also demonstrated the importance of education and health advocacy in the nation’s capital by issuing an official proclamation declaring June 11th Kidney Action Day in DC.

Led by emcee Olivia Fox, a well-known radio personality and dialysis patient, hundreds of local residents received free health screenings that checked for indicators of kidney and heart health, diabetes and other important health measures. Additionally, more than 250 walkers participated in the Steps that Count walkathon, raising over $33,000 for programs and services of the American Kidney Fund.
 
“On behalf of the tens of thousands of kidney patients the American Kidney Fund helps each year, we are grateful for the participation and support received at this year’s Kidney Action Day,” said LaVarne A. Burton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Kidney Fund. “Increasing the public’s understanding of kidney disease is critical, particularly in the Washington metropolitan region where incident rates are extremely high and minority populations are at an even greater risk. With the funds raised, we will be able to provide support and services that help patients and at-risk populations.”

It is estimated that as many as 31 million people in the United States are living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of CKD. Left undiagnosed and untreated, CKD can lead to heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure and death.

The American Kidney Fund is dedicated to fighting kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need, education and prevention efforts. In 2010, AKF provided $209 million in assistance to dialysis patients across the country and more than $24 million to patients in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, helping patients to maintain their health insurance coverage and to pay other treatment-related expenses that insurance does not cover. The organization also conducted 13,000 free health screenings to at-risk individuals in the United States, with more than 2,600 screenings administered locally.
 
For more information on Kidney Action Day and the Steps that Count walk, visit www.stepsthatcount.org.
 
For more information on the American Kidney Fund, visit www.kidneyfund.org.
 
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About the American Kidney Fund

The mission of the American Kidney Fund is to fight kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need; health education; and prevention efforts. The American Kidney Fund leads the nation in providing charitable assistance to dialysis patients who need help with the costs associated with treating kidney failure. Last year, 101,000 people—1 out of every 4 dialysis patients in the United States—received assistance from the American Kidney Fund for health insurance premiums and other treatment-related expenses. Millions of people nationwide benefit annually from the American Kidney Fund’s efforts to fight kidney disease through public awareness campaigns, free health screenings, health education materials and courses, online outreach, and toll-free health information HelpLine (866-300-2900).

As a nine-time recipient of the top “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator, the American Kidney Fund is ranked among the top 1 percent of charities nationwide for fiscal accountability. In addition, the American Kidney Fund 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.