TRUST’s CKD Free Rapid-Screening Program Gathers Steam

Staff members and volunteers for The Kidney TRUST were in Washington, D.C. in late September to bring The TRUST’s kidney disease rapid-screening program to an annual health fair sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus (“CBC”).  Over 500 people were screened over a four-day period as part of the CBC Spouses Annual Community Breakfast and Health Fair.  With the completion of the CBC event, the TRUST had screened over 3,500 people in the first year of the program.

According to the TRUST’s program director, Revkah Balingit, “CBC Health Fair organizers were especially interested in bringing kidney disease screening to the health fair this year because African-Americans are one of those groups who are at increased risk for CKD.”  Other CKD risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, a family history of kidney disease, and increasing age.  Hispanics and Native Americans are also at increased risk for the disease.

The goal of the TRUST’s free rapid-testing program, which was launched in October 2007, is to identify individuals who have signs of kidney impairment. Along with learning their screening results onsite, participants receive materials that offer education about CKD and its prevention and are encouraged to seek medical follow-up as appropriate.

One of the highlights of the three-day CBC screening event was an early morning visit to So Others May Eat (“SOME”) – an interfaith, community based organization that exists to help the poor and homeless in Washington. D.C.  A number of SOME’s clients received free screening for CKD, in addition to receiving needed food and clothing at the event.

Revkah summed up the first twelve months: “Over the last year we have partnered with a number of corporations, non-profits and community organizations to offer free CKD screening to their constituents.  We’ve developed a flexible screening model that can be scaled up or down based on the size of the event and the needs of our co-sponsors.  We’re looking forward to expanding our network of partners and continuing to grow the program in 2009.”

In 2008 screenings are being held across the United States, including California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Michigan, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. Screenings are also taking place at DaVita KAT Walks Across America^TM in 12 states.